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HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-2045 - Adds Title 4, enforcement code (4.02)CITY OF MARYSVILLE Marysville,Washington ORDINANCE NO..20¥.s- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE ESTABLISHING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE MARYSVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE,SETTING MONETARY PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE MARYSVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE, AND ESTABLISHING A CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR THE ENFORCEMENT CODE. WHEREAS,the City Council finds that enforcement of its various codes benefits and protects the health,safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Marysville;and WHEREAS,the City Council finds it necessary to establish an orderly and efficient means by which various provisions of the Marysville Municipal Code can be enforced;arid WHEREAS,the City Council finds that monetary penalties for violations of the Marysville Municipal Code should be established;and WHEREAS,the City Council finds that the citizens of the City of Marysville should have an opportunity for prompt hearing and decision on alleged violations of the Marysville Municipal Code; NOW,THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE, WASHINGTON,DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Section 1.Adoption.A new Title 4 of the Marysville Municipal Code is hereby adopted to read as follows: TITLE 4 ENFORCEMENT CODE Sections: 4.02.010 4.02.020 4.02.030 4.02.040 4.02.050 Purposes Definitions Citizen Complaints Penalties and Enforcement Code Enforcement Procedures Manual 4.02.010 Purposes.The purposes of this Title are: 1.to establish an efficient system to enforce the City of Marysville Municipal Code (MMC); ORDINANCE - 1 /mv/nuisenf.ord 2.to provide opportunity for a prompt hearing and decision on alleged violations of the MMC; 3.to establish monetary penalties for violations of the MMC;and 4.to abate/bring into compliance violations of the MMC. 4.02.020 Definitions.For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context or meaning clearly indicates otherwise. 1."City"means the City of Marysville,Washington. 2."Director"means the directors of any department of the City,or such other head of a department that the City Council has authorized by ordinance to utilize the provisions of this Title and shall include any duly authorized representative of such Director.If more than one department is authorized to act under this Title,the term "Director"shall also be understood to mean all applicable "Directors." 3."Hearing Examiner"means the City of Marysville Hearing Examiner,codified by Chapter 2.70 MMC,or the Examiner's duly authorized representative. 4."MMC"means the Marysville Municipal Code. 5."Permit"means any form of certificate,approval, registration,license or other written permission given to any person to engage in any activity as required by law,ordinance or regulation.The term "permit"shall not include preliminary or final plat approval or any rezone. 6."Person"as used in this title,includes any natural person,organization,corporation or partnership and its agents, representatives or assigns. 7."Public Nuisance"as used in this title,is defined as a nuisance which effects equally the rights of an entire community or neighborhood,although the extent of the nuisance may be unequal.MMC Ch.6.24.020(3)defines "nuisance." 4.02.030 Citizen Complaints. A.Written Complaint/Notice to Owner.On forms provided by City Departments,any aggrieved person may file a written Complaint with the Director alleging that a violation of this Title or other Titles,Chapters or Sections of the MMC has occurred or may occur.The citizen complaint process shall not apply to actions for which there are administrative and/or judicial appeals provided for in this Title or other Titles, Chapters or Sections of the MMC.Each Complaint shall state ORDINANCE - 2 /mv/nuisenf.ord (60) may As fully the causes and bases for the complaint and shall be filed with the appropriate department.A copy of the Complaint shall be promptly mailed to the property owner of the subject property via first class and certified (return receipt requested)mail. B.Hearing Before the Hearing Examiner.Within sixty days of completing and filing the Complaint,the complainant request,in writing,a hearing before the Hearing Examiner. soon as the Complaint is filed,the Director shall cease all administrative action and schedule a hearing.The date of hearing shall be not more than ninety (90)days from the receipt of the Complaint.The person filing the Complaint shall have the burden of demonstrating that a violation has occurred or may occur. C.Hearing Examiner's Decision.Within ten (10)City working days of the conclusion of the public hearing,the Hearing Examiner shall file a written decision with the Department.The Hearing Examiner's decision shall be final with a right of appeal only to Snohomish County Superior Court as provided in Section D below.The Hearing Examiner has the authority to award costs and expenses to the prevailing party and the City. D.Appeal to Snohomish County Superior Court.Within ten (10)City working days of the Hearing Examiner's written decision,a party may appeal the Hearing Examiner's decision to the Snohomish County Superior Court by filing a writ of review. In the event there is no appeal to Superior Court and the Hearing Examiner's decison becomes final,it shall be enforced pursuant to MMC 4.02.040(J). 