Key Takeaways
- Code violations result in hefty fines, liens, and potential legal action
- Most violations fall into four categories: property maintenance, zoning, building/housing, and public safety
- Ignoring violations makes things worse; fines accumulate and consequences intensify
- You can resolve issues, appeal, or sell your property as-is
Blog Objective
This blog helps Washington State property owners understand code enforcement violations, their consequences, and your best options, including when selling your property makes the most sense.
What Are Code Enforcement Violations?
A code enforcement violation happens when your property doesn’t meet local building codes, zoning laws, or health and safety regulations. Every city in Washington State has its own rules, but the principle stays the same: property owners must maintain certain standards.
Code enforcement violations in WA typically surface three ways: someone files a complaint, an officer spots an issue during patrols, or inspectors discover problems during permit applications. These aren’t suggestions, but they’re legal requirements.
Did You Know?
In 2023, Chelan County’s code enforcement investigated 120 code violations, a significant 35% increase over the preceding two years. This represents a clear sign that enforcement is on the increase in Washington.
Common Types of Code Enforcement Violations WA Homeowners Face
Property Maintenance Issues
Most homeowners face property maintenance violations like overgrown grass, trash piles, broken fences, or junk vehicles. Poorly maintained properties bring down neighborhood values and attract pests.
Maybe life got busy, or you inherited a neglected property. Code enforcement will notify you and if you don’t act, fines pile up fast.
Zoning Violations
Property zoning is determined by zoning laws. Trouble may come if you operate a business in a residential area without proper permits, erect buildings above the desired height, or occupy an area without permission.
Such defects may render it difficult to transfer ownership of that property. They may arise due to changes you were not aware of under the former owner.
Construction and Housing Violations
Building violations include unauthorized construction activity, such as adding rooms, completing basements, or large electrical/plumbing renovations. Hazardous conditions such as frayed electrical wires, mold, structural damage, and the absence of safety features are examples of housing violations.
DIY work or contracting without a permit is often covert work that becomes evident when inspectors come through. At that point, the costs of repair become extremely high.
Public Safety Hazards
These violations put people at risk, such as open wells, broken glass, unsecured structures, or improperly stored hazardous materials. Code enforcement takes these very seriously. Expect quick action and higher penalties if you delay.
What Happens If You Ignore Code Enforcement Violations in WA?
Ignoring a code violation notice is a critical mistake.
First comes a notice with a deadline. Ignore it, and daily fines start from $50 to $500 per day depending on severity.
After a certain point, code enforcement officials place a lien on your property. The debt attaches to your title. You can’t sell or refinance until you pay it off. If you don’t, the city could foreclose.
Continue ignoring violations, and you’ll face court hearings, legal fees, and potentially criminal charges.
Once violations appear on record, your property value drops. Buyers walk away or offer way less. You’re stuck between paying thousands or accepting a massive loss.
How to Handle Code Enforcement Violations WA Properties
Correct the Issues: If violations have occurred, get the work inspected. This technique works for simple fixes, but major work costs tens of thousands.
Appeal or Request a Hearing: Think the violations are unfair? Most Washington counties have appeals processes. You’ll need evidence and often a lawyer.
Work Out a Compliance Agreement: Many jurisdictions offer compliance agreements where you acknowledge violations and agree to a repair schedule. This buys time, but penalties return harder if you don’t follow through.
Consider Your Financial Reality: Sometimes fixing code enforcement violations in WA properties costs more than the property’s worth. Banks won’t loan on properties with violations, and you can’t sell traditionally.
Selling Your Property With Code Violations
Here’s something you might not have considered: you don’t have to fix everything. You can sell your property as-is, violations and all.
Traditional agents tell you to fix everything first. But cash buyers specialize in purchasing properties with code violations and structural issues. They understand code enforcement violations WA properties face and aren’t scared off.
Here’s how it works: contact a cash buyer, and they evaluate your property and violations, then make a fair cash offer based on current condition. No repairs required. No months of waiting. There are no real estate commissions involved.
You close on your timeline, sometimes within weeks, and walk away from stress, fines, and legal headaches.
Many property owners we’ve worked with dealt with violations for years. They’ve tried fixing things, talked to lawyers, and lost sleep over mounting fines. Selling as-is provides them peace of mind.
Your Path Forward Starts Here
Handling code enforcement is just too overwhelming with citations mounting and fines racking up. But there is help available to you, and you don’t have to go it alone.
At We Buy Houses, as it is, we have helped countless property owners in the state escape the traps set by code violation notices. We purchase property regardless of the violation. We act quickly so you can breathe easy once again.
Ready to explore your options? We look forward to hearing from you today. Your fresh start may be just around the corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can code enforcement come on my property without permission?
Generally, no. Officers need consent or a warrant for inspections. However, they can issue citations for violations visible from public areas.
Q: How long do I have to fix a code violation in Washington State?
Most notices give 10-30 days for minor fixes. Serious violations have shorter deadlines. Please review your notice and reach out to code enforcement if you require an extension.
Q: Will code violations show up when I try to sell my house?
Yes. Violations become public record and appear in title searches. Liens from unpaid fines also show up. Traditional buyers and lenders require resolution before closing.
Q: Can I go to jail for code violations in Washington State?
In extreme cases, yes. Most violations are handled civilly, but repeated refusals or violations that create imminent danger can result in criminal misdemeanor charges.