HOUSE 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

Majority Report:     The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (7)

     Signed by Representatives Nutley, Chair; Leonard, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Barnes, Sanders, Todd and J. Williams.

House Staff:Charlie Gavigan (786-7340)

AS PASSED HOUSE JANUARY 13, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Present law provides the means for local government to address unfit dwellings, buildings, and structures located in their boundaries.  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 the administrative hearing has concluded that the building or structure is unfit, and no appeal is filed or the resulting appeal still 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 (handled as if taxes).

This law deals only with buildings.  It does not discuss items that are not related to a structure, such as the ground or land.

SUMMARY:

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

If the owner chooses to vacate rather than repair or destroy, the board or officer is authorized to monitor the building or premises to ensure it remains vacant.

Fiscal Note:    Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:     Sandy Watson, City of Seattle.

House Committee - Testified Against: None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:     The bill would enable local governments to better deal with hazards found on land such as deep ditches or uncovered wells.

House Committee - Testimony Against: None Presented.