4.02.040 Penalties and Enforcement. A.Director Authorized to Enforce Codes.The Director is charged with enforcement of the provisions of this Title. B.Violations.It shall be unlawful for any person to construct,enlarge,alter,repair,move,demolish,use,occupy or maintain any use or cause the same to be done in violation of any of the provisions of this Title or other Titles,Chapters or Sections of the MMC.Any such violation as determined by the Director is declared to be a public nuisance and shall be corrected by any reasonable and lawful means as provided in this Section.In the event the penalties provided in this Title conflict with any penalty provided in any other Section,Chapter or Title of the Marysville Municipal Code,the penalty provisions of this Title shall control. C.Director's Remedies.Upon finding a violation,the Director may: 1.Institute appropriate action or proceeding to require compliance with this Title or to enjoin,correct or abate any ORDINANCE - 3 /mv/nuisenf.ord acts or practices which constitute or will constitute a violation; 2.Issue a temporary enforcement order pursuant to subsection G below; 3.Abate the violation if corrective work is not commenced .or completed within the time specified in a permanent enforcement order; 4.Suspend or revoke any approvals or permits issued pursuant to this Title,Title 5 (Business Regulations and Licenses),including without limitation §§5.02.140,5.20.080, 5.52.090;Title 6 (Peace,Morals and Safety),including without limitation Chapter 6.24,Title 7 (Health and Sanitation), including without limitation §§7.04.010 -7.04.100;Title 9 (Fire);Title 11 (Traffic),including without limitation § 11.36.040;Title 12 (Streets and Sidewalks),including without limitation §§12.08.140,12.12,12.20.010,12.24,12.36.020-.030, 12.40.020.030;Title 14 (Water and Sewers),including without limitation §§14.15.170,14.16.100,14.16.140,14.17.050;Title 16 (Building),Title 18 (Planning),Title 19 (Zoning),Title 20 (Subdivisions). 5.Assess civil penalties after notice and order set forth in Section H(2)(d)below or recovered by legal action filing in Snohomish County Superior Court;and/or 6.File a lien against the property for costs of abatement and/or civil fines. D.Violators Punishable by Criminal Fine and Imprisonment. As an alternative to any other remedy provided in this Title or by law or other ordinance,any person willfully or knowingly violating any provision of this Title or other Titles,Chapters or Sections of the MMC,or amendments thereto,or any person aiding or abetting such violation is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars and/or imprisonment for a term not to exceed ninety (90)days.Each day such violation continues may be considered a separate offense. E.Inspections. 1.Whenever the Director has reasonable cause to believe that a violation has been or is being committed,the Director or the Director's duly authorized inspector may enter any building, structure or property at any reasonable time to inspect the use and perform any duty conferred on the Director by this Title. 2.If the building,structure or property is occupied,the Director shall first present identification credentials,state the reason for the inspection and demand entry.If consent to ORDINANCE - 4 /mv/nuisenf.ord enter is not given and if a.the Director has reason to believe that the conditions create an imminent and irreparable hazard,then the Director shall enter,or b.the Director has reason to believe that the conditions do not create an imminent and irreparable hazard, the Director shall enter after first obtaining a civil search warrant. 3.If the building,structure or property is not occupied, the Director shall make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person(s)having control and request permission to enter.If the Director is unable to locate the owner or person(s)having control,and if a.the Director has reason to believe that conditions therein create an immediate and irreparable hazard,the Director shall enter,or b.the Director has reason to believe that the conditions do not create an imminent and irreparable hazard, the Director shall enter after first obtaining a civil search warrant. F.Violators Punishable by Civil Penalties After Administrative Notice and Order. 