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closeSumner to streamline its code enforcement regulations
Proposed changes to code enforcement include increased fees and a new process to make system more effective
Roxanne Cooke
Sumner City Attorney Brett Vinson and City Administrator John Doan are aiming to restructure city code enforcement so that it’s more efficient and effective.
Code enforcement refers to handling complaints about residents who have broken code, which is a broad category and can include nuisance violations such as junk and debris in a person’s yard, zoning violations such as opening a commercial business in a residential area and a multitude of other infractions, like work done without a permit.
“It’s above and beyond that you don’t cut your grass,” Vinson said.
The effort to make the system more effective is revenue neutral, so it will not require additional resources, time or funds, Doan told council during Monday’s study session.
“We need to be resource neutral,” he said.
Proposed changes include a section on “voluntary correction,” which allows the city to approach an individual in violation with an agreement that has a number of benchmarks and dates to complete them. Fees can be applied if the agreement is not followed.
The voluntary correction system replaces the process of immediately having a hearing, Vinson said. That is still an option if a resident disregards the voluntary correction agreement, though. The point is to allow residents time to fix the problem and avoid a lengthy hearing if they’re willing to clean up or fix the problem but need additional time.
Another proposed change includes an increase in civil citation penalties. The first day of each violation is $100, the second day is $200, the third is $300, the fourth is $400 and each additional day of violation beyond four days is $500 per day. Currently, the penalty is $100 per day.
Despite the suggested changes in fees, it’s not intended to become a major revenue source for the city, Vinson said.
“The city’s main goal is not to use this as a revenue generating mechanism, but to assist in the compliance of city codes,” he said.
Code enforcement is primarily initiated by resident complaints, Vinson said.
Sumner City Council will vote on the changes at an upcoming meeting.
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Upcoming city hall meetings
> May 15: Forestry Commission, 4 p.m., City Hall, 1104 Maple Ave., and Public Safety Committee, 4:30 p.m., Sumner Fire Station, 800 Harrison St.
> May 19: Sumner City Council meeting, 7 p.m., City Hall
> May 26: City Hall will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
> May 27: Sumner City Council study session, 6 p.m., City Hall, and Finance Committee, 5 p.m., City Hall
> May 29: Arts Commission, 6 p.m.
> June 2: Sumner City Council meeting, 7 p.m., City Hall
> June 5: Planning Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall
> June 9: Sumner City Council meeting, 7 p.m., City Hall
> June 10: Public Works Committee, 5 p.m., City Hall, and Parks Commission, 6 p.m.