Code Compliance

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Development Services’ Code Compliance Program focuses on the health, safety, and welfare of Kenmore residents. The department’s approach to code enforcement emphasizes compassion, safety, and education in order to achieve compliance and help all people love where they live.

The Code Compliance Program does not include enforcement of criminal violations (those are handled by the Kenmore Police Department or “KPD”).

Talking to Your Neighbor

Many times, people are unaware of the effect their behavior is having on their neighbors. This is why we suggest talking to them first. We find that in general, neighbor-to-neighbor talks are a helpful way to assist them into changing their behavior and can be more effective than regulatory action. Although it may be uncomfortable (most people don’t enjoy confrontation), talking with your neighbor often resolve issues so they don’t rise to the level of a formal complaint.

Put yourself in their shoes: If you had a property maintenance issue at your home, would you prefer your neighbor talk to you or call the city?

What if I feel unsafe? Always use your best judgement. If you feel unsafe, call the police or submit a formal complaint. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

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How Do I File A Complaint?

When filing a complaint, please provide enough detail so we can research your concern. Some of the complaints we receive are so vague detail that we can’t understand the issue (and if it’s submitted anonymously, we can’t follow-up).

Your complaint can be submitted by using the city’s Citizen Action Request system.

How Are Complaints Investigated?

Each complaint received is researched and responded to. Most complaints (unless referred to other departments or agencies) are investigated by the Development Services’ Code Enforcement Officer to determine if a violation of the Kenmore Municipal Code (KMC) exists. If there is a violation of the KMC, the Code Enforcement Officer will work with the responsible party to gain compliance. Failure to achieve voluntary compliance may result in formal enforcement proceedings (i.e., Notice of Violation).

Adopted Kenmore Property Maintenance Code:

On October 16, 2023, Council approved the adoption of the Kenmore Property Maintenance Code (KPMC). The KPMC is a new chapter in the KMC: 15.40 Kenmore Property Maintenance Code. This code was modeled after the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and repealed the 1997 Uniform Housing Code, the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code and KMC Chapter 8.35 Public Nuisances. Ordinance No. 23-0577 Property Maintenance Code went into effect Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

Ordinance No. 23-0577 Kenmore Property Maintenance Code

Common Code Violations

Building Without a Permit

Burning (Burn Bans & Fire Nuisances)

Cutting Trees Without Obtaining a Permit

The City of Kenmore requires a tree removal application for all tree removal not related to development. Tree removal related to development (i.e. subdivision) will be reviewed as part of the land use application through a tree management and protection plan. For individual removal not related to development, Form 303 is required. Trees located in the public right-of-way (ROW) require a separate ROW permit in addition to a tree removal permit (Form 304).

Find more information in on tree removal here.

Odor Complaints

The City of Kenmore has a cooperative odor complaint agreement with Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. There are two ways to file an odor complaint.

To file an odor complaint:

During business hours: Report a Concern Online or Call City Hall at (425) 398-8900 to have a trained employee respond.
During non-business hours: Log onto Puget Sound Clean Air Agency’s website, and file a complaint.

Please have the following prepared to complete a statement:

Be ready to complete a non-anonymous statement when the inspector arrives on site.
The statement will need to contain what is witnessed, location, and most importantly how the odor has unreasonably interfered with the enjoyment of life and property.
Upon completion of the statement and observation, the source of the odor will be further investigated to identify the source.

After the report is complete it is forwarded to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency will handle enforcement and penalties as needed.

Clearing Within Sensitive Areas

Junk Vehicles

Sign Code Violations

Nuisance Code Violations

Chickens

The Kenmore Municipal Code (KMC) section 18.70 allows the keeping of chickens (small animals) as a single-family accessory use, subject to certain conditions:

Three small animals per household may be kept if your property is less then 20,000 square feet in size; Five small animals are allowed for properties 20,000 square feet to 35,000 square feet in size. Two additional small animals are allowed per acre (43,560 square feet) for properties greater than 35,000 square feet in size.
Roosters are allowed in the total.
Small animals shall be confined in a building, pen, aviary or similar structure or securely fenced portion of the site. Any covered structure used to house small animals shall maintain a distance no less than 10 feet from any property line.

KMC 18.20.170 defines "Small Animal" as any animal other than livestock or animals considered to be predatory or wild in which are kept outside a dwelling unit all or part of the time. Animals considered predatory or wild shall be considered small animals when they are taken into captivity for the purposes of breeding, domestication, training, or exhibition.

Did You Know?

Hens don't need a rooster to produce eggs! Talk about an independent woman bird! Hens can lay eggs all by themselves. Roosters are needed to fertilize eggs so that they can hatch into baby chicks, however hens will lay eggs whether or not they are fertilized. So, if you're getting for the purpose of enjoying fresh eggs, consider having hens only - your neighbors will thank you!

How to Control a Rooster's Crowing

Although the sound of a rooster's crowing can be quite pleasant, it can also be unwelcome. Crowing is a natural part of a rooster's personality. A rooster may crow at any time of day (or all day!) and for various reasons. Although you can't prevent a rooster from crowing, you can help control it to help give your neighbors some peace and quite. Consider the following to help control your rooster's crowing:

Seal areas of the coop that allow light to enter. Doing so will trick your rooster into thinking it is still night. Hang dark material along the openings of the coop to block out sunlight. Keep the blackout material up until you are ready to let the rooster out of the coop in the morning.
Remove other roosters from the coop. Having more than one rooster in the coop can cause competition, which creates excessive crowing.
Put your rooster in a low roof coop at night. Roosters normally stretch their neck while crowing, so a space that is comfortable enough for sleeping, but restricts standing, can help control crowing.
Provide a stimulating environment to prevent boredom. Roosters tend to crow a lot if they are bored. Create interesting things for your rooster to do, such as providing a different type of perch, hanging a corn cob or building straw tunnels.

The information provided is not intended to replace the Kenmore Municipal Code.; please see the KMC in its entirety online.

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