Spokane City Council Passes Chronic Nuisance Properties Ordinance

~ The Spokane City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve an ordinance imposing enhanced penalties on owners who fail to address chronic nuisance properties.

The measure sets clearer timeframes and standards for addressing nuisance activity, with the aim of encouraging property owners to resolve public health and safety concerns or enter into agreements with the city, according to a council news release.

Council Member Paul Dillon said the ordinance was developed after consultation with businesses, residents and the Spokane Police Department. He said it updates the city's nuisance code and establishes clearer legal standards for addressing harms associated with nuisance activity.

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Council Member Kate Telis said residents should not have to wait months for action when a property is causing neighborhood problems. She said the ordinance is intended to help the city respond more quickly and support safer, healthier neighborhoods.

The ordinance defines chronic nuisance properties to include abandoned properties; properties where search warrants and evidence of drug activity have been reported at least twice; and properties where nuisance activity is observed at least three times in 60 days or seven times in 12 months.

It also clarifies how the city provides notice about nuisance properties and addresses situations in which a city employee is obstructed while performing official duties.

The ordinance is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, or on the later date specified in Section 19 of the City Charter.

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