The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCAP 2007-10-09 Item 2C - Update - Code EnforcementCity of Tukwila Steven M. Mullet, Mayor Department of Community Development Steve Lancaster, Director MEMORANDUM TO: Community Affairs and Parks Committee FROM: Jack Pace, Acting Director, Dept. of Community Developm DATE: October 2, 2007 SUBJECT: Update on Code Enforcement Activities The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of the last 12+ months activities in the Code Enforcement Division, and to share an overview of our current and upcoming projects. Background: In 2006, the City began its proactive efforts to address nuisance violations across the City. The City was divided into 9 zones as follows: Joyce: Ryan Hill, Allentown/Duwamish, Riverton, Foster Heights Kathy: Cascade View, Thorndyke, Tukwila Hill, McMicken Heights, Urban Center Efforts began in Riverton, Cascade View, Foster Heights and Allentown. By the end of 2006, approximately 60% of the City's neighborhoods were evaluated. About 500 cases were opened, vs. 293 in 2005. The highest percentage of proactive cases involved junk vehicles (43 and debris (19 Beginning in 2007, all neighborhoods were included in "routine" patrols. Based on current activities, we estimate that 21% of this year's new cases will be for junk vehicles, and 17% will be attributed to debris. It is expected that about 400 cases will be opened in 2007, down from 500 in 2006, but 25% higher than previous years, due largely to a more proactive approach. 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite #100 Tukwila, Washington 98188 Phone: 206- 431 -3670 Fax: 206- 431 -3665 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I N es s. t3 I x ti 4 O O\ OO e-1 V M N bA e�■ M Ii) G1 N b. V M G bA e-1 e-t col sa O e 11) e e e e O A 0 tr) ON N e-1 e-t e M t M bA 0 'C N N N N e�-1 N N N N N N B O O D I D E I THE "DIRTY DOZEN" Good progress was made in abating the most egregious and long -term cases. In 2003, there were almost 60 cases that dated back 5+ years or more. That list has been reduced to 6 and we anticipate closing 3 -4 of those in the first quarter of next year. 1.) Philip/Rita Copeland Property 12208 48 Ave South (RFA02 092) In March of 2006, the City was awarded a Warrant of Abatement of the Copeland property. Violations included junk vehicles, containers, and an estimated 15 -20 tons of debris and garbage. The City solicited bids for the clean-up and work began last summer. Once that work was completed, an inspection by the Building Official determined that the home was unfit and was condemned. Ultimately, meetings were held with Mr. Copeland, the City Attorney, Code Enforcement, and we were able to reach an agreement whereby the owner secured the necessary fmancing for making the repairs in order to make the home habitable. That work is expected to be completed by year -end. The City has been reimbursed for clean-up fees, outstanding surface /storm water, sewer fees, towing costs, and legal fees. BEFORE AFTER 2.) Harry Olsen Property 5005 S 124 St (RFA02 -211) The Olsen property had (anguished for over 10 years, and was completely overgrown with bamboo and blackberries. There were 24 vehicles on site, and an estimated 20 tons of metal, tires, and debris. The City was granted a Warrant of Abatement in June of last year. However, prior to soliciting bids for the clean-up, the property was sold, and the City agreed to work with the new owner to bring the property into compliance. The property was completely cleared of all cars, debris, and buildings, and remains vacant. The City received a cash settlement for unpaid water liens and legal fees associated with the property. BEFORE AFTER 3.) Russell Cleaveland Property 3717 S 128 St (R.FA04 -194) Code Enforcement had been attempting to resolve numerous violations at this vacant structure for several years. The property had 3 -4 junk vehicles and was completely overgrown. The home had also been the subject of numerous break -ins, and the City took steps in November of last year to board the doors and windows to prevent further trespass. We were notified in June of this year that the property owner passed away unexpectedly. The City has been working with Mr. Cleaveland's brother, and significant progress has been made in the past few months. BEFORE AFTER 08 09 2007 15:32 4.) Joel Thompson Properties upper/lower lots (RFA02 -038, RFA03 -198) These two parcels have been vacant for many years, and continue to be subject to break -ins and illegal dumping. Attempts to work with the owner for the past couple of years have been unsuccessful. Based on meetings and discussions with the City Attorney, Code Enforcement, the property owner, and his legal counsel, the City recently entered into a Stipulation Agreement whereby the owner has agreed to demolish the dilapidated structure at the bottom of the hill, remove all materials, debris, vehicles, and overgrowth, and install security fencing to prevent further dumping. No extensions of time will be allowed. If the conditions of the agreement are not met by the end of February, 2008, the City will conduct the work and attach a tax lien to the property. MULTI FAMILY HOUSING ISSUES Code Enforcement continues to receive complaints regarding living conditions in multi family housing. Many apartments are overcrowded, landlords do not maintain conditions inside individual units, and the deterioration of some of these properties lead to criminal activity, which results in an unusually high number of police calls. In most cases, tenants are advised to follow the landlord/tenant complaint process (put the complaint in writing, provide the owner with a reasonable amount of time to make repairs, etc.). In the case of life safety (lack of water, or other conditions that would render a unit uninhabitable), Code Enforcement works with other City departments as needed to ensure the safety of tenants. In rare instances, tenants may be required to leave their unit until repairs are completed. School Collaboration In April, 2007, Code Enforcement staff combined efforts with the Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration (TCSC), to provide Landlord -Tenant education at a meeting with the Latino parents. We developed a powerpoint slide presentation with information on tenant rights and responsibilities, tips on how to effectively register complaints, types of rental agreements, and the need to read and understand their lease documents. The presentation was translated into Spanish. Through an interpreter, we fielded questions from the audience and distributed business cards and other information to the attendees. The program was well received and may be expanded to other languages, if there is interest among the community. Relocation Assistance Based on specific criteria, the City's Relocation Assistance program may be utilized to assist tenants that must be displaced due to uninhabitable rental units. In 2006, the program was utilized during the abatement of a 32 unit apartment complex (Pacific Court Apartments 146 St.). All units were vacated and permits were issued for a complete renovation of this complex. The repairs are still underway and the property remains vacant. OTHER Code Enforcement sponsored a Junk Vehicle Amnesty Program during August 2007. Approximately 30+ junk vehicles were removed from private property by licensed hulk haulers, at no cost to the City or to the property owner. Though the number of vehicles removed was smaller than expected, the program provided an incentive to property owners. The reduction in junk vehicle complaints from 2006 (37 to 2007 (22 would seem to indicate that we are making progress in this area. WHAT'S NEXT? Rental Housing Licensing: Licensing of rental housing has been discussed with CAP and the Council in the past and is still considered. Staff's proposal at this time is to require registration of each rental dwelling unit, and will require owners to provide updated contact information, descriptions of unit types, and acknowledgement that the unit meets minimum requirements for occupancy under the International Property Maintenance Code. We have also met with City Clerk's staff to discuss administrative implementation of a program. Currently, apartments with more than four units are required to obtain a city- issued business license. Staff is proposing that in lieu of a "business license all rental housing shall obtain a rental housing registration certificate issued by Code Enforcement. We expect to have a draft ordinance for your consideration by the year end. Staff will also review possible modifications /revisions to the following existing ordinances: Noise Home Occupations Parking Standards (Residential)