Adopt Resolution #20-025 for Updated Code Enforcement Action Plan for 5431 164th Ln NW

The purpose of this case is to provide an update and seek authorization from the City Council for a proposed updated code enforcement action plan on the property located at 5431 164th Ln NW. City Staff has been making regular inspections to the property since September related to complaints received related to the exterior appearance of the property.

No notification is required as a result of this case.

The property owner has made progress on and been willing to work with City Staff on a variety of outstanding city code violations.  While the property owner has made some progress, some violations still exist most notably related to the number and conditions of motor vehicles being stored on the property. 

City Staff has drafted an updated code enforcement action plan to address the remaining violations which does include the removal of some vehicles by the City which is supported by the Property Owner if those agreed upon vehicles are not removed by the established date included in the attached resolution. 

Staff has included as attachment a list of both progress made to date on the property as well as a list of outstanding violations including photos.

This case has taken significant Staff time, however, Staff has found that there are circumstances outside of the resident's control that have warranted additional time including deaths in the family, illness, age, etc. The homeowner is an elderly veteran who has attempted to work with Staff throughout the process and has been extremely friendly and cordial. It does appear that progress has slowed onsite, which is why staff has recommended a voluntary abatement, which is not the typical code enforcement procedure.

Alternatives
Alternative 1: Voluntary abatement of vehicles on January 31, 2020.  Rear yard items are given until May 15, 2020. Please note the attached resolution is written in favor of this alternative.

Alternative 2: Staff is open to ideas from City Council Members on local organizations that could assist the homeowner in cleanup of the property. Staff is open to ideas ranging from school and church groups, to organizations that help veterans. Staff is supportive of this alternative even if alternative 1 is chosen and the attached resolution approved. Staff is of the opinion that the homeowner in question is being cooperative,  and would clearly benefit from any additional resources that could be identified.

This case is being handled as part of staff's normal duties.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution #20-025 approving the proposed code enforcement action plan. The resident has been cooperative with City Staff and made some progress towards compliance and Staff believes the updated plan is appropriate moving forward. The authorization essentially begins an phased abatement process. The Homeowner is willing to allow a voluntary abatement, in which the City will remove certain items and assess the cleanup costs back to the property.

Please note that Staff is open to recommendations from City Council Members if there are resources within City Council Member's networks that could assist this elderly veteran with cleanup, Staff is willing to relay that message to the homeowner.

Motion to adopt Resolution #20-025 approving the proposed updated code enforcement action plan for 5431 164th Ln NW.