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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Page 1 of 5 <br /> <br />CITY OF EVERETT <br />Permit Services <br />3200 Cedar Street <br />Everett, WA 98201 <br />425.257.8560 <br /> <br />CodeEnforcement@everettwa.gov <br />everettwa.gov/333/code-enforcement <br />Memorandum: Everett Municipal Code Revisions – Chapter 1.20 <br />Over the last year, City staff have undertaken a review of the Everett Municipal Code (“EMC”) Chapter 1.20 – <br />Enforcement Procedures. The purpose of the review was holistic: (1) streamline the code enforcement <br />process so that the code enforcement officials could issue compliance orders directly to violators without first <br />going through a hearing, (2) incorporate all references related to code enforcement into one chapter, (3) <br />clarify the administrative appeal process, and (4) allow for recovery of city costs related to code enforcement. <br />This review has resulted in an entirely new EMC 1.20 chapter designed to bring structure and clarity to the <br />administration of the code, which will allow staff to be more efficient and increase the City’s ability to correct <br />compliance issues while also recovering associated costs. <br /> <br />The purpose of this memorandum is to summarize the revisions resulting from our review of EMC 1.20. A <br />copy of the proposed code is attached here for reference. <br /> <br />I. Background <br /> <br />The current code enforcement process is burdensome and unwieldly. It requires the City to first issue a <br />violation citation, which then goes to a hearing before the violations hearing examiner, who determines <br />whether the violation occurred and what penalties and compliance actions should be taken. This procedural <br />process is no longer a best practice and utilizes an extensive and unnecessary amount of City staff time and <br />resources. <br /> <br />Additionally, under the current code, there are no other intermediatory options to explore such as voluntary <br />correction agreements, and suspension or revocation of associated permits. Having additional tools will give <br />both staff and residents alternatives to achieving code compliance, which will lead to increased compliance. <br /> <br />II. Comparisons with Other Jurisdictions <br /> <br />These amendments bring the City’s code enforcement program in line with other jurisdictions. In preparing <br />these amendments, Staff reviewed the processes and procedures established in Mill Creek, Spokane Valley, <br />Sammamish, Vancouver and Snohomish County. These jurisdictions code enforcement program all follow a <br />very similar framework that allows the code enforcement official to issue compliance orders, set deadlines for <br />compliance, assess penalties, and allow for appeals to a hearing examiner. The end result is a streamlined <br />process that facilitates a more efficient use of staff time and resources to achieve greater compliance while <br />ensuring responsible parties still receive due process. <br /> <br />III. Summary of Revisions <br /> <br />As you will see, we are proposing to repeal and replace the entirety of EMC 1.20. This draft code now reflects: <br />(1) a clearer authority and purpose; <br />(2) broader scope of applicability; <br />(3) a process by which to respond to code complaints and violations;