SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 439

BYHouse Committee on Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Nutley, Nelson and Ferguson)

Regulating unfit conditions on premises.

House Committe on Housing

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):April 1, 1987; February 18, 1988

Senate Staff:Desley Brooks (786-7443); Sam Thompson (786-7754)

AS OF FEBRUARY 15, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Law provides the means for local government to address unfit dwellings, buildings, and structures located in their boundaries.  This law only deals with buildings.  It does not discuss items that are not related to a structure such as the ground or land.

The local governing body of a city or county is authorized to set up an improvement board or officer by passing an ordinance.  The ordinance must describe standards to be applied in defining a building or structure unfit and authorize the board or officer to take action.

Once a board or officer identifies a building as unfit, a notice must be sent to all listed owners (by personal service or certified mail) advising them of an administrative hearing.  If upon the board's or officer's determination that the building or structure is unfit and no appeal is filed or the appeal results in a classification of "unfit," the owners are ordered to repair, vacate or demolish the structure.  The officer or board may repair or demolish the structure if the owner does not accomplish it in a reasonable amount of time.  The costs would be assessed to the real property.

SUMMARY:

"Premises" is added to the statutory list of property related items that a local county or city governing body can declare unfit.  The term "premises" is used as a general term that includes the grounds and land.  The word "premises" is generally defined as a building or part of a building, appurtenances thereto, grounds, and facilities.

If the order of the board or officer requires the owner to vacate and close a building, the owner must allow the building to be monitored by the board or officer.  This monitoring is to ensure that the building remains vacant and to determine if the building has deteriorated to such an extent as to require demolition.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested