Vacant lots and vacant structures in Kennewick remain subject to the same nuisance and property-maintenance rules as occupied parcels. The weed-hazard rule in KMC 9.48 (vegetation over 12 inches that is dead or unmaintained) applies to vacant lots, and the substandard/unfit/vacant structure rules in KMC 9.44 give the Building Official authority to require boarding, securing, or demolition of vacant buildings. Weeds-only violations trigger the accelerated 20-day compliance deadline rather than the standard 45 days.
Kennewick does not exempt vacant land from its property-maintenance regime. Two chapters apply. First, KMC 9.48 declares a 'weed hazard' to be a public nuisance, defined as grasses, weeds, or other vegetation which have grown and died, or which are not irrigated, and which exceed 12 inches in length. The rule applies to any parcel inside the city regardless of whether it is built on or occupied, so an undeveloped lot whose grass dries out and exceeds 12 inches becomes citable. Weeds-only violations get the city's accelerated 20-day Compliance Warning Letter cure, not the standard 45-day timeline. Second, KMC 9.44 applies to vacant structures and substandard or unfit buildings. The Building Official is authorized to issue a notice declaring a structure unfit for human habitation (KMC 9.44.040) or substandard (KMC 9.44.050) when conditions include dilapidation, structural defects, defective wiring or plumbing, fire hazards, or generally deteriorated condition. The chapter also reaches vacant structures and vacant land where conditions create a hazard. Remedies under KMC 9.44 include orders to repair, vacate, board up and secure, or demolish. Process is parallel to KMC 9.48: warning, notice and order, hearing before a Hearing Examiner on appeal within 30 days, and abatement at city expense with cost-recovery as a special assessment under RCW 35A.21.405. Owners of vacant land are also obligated to maintain any required perimeter fencing, prevent illegal dumping (see illegal-dumping entry below), and keep sidewalks and pedestrian rights-of-way along the parcel clear.
Weed-hazard violations (vegetation over 12 inches that is dead or unmaintained) on vacant lots are KMC 9.48 nuisances with an accelerated 20-day Compliance Warning Letter cure, escalating to a Notice and Order with a $500 minimum civil penalty. Substandard, unfit, or unsafely vacant structures under KMC 9.44 are subject to repair, vacate, board-up, or demolition orders issued by the Building Official, with hearing rights before the Hearing Examiner. The city may abate (mow, board, or demolish) and recover costs as a property assessment under RCW 35A.21.405. Vacant-lot owners who allow illegal dumping or accumulated trash also face the property-blight remedies in KMC 9.48 in addition to any litterer-side enforcement under RCW 70A.205.195.
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See how Kennewick's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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