The city of Kent now has an enhanced enforcement tool for code violations involving houses, buildings and other properties in poor condition.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
City planning manager Matt Gilbert said this new tool will help the city address dangerous buildings and properties when owners are unwilling to correct code violations.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWe often field complaints from residents about neighborhood properties that are dilapidated or have structural problems, and in some cases, pose a threat to public safety with the increased risk of accidents and public health problems,\u201d Gilbert said in a city media release. \u201cProblems range from fire-damaged or abandoned buildings to garbage accumulation which attracts rodents. Unfortunately, some property owners are unwilling or unable to correct these conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The City Council approved the new ordinance on Jan. 19. The ordinance takes advantage of a state law which allows cities to fix problems that create a dangerous condition, and then recoup abatement costs by adding them to the annual property tax bills. If unpaid, the abatement costs have top priority for payment, like unpaid taxes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Gilbert said the city previously could try to recoup the costs, but abatement liens were typically junior to other creditor\u2019s liens, making this an ineffective method of cost recovery.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019d use general fund dollars to abate the buildings, and rarely recover the cost, thereby reserving abatement to only the most egregious situations,\u201d Gilbert said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In order to adopt this authority, state law requires the establishment of a process to ensure every reasonable step has been taken to achieve voluntary compliance before the city adds abatement costs to property tax bill bills.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Those steps include clear definitions of dangerous problems; owner notification and formal meeting requirements; and an appeals process.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Council President Bill Boyce said the new tool is a win-win for residents and the city.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can now better respond to complaints about dangerous and dilapidated properties and recover our costs of doing so, while also ensuring a fair and just process for property owners,\u201d Boyce said.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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