On Monday, August 10, 2009 an alliance of Maltby neighbors met at the Maltby Community Club with representatives of Snohomish County code enforcement.
The County code enforcement gave a overview of current permit application process, local permit status and those under code review status. Movement may appear slow as the group is overworked at present and needs to prioritize. Judy Wahl will be a primary contact point for Maltby neighbors though individual code enforcement will be handled by available staff.
A new permit process was established January 1. If there is a permit violation, there is first an attempt for the landowner to voluntary come into compliance. About 85% of all issues are resolved voluntarily. If there is no voluntary compliance, the landowner is issues a Notice of Violation (NOV). At that point, fines start accruing in tiers until the fine cap is reached. If the landowner still does not comply, then the case may be turned over to the County prosecution office.
The County code enforcement can only issue a code violation on items visible to the enforcement office. Typically this will be change of use, grading, or new buildings/trailers (commercial coach) on the premises. The permit application will then trigger, if required, environmental and traffic studies.
Code enforcement, except in rare life safety cases, is only initiated by a complaint.
Once a complaint is made, it is important that citizens become a party of record to any permit application to raise issues like traffic and environmental impact. This can help make sure these are addressed in the permit process.
Local citizens monitor what permits are in process on the County interactive map and permit site. It is updated in near real time as it ties into the same database as the application process. They should become a “party of interest” on permits that they want to be notified on if it goes before the hearing examiner.
The current status of several permit applications is
- Pacific Landscape Enterprises
Investigated July 30
Allowed use of property but needs permitting
Violation of permit process/not having permits
Landscape frontage issue
Case is under older procedure
Violation of grading, out-building remodeling is still open from a previous complain
Conditional use permit being reviewed
Case has been assigned
Compliance date is September 30
Violations of grading, occupancy
Violations for fence, grading, fill tank, drainage
September 1 deadline for all compliance measures
No complaint at this time
Potential issue with grading
Please feel free to post comments to clarify or correct these notes.
Posted
Aug 15 2009, 05:57 PM
by
Earl