1.Director to Determine Violation and may Provide Enforcement Order.Within thirty (30)days of notice of a potential violation,the Director is authorized to and shall determine whether a violation has occurred,and,if the Director determines that a violation has occurred,shall issue a temporary or permanent enforcement order.The Director shall notify the complainant,the owner or operator of the source of the violation,and the person in possession of the property or the person causing the violation of the Director's determination in writing within three (3)City working days of the determination. Service of the notice by first class and certified (return receipt requested)mail to the last known address of the complainant and violators shall be deemed effective notice.(See paragraph C(4),infra.) 2.Director May Commence Administrative Notice. Additionally,whenever the Director has reason to believe that a use or condition exists in violation of this Title and that violation will be most promptly and equitably terminated by an administrative proceeding,the Director may commence an administrative notice and order proceeding to cause assessment of a civil penalty,abatement or suspension of all activities,work or revocation of any approvals or permits issued pursuant to this Title,Title 5 (Business Regulations and Licenses),including ORDINANCE - 5 Imv/nuisenf.ord without limitation §§5.02.140, 5.20.080,5.52.090;Title 6 (Peace,Morals and Safety),including without limitation Chapter 6.24,Title 7 (Health and Sanitation),including without limitation §§7.04.010 -7.04.100;Title 9 (Fire);Title 11 (Traffic),including without limitation §11.36.040;Title 12 (Streets and Sidewalks),including without limitation §§ 12.08.140,12.12,12.20.010,12.24,12.36.020-.030, 12.40.020.030;Title 14 (Water and Sewers),including without limitation §§14.15.170, 14.16.100,14.16.140,14.17.050;Title 16 (Building),Title 18 (Planning),Title 19 (Zoning),Title 20 (Subdivisions). G.Temporary Enforcement Order. 1.The Director may cause a temporary enforcement order ("Order")to be posted on the subject property or served on persons engaged in any work or activity in violation of this Title. 2.The Order shall require immediate cessation of such work or activities and may temporarily suspend any approval or permit issued under this Title,Title 5 (Business Regulations and Licenses),including without limitation §§5.02.140,5.20.080, 5.52.090;Title 6 (Peace,Morals and Safety),including without limitation Chapter 6.24,Title 7 (Health and Sanitation), including without limitation §§7.04.010 -7.04.100;Title 9 (Fire);Title 11 (Traffic),including without limitation § 11.36.040;Title 12 (Streets and Sidewalks),including without limitation §§12.08.140,12.12,12.20.010,12.24,12.36.020-.030, 12.40.020.030;Title 14 (Water and Sewers),including without limitation §§14.15.170, 14.16.100,14.16.140,14.17.050;Title 16 (Building),Title 18 (Planning),Title 19 (Zoning),Title 20 (Subdivisions). 3.The Order may be issued without written or oral notice and shall expire by its own terms in ten (10)days unless the Director extends or issues and transmits a permanent enforcement order pursuant to Subsection H below. 4.The notice and Order shall contain: a.The street address,when available,and a legal description of the real property; b.A statement that the Director has found the person to be in violation of this Title and a brief and concise description of the condition found to be in violation; c.A statement of the corrective action of be taken; d.A statement that the order shall expire by its own terms in ten (10)days unless extended in writing or a permanent order is issued; ORDINANCE - 6 /mv/nuisenf.ord e.A statement that the violator may be subject to a civil penalty of $100 for each day that the violation continues and,if applicable,the conditions on which assessment of such civil penalty is contingent. 5.Withdrawal or Issuance of Additional Temporary Order. The Director may withdraw a temporary order if compliance is achieved within ten (10)calendar days of posting or service thereof.If,after withdrawal,the violation is continued or repeated,the Director may cause a second temporary order to be posted on the subject property or served on persons engaged in any work or activity in violation of this Title.Any subsequent order involving the same violation shall be permanent. H.Permanent Enforcement Order. 1.A permanent order shall be issued by the Director and become final within ten (10)calendar days,unless written appeal is received asking for a hearing before the hearing examiner. 