(Photo from April tour of problem spots in the Delridge neighborhood)
We reported here yesterday on two measures going to Seattle City Council committees this week, both providing potential tools for problems like the ones viewed on the North Delridge tour joined by those committee’s chairs last April. The proposals have both been approved by those committees – today’s action on the “derelict housing” bill was reported by Councilmember Sally Clark herself, in comments on yesterday’s story:
PLUNC just approved the derelict housing legislation. It will go to the Full Council (Dec. 7). The North Delridge tour was a great motivator. It gave us great examples of where the policy change could make a difference. Thanks!
During the April tour, many participants were surprised to hear that city rules kept many rundown structures from being demolished before there was a plan to replace them; it was suggested that an empty lot might be safer. City leaders explained there had been a fear at one point that the city’s “affordable housing” stock might be depleted too rapidly if that sort of demolition had been allowed to run rampant. Meantime, here’s a news release sent by council staff about both votes – read on:
Two Council committees voted this week on legislation to improve
neighborhood safety.The Council’s Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee voted this morning to
amend the land use code to allow expedited demolition of derelict properties that
too often become magnets for criminal behavior in neighborhoods. Council Bill 116642
provides an exception to city land use laws requiring plans and permits for
replacement structures before demolition is allowed in single-family zones.Unfortunately, poorly maintained buildings can become harbors for illicit and even
dangerous activities,” explained Councilmember Sally Clark, “Our neighborhoods need
a built environment that encourages safe and healthy communities.”On Tuesday, the Public Safety, Human Services and Education Committee approved
legislation that allows the city to take action against property owners who
knowingly permit repeated criminal activity on their premises. The Chronic Nuisance
Property ordinance (Council Bill 116667) establishes clear criteria for a
determination of nuisance by the court and a step-by-step process for the city to
work with property owners to abate the nuisance. Owners will be subject to civil
penalties of up to $500 per day as long as the nuisance continues, along with
suspension or revocation of any business license associated with the property and an
additional fine of up to $25,000 if they do not cooperate.“These two ordinances are major steps forward in our efforts to make our
neighborhoods safer,” said Councilmember Tim Burgess. “The Chronic Nuisance Property
ordinance gives the city a well-defined mandate to identify problem properties that
harm our neighborhoods. This new law will be a very effective crime-fighting tool in
our belt.”The Full Council will consider the Chronic Nuisance Property ordinance on Monday,
Nov. 30. Derelict housing legislation will go before Full Council on the following
Monday, Dec 7.
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