SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5252

BYSenate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senators McCaslin and DeJarnatt)

Changing provisions relating to expenditures of public money for unfit buildings, dwellings, structures, and premises.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 31, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5252 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Sutherland.

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

                  April 6, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 20, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Local government is authorized to address unfit dwellings, buildings, and structures located in its boundaries, but not the ground or land surrounding a structure.

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 in authorizing the board or officer to take action.

Once a building is identified as unfit, a notice must be sent to all listed owners (by personal service or certified mail) advising them of an administrative hearing.  If 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 are 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.

When the address of the building or premises involved in the proceeding is different from the address of the taxpayer listed on the assessment roll, or the whereabouts of any person in interest is unknown, then a copy of the complaint or order shall also be mailed by first class mail to such person.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Mike Doubleday, City of Seattle (pro); Mark Summers, City of Seattle (pro)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

Notice procedures are clarified when the whereabouts of the owner(s) is unknown.  Service of the complaint may be made by personal service or by mailing a copy of the order and complaint by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid to each person at the address of the building involved in the proceedings, and by mailing a copy of the complaint and order by first class mail to any address of each such person known by the county auditor or assessor for the county where the property is located.