2.The permanent enforcement order shall contain: a.The street address and,when available,a legal description of real property; b.A statement that the Director has found the person to be in violation of this Title and a brief and concise description of the conditions found to be in violation; c.A statement of the corrective action required to be taken.If the Director has determined that corrective work is required,the order shall mandate that all required permits be secured and the work be physically commenced and completed within such time as the Director determines is reasonable under the circumstances,but in no event shall such time exceed ninety (90)days; d.A statement that the violator may be subject to a civil penalty of $1,000 for each day that the violation continues and,if applicable,the conditions on which assessment of such civil penalty is contingent; e.Statements advising: i.If any required work is not commenced or completed within the time specified,the Director shall proceed to abate the violation and cause the work to be done and charge the costs thereof as a lien against the property and any other property owned by the person in violation and as a personal obligation of any person in violation;and ii.If any assessed civil penalty is not paid, ORDINANCE - 7 /mv/nuisenf.ord the Director will charge the amount of the penalty as a lien against the property and as a joint and separate personal obligation of any person in violation;and iii.The violator of the violator's right to appeal and the appeal process. 3.Any order issued by the Director pursuant to this Title shall be final unless a timely appeal is filed. 4.Service.Service of the permanent enforcement order shall be made upon all persons identified in the order either personally or by mailing a copy of such order by certified mail, postage prepaid,return receipt requested to the last known address.If the address of any such person cannot reasonably be ascertained,a copy of the order shall be mailed to such person at the address of the location of the violation.The failure of any such person to receive such notice shall not affect the validity of any proceedings taken under this Title.Service by certified mail in the manner provided in this section shall be effective on the date of postmark.The order may be,but is not required to be posted on the subject property. 5.Supplemental Order.The Director may at any time add to,rescind in part,or otherwise modify a permanent enforcement order. I.Appeal.A written appeal may be filed within ten (10) calendar days following issuance of a temporary or permanent order.Director shall prepare and transmit to the Hearing Examiner any appeal of a temporary or permanent enforcement order in which a hearing shall be scheduled within sixty (60)days of the appeal date.Cost of the appeal shall be part of the decision.The Hearing Examiner's decision may be reviewed by an action for writ of review in the Superior Court of Snohomish County filed within ten (10)calendar days of the decision.If no appeal is filed in the required length of time,the Hearing Examiner's decision shall be final. J.Violation of Permanent Order.If,after any permanent order duly issued by the Director or Hearing Examiner has become final,the person to whom such order is directed fails,neglects, or refuses to obey such order,including refusal to pay a civil penalty assessed under such order,the Director may: 1.Cause such person to be prosecuted under the provisions of this Title; 2.Institute any appropriate action to collect a civil penalty assessed under this Title; 3 . and/or Abate the violation using the procedures of this Title; ORDINANCE - 8 /mv/nuisenf.ord 4.Pursue any other appropriate remedy at law or equity. K.Revocation or Suspension of Approvals or permits.The Director may permanently revoke or suspend any approval or permit issued under this Title,Title 5 (Business Regulations and Licenses),including without limitation §§5.02.140,5.20.080, 5.52.090;Title 6 (Peace,Morals and Safety),including without limitation Chapter 6.24,Title 7 (Health and Sanitation), including without limitation §§7.04.010 -7.04.100;Title 9 (Fire);Title 11 (Traffic),including without limitation § 11.36.040;Title 12 (Streets and Sidewalks),including without limitation §§12.08.140,12.12,12.20.010,12.24,12.36.020-.030, 12.40.020.030;Title 14 (Water and Sewers),including without limitation §§14.15.170, 14.16.100, 14.16.140,14.17.050;Title 16 (Building),Title 18 (Planning),Title 19 (Zoning),Title 20 (Subdivisions).for any of the following reasons: 1.Failure of the holder to comply with the requirements of such Title;or 2.Failure of the holder to comply with any order issued pursuant to this Title;or 3.Discovery by the Director that an approval or a permit was issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied to the City. Such approval of permit revocation or suspension shall be carried out through the notice and order provisions of this Section.The revocation or suspension shall be final within five (5)working days of the