Chapter 12.24
DILAPIDATED BUILDINGS*
Sections:
12.24.020 Notice to remove structure or abate nuisance.
12.24.030 Procedure for removal.
12.24.040 Violation – Penalty.
* Cities authorized to declare certain acts or things done to be considered nuisances – See RCW 35A.11.020.
12.24.010 Nuisance declared.
Any building or structure within the city of Fircrest which has been damaged or which has deteriorated to such an extent that it is dangerous to the public health or to the public safety is hereby defined as and declared to be a nuisance. (Ord. 124 § 1, 1948).
12.24.020 Notice to remove structure or abate nuisance.
Whenever in the opinion of the city council, taken by resolution, any building or structure within the city of Fircrest has become a nuisance, as above defined, said council shall cause the owner, agent or other person having charge of such property to be notified, in writing, that such building or structure is unsafe or unhealthy, setting forth the reasons therefor and ordering such owner, agent or person to forthwith remove said building or structure or to forthwith abate the conditions constituting or creating the nuisance.
Such notice and order shall be served in the same manner as a summons in a civil action, and if the person to be served is not a resident of, or cannot with due diligence be found within, the state of Washington, a copy of such notice and order shall be posted on the door or some conspicuous place on such building or structure, and a copy thereof mailed to the owner, postage prepaid, at his last known address, and if there be no last known address such notice posted on the property shall be deemed sufficient notice. (Ord. 124 § 2, 1948).
12.24.030 Procedure for removal.
The owner, agent or other person having charge of such building or structure shall have 10 days in which to remove the same or to abate the nuisance, after receiving such notice. If such building or structure is not removed or the nuisance is not abated after the expiration of said 10-day period, the city may institute appropriate proceedings in the Superior Court of Pierce County to condemn such property and accomplish the abatement of said nuisance; provided, that if the hazard involved in such nuisance is of such a nature that it cannot safely be left to await the outcome of legal proceedings, the city may proceed to abate said nuisance by its own action and charge the cost thereof to the owner. (Ord. 124 § 3, 1948).
12.24.040 Violation – Penalty.
Any person failing to abate a nuisance after receiving the notice and order provided for herein is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. 987 § 31, 1991; Ord. 834 § 31, 1986; Ord. 124 § 4, 1948).