Property Maintenance in Shoreline, WA (2026)
3 verified property maintenance rules for Shoreline, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Property Blight
In the City of Shoreline, the code official can condemn a structure, piece of equipment or premises found unsafe, dangerous or unfit for human occupancy under Shoreline Municipal Code § 15.05.070's amendment to IPMC Section 108.1. When a condemned rental has to be vacated, the landlord who knew or should have known about the condition must pay relocation assistance to displaced tenants under RCW 59.18.085, and the city will advance those funds if the landlord does not.
Unsafe Building Condemnation Rules in Shoreline
Significant RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 15.05.070 (IPMC §§ 108.1, 108.7)
108.1 General. When a structure, equipment or premises is found by the code official to be unsafe, dangerous or unfit for human occupancy, or is found unlawful, such structure or premises may be condemned pursuant to the provisions of this code. For unlawful structures or premises, condemnation shall only be warranted when the Director determines that the unlawful nature of the structure or pre...
Vacant Lot Maintenance
In the City of Shoreline, dead, overgrown or obstructive vegetation on a vacant or unimproved lot is declared a public nuisance under Shoreline Municipal Code § 20.30.740(A)(6). Section 20.20.036 defines 'Nuisance Vegetation' as growth that blocks sidewalk or street visibility or has died and become a fire hazard or pest harborage, triggering code enforcement by the Planning and Community Development Director.
Shoreline Nuisance Vegetation Rules for Vacant Lots
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.20.036
Nuisance Vegetation Includes the following: A. Any trees, plants, shrubs, vegetation or parts thereof, which overhang any sidewalk or street or which are situated on the property or on the portion of the street or sidewalk abutting thereon, in such a manner as to obstruct or impair the free and full use of the sidewalk or street, including the interruption or interference with the clear vision ...
Snow & Sidewalk Clearing
Shoreline puts snow and ice removal on the property owner next door, not the city. SMC § 12.05.020(A) requires the owner of property abutting a public sidewalk to keep it "at all times" in a safe condition, naming ice and snow as covered hazards, and an owner who spots a hazard they did not cause must notify the city manager in writing within 48 hours.
Shoreline Sidewalk Snow and Ice Duty
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 12.05.020(A)
A. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of property abutting upon a public sidewalk to maintain the sidewalk at all times in a safe condition, free of any and all obstructions or defects, including but not limited to ice and snow.
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Shoreline city rules.
Property Maintenance in King County →