conclusion of a hearing unless the Hearing Examiner renders a written decision modifying or denying the revocation or suspension. L.Lien. 1.City Has Lien.The City of Marysville shall have a lien for any civil penalty imposed or for the cost of any work or abatement done pursuant to this Title,or both,against the real property on which the civil penalty was imposed or any of the work of abatement was performed and against any other real property owned by any person in violation.The civil penalty shall be a joint and several obligation of all people found to be in violation.The lien shall be subordinate to all existing special assessment liens previously imposed upon the some property and shall be superior to all other liens,except for state and county taxes,with which it shall be on a parity. 2.Director's Authority to Claim Lien.The Director shall cause a claim for lien to be filed for record with the auditor within ninety (90)days from the date the civil penalty is due or within ninety (90)days from the date of completion of the work ORDINANCE -9 /mv/nuisenf.ord or abatement performed by the City of Marysville pursuant to this Title. 3.Notice of Lien.The notice and order of a Director pursuant to this title shall give notice to the owner that a lien for the civil penalty or the cost of abatement,or both,may be claimed by the City.Service of the notice and order shall be made upon all persons identified in the notice and order either personally or by mailing a copy of such notice and order by certified mail,postage prepaid,return receipt requested. 4.Contents of Lien. a.The claim of lien shall contain the following: i.The authority for imposing a civil penalty or proceeding to abate the violation,or both; ii.A brief description of the civil penalty imposed or the abatement work done,or both,including the violations charged and the duration thereof,the time the work was commenced and completed and the name of the persons or organizations performing the work; iii.A legal description of the property to be charged with the lien; iv.The name of the known or reputed owner;and v.The amount,including lawful and reasonable costs,for which the lien is claimed. 5.Verification of Lien. the Director to the effect that claim is just. The lien shall be verified by the Director believes that the 6.Filing of Lien.The lien shall be recorded with the Snohomish County Auditor. 7.Duration of Lien.No lien created under this Title shall bind the property for a period longer than three years after the claim has bene filed unless an action is commenced in the proper court within that time to enforce the lien. 8.Foreclosure of Lien.The lien may be foreclosed by a civil action in Snohomish County Superior Court. 9.Removal of Lien. City of Marysville when all violator(s)by a Notice and been satisfied. All liens shall be removed by the conditions placed upon the Order or by the Hearing Examiner have 4.02.050.Code Enforcement Procedures Manual.The Code ORDINANCE -10 /rnv/nuisenf.ord Enforcement Officer shall have the authority to adopt and adhere to a Code Enforcement Procedures manual,which shall be available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours. Section 2.Severability.Should any section,subsection, paragraph,sentence,clause or phrase set forth in this Ordinance or its application to any person or situation be declared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason,such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or its application to any person or situation.The City Council of the City hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each section,subsection,sentence, clause,phrase,or portion thereof irrespective of the fact that anyone or more sections,subsections,sentences,clauses, phrases or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional. Section 3.No Special Duty Created.It is expressly the purpose of this Ordinance to provide for and promote the health, safety and welfare of the general public and not to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefitted by the terms of this ordinance. No provision or term used in this ordinance is intended to impose any duty whatsoever upon the City or any of its officer, agents or employees for whom the implementation or enforcement of this ordinance shall be discretionary and not mandatory. Nothing contained in this Ordinance is intended nor shall be construed to create or form the basis of any liability on the part of the City,or its officers,employees or agents,for any injury or damage resulting from any action or inaction on the part of the City,its officers,employees or agents. PASSED;(S~day of CITY Attest: B~City Clerk ORDINANCE -11 /mv/nuisenf.ord OF MARYSVILLE ()~JtJ~ Mayor Approved as to form: By £J&-d=f::.wJ ,City Attorney Date of Publication: Effective Date (5 days after publication): ORDINANCE -12 /mv/nuisenf.ord