Title
Amend Title 4.44 and 4.50 of the Olympia Municipal Code relating to Uniform Civil Enforcement to have Higher Civil Infraction Penalties for Repeat Code Violators
Body
Issue:
Shall the Council authorize additional compliance tools for staff to use in those cases involving a property owner, tenant, hired contractor or property manager who has repeatedly not been in compliance with various sections of the Olympia Municipal Code.
Staff Contact:
Tom Hill, Department of Community Planning and Development, Building Official, 360.753.8486
Presenter(s):
Tom Hill, Building Official, Permit and Inspection Services Manager
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager's Recommendation:
Move to approve the proposed amendment to the Uniform Civil Enforcement Ordinance on first reading and send the ordinance to second reading.
Background and Analysis:
The Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (CNA) and staff have discussed options for dealing with repeated code violations at the same property.
Currently, City ordinance imposes a maximum fine of $250 for the third or more same violation. The recommended change creates a "repeat offender" category so that ANY three or more code violations of OMC Titles 4, 8, 13, 16, 17 or 18 in a 24-month period will be subject to the $250 fine.
Those OMC Titles address:
- Title 4: Fees and Fines
- Title 8: Health and Safety
- Title 13: Public Services
- Title 16: Buildings and Construction
- Title 17: Subdivisions
- Title 18: Unified Development Code
Both staff and the CNA hope the "repeat offender" penalty will provide code enforcement officers with additional leverage to bring more properties into quicker compliance.
Neighborhood/Community/Business Interests:
Prompt resolution of code enforcement issues. Reduction in repeat offenses with the same property.
Options:
Staff recommends:
1. Approve the ordinance on first reading and forward to second reading.
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