Lacey, WA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 9.52.010(B) targets two kinds of building. The first is every unoccupied building that has not been securely closed against entry by those having no interest in the property. The second is every building or structure that, by reason of abandonment, decay, dilapidation or damage by fire, the elements or any other cause, has become harmful to the health, safety, peace, comfort or welfare of the public, or unsafe for the purposes for which it is being used.

Section 9.52.020 makes it unlawful to cause, maintain, or allow such a condition on property one owns or occupies. For subsection (B), the offense is allowing the condition to exist after the date set for correction by a city enforcement officer under Chapter 14.40 LMC, and that is a misdemeanor. Chapter 14.40 supplies the process: the department director first seeks voluntary correction, then can issue a Notice of Civil Violation with a hearing before the Lacey hearings examiner at least ten days out. The monetary penalty is $100.00 for the first day, $200.00 for the second, $300.00 for the third, $400.00 for the fourth, and $500.00 per day beyond four days. The hearing is canceled and no penalty assessed if the director approves the completed correction at least forty-eight hours before the hearing. An appeal of the examiner's decision goes to Thurston County Superior Court within twenty calendar days.

The Property Maintenance Code in Chapter 14.16 adds building-specific tools. Under the amended section 108.2, a vacant structure unfit for human habitation and not in danger of structural collapse can be posted with a placard of condemnation and ordered closed so it is not an attractive nuisance. If the owner does not close it within the time in the order, the code official has it closed and secured and the cost is charged against the real estate. Section 108.2.2 sets the securing standard: openings closed and locked, or covered with 7/16 inch minimum thickness structural panel secured with #10 wood screws. If an owner ignores a final order to repair or demolish, § 14.16.015 lets the building official do the work, and the cost becomes an assessment and a lien of equal rank with state, county and municipal taxes.