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Improve Blighted Areas <br /> Through the public outreach process for Metro Everett, the city received numerous comments r - <br /> about the need to enforce property maintenance codes to clean up blighted properties. People - - <br /> said that poorly maintained properties are a deterrent to investment by businesses and other 'r'__, ,t �` <br /> f property owners in certain parts of the Metro area. The city has an active code enforcement ,` <br /> program but has had difficulty in getting results from building or property owners that have been ' 51Df f, � <br /> uncooperative with cleaning up and properly maintaining their property. ,-_:1_05D <br /> One tool that is available under Washington State law is the Community Renewal Act. The <br /> Community Renewal Act provides the city with tools to eliminate blight, encourage private sector <br /> participation in downtown renewal, create a safe and welcoming downtown, and increase <br /> commerce and private investment. The designation of a Community Renewal Area (CRA) is a 11 i CEE • <br /> means to bring focus to an area with evidence of blight and utilize various tools made available . <br /> under the state law. Other cities have used this process to successfully turn blighted buildings and <br /> properties into productive land uses and improve the surrounding neighborhood. <br /> LU-9: The city should get blighted properties cleaned up and stimulate investment within Metro Everett using tools such <br /> as the Community Renewal Act. <br /> Everett has other tools to enforce neglected or vacant historic buildings. The International ''‘,41 ' <br /> Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) governs maintenance of existing buildings for basic " <br /> equipment, light, ventilation, heating, sanitation and fire safety. In 2009, the city passed an <br /> ordinance (3I27-09) regarding exterior building maintenance and street-level vacant commercial I i <br /> space in the central business district (B-3) zone. <br /> PU <br /> LU-10: The city should either enforce or amend existing codes that require the L L <br /> maintenance of existing buildings and minimizes the impact of vacant street-level <br /> commercial space. Alternatively, the city could adopt new codes that ensure ongoing <br /> maintenance, occupancy and visual appeal of buildings does not impair the sound growth of { <br /> Metro Everett or its surrounding area, or hinder provision of new housing opportunities. ,. <br /> is <br /> Chapter 4,Land Use 14 August 29,2018 <br />