HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5252

As Amended by the House

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.

House Committe on Housing

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendment.  (7)

      Signed by Representatives Nutley, Chair; Leonard, Vice Chair; Winsley, Ranking Republican Member; Anderson, Padden, Rector and Todd.

House Staff:Charlie Gavigan (786-7430)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 4, 1989

BACKGROUND:

A 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 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 whereabouts of any person with an interest in the property being identified as unfit is unknown, then a copy of the complaint or order shall also be mailed by certified mail to that person at the address of the property, and to any address in the records of the county auditor or assessor for that person.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Mark Summers, City of Seattle.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The unfit dwelling law allows a local government to correct unsafe conditions in buildings, but not on the property outside the building.  This bill covers the building and the premises.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.