CODE ENFORCEMENT

This department is primarily responsible for enforcing various chapters of the Lake Stevens Municipal Code that address public health and safety as well as quality of life issues. These complaints are sometimes handled conjointly with other City departments and local agencies.

To report violations use our online Code Compliance Form.

Some of the essential duties of this office include:
- Accumulations of Trash & Junk
- Nuisance Vehicles/Vehicle Repair
- Animal Control
- Parking Violations
- Abandoned Vehicles
- Noise Violations
- Illegal Dumping
- Lost/Found Property

In addition to the above-listed duties, this position provides a support service to patrol and may be called upon to assist in many other functions including, but not limited to: traffic control, crime scene assistance, and miscellaneous report taking.

COMMON SOURCES OF NUISANCE COMPLAINTS:
Trash & Junk
- Accumulations of trash or broken or decrepit items are prohibited.

- Conditions which, due to lack of maintenance or cleanliness, could potentially attract,
  harbor, or cause the infestation of pests is prohibited.

Vehicles & Machinery
- Any vehicle that is stored in view of neighboring public and/or private property must be   mechanically able to operate on a public roadway and legally able to operate on a public
  roadway (including current tabs). All vehicles must be kept free from the accumulation
  of natural debris so as to not appear abandoned.

- The following are prohibited in residential neighborhoods:
   1. Accumulations of machinery or parts visible to other properties
   2. Repairing more than one vehicle at a time
   3. Allowing vehicle fluids to enter any water, water or sewer system or cause a potential
       health or safety concern.
   4. Working on vehicles that are not registered to an owner/occupant of the property.
   5. Vehicles left unattended on temporary blocks or jacks.
   6. RV’s, boats, occasional use vehicles not kept in a clean, safe manner or that cause the        appearance of an accumulation of nuisance vehicles.
   7. Storage or repair of vehicles on public right-of-way
   8. Selling or displaying for sale more than four vehicles per year.

Parking/Abandoned Vehicles
- All violations of state and city parking laws may be enforced.

- Vehicles (RV’s, boats, trailers, etc) may not be parked (stored) on city streets or
  right-of-way over 72 hours. Vehicles found to be in violation of this law may be towed
  and/or the owner may be cited. It is unlawful to periodically move a vehicle from one
  location on public property to another location on public property in an effort to avoid   compliance.

HOW DO I REPORT VIOLATIONS?
- Violations that are in progress and require a timely response are best handled by calling
   911.  This may include, animals at large, noise complaints, animal bites, parking
   violations, unlawful dumping, abandoned vehicles that appear suspicious, etc.

- Violations that may not be resolved immediately such as nuisance properties are best
   reported by filling out the online complaint form listed above, filling out a statement
   form at the police department, or calling the Code Enforcement Officer at
   425-334-9537.

- Citizens with additional questions are encouraged to call the office at 425-334-9537.