SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Spokane County commissioners are considering a resolution that could reshape how code enforcement is managed for nuisance properties.
Currently, when a complaint is made, departments like building and planning send a notice to the property owner to discuss the violation. If the allegation is valid, they ask the owner to resolve the issue.
However, Jameson Dumo, the civil deputy prosecuting attorney for Spokane County, explained that the present process lacks effective civil penalties, leaving the county with limited enforcement power.
“It’s almost like violating owners get a pass because the county has limited ability to enforce the violations,” Dumo said.
The proposed resolution seeks to decriminalize these actions, allowing for fines of $250 per day for noncompliance.
Commissioners will vote on this resolution tomorrow.
