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1. I don't want my neighbor to know I filed a complaint. Can I remain anonymous?

Yes. Per Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 42.56.240(2), the complainant may indicate a request for non-disclosure of their name and identity. Please be advised, the vast majority of violations are resolved without the release of complaint information. However, if the City is required to use legal proceedings to resolve the violation, the written complaint and supplemental information may be disclosed as public information. Your name is required, so the City can request further information as needed.

Complaints regarding life, health, safety, and environmental concerns are always investigated, even if the complaint is made anonymously. However, without contact information or substantiation, the depth of the investigation is limited.

2. What happens after I file my complaint/request? What do you do? How long does it take? Do you contact me afterwards?

The City investigates every written complaint received. Generally, an investigation begins within a week of receipt. The activity or alleged violation would need to be observed, confirmed, or determined through subsequent research. Complaints are generally prioritized by receipt, however, complaints are also prioritized by significance in cases of health, safety, and environment.

City, County, and State records are examined. The various adopted codes are applied. If a violation exists, the property owner is contacted and informed of the violation. Compliance solutions are reviewed and scheduled. Penalty fees may be imposed.

The time to resolve a violation depends on the complexity of the situation. The property owner’s competence, resources, and level of cooperation are also time factors in achieving compliance. The person filing the complaint may be contacted at any stage of the investigation by request.

3. My landlord won't maintain the residence. My tenant won't keep up the premises. What will the City do?

The Landlord-Tenant Act (Revised Code of Washington [RCW] 59.18) contains remedies and procedures to resolve most landlord-tenant issues.

The Dispute Resolution Center of Snohomish offers mediation and conflict resolution services to assist landlords and tenants in resolving their disputes and can be reached at 425-339-1335 or 800-280-4770. The City requests that the solutions available through the Landlord-Tenant Act are followed precisely (in writing).

Life-safety issues are regulated by the City and health issues by the Snohomish County Health District.

4. My neighbor's fence/tree branches/roots/rockery appears to be on/over/beyond our shared property line? What can the City do?

Private property line issues are a civil matter between the private parties. A privately obtained licensed survey may be needed to clearly establish the property line. The City would only become involved when there was a safety issue or if adopted code violations were involved.

5. I'm concerned that my neighbor needs some kind of assistance or; I don't have the money/strength/ability to resolve my violation. Who should I call?

The Code Enforcement officer can provide phone numbers for different types of assistance. Please contact the Code Enforcement Officer at 360-629-2181, ext. 5208.