Code Enforcement Cooperative Agreement Program
New program to ease burden on first-time environmental violators with minor infractions

The DDES code enforcement and permit review processes are well-designed to address code enforcement cases and permit applications relating to major clearing violations within critical areas and their buffers.

Nevertheless, each year many property owners inadvertently cause minor environmental damage within the critical area buffers on their property.

DDES recognizes that the code enforcement process and associated doubled permit review fees aren't always the most effective or efficient way to address these relatively small infractions.

Consequently, DDES is launching the Code Enforcement Cooperative Agreement Program as a means to partner with these property owners and restore the critical areas on their properties as quickly as possible. This new program will be effective July 1, 2009.

Through a cooperative agreement between the property owner and DDES, both parties will agree to the following.

The property owner agrees to:

•  Implement a DDES-approved restoration plan developed for the property.
• Conduct activities on the property in a manner consistent with the restoration plan and/or best management practices.
• Contact a DDES representative when deviation from the approved plan is required or proposed.
• Perform long-term stewardship of the critical areas on the parcel.

DDES agrees to:

• Assist the property owner in obtaining a clearing and grading permit and/or to prepare a restoration plan to bring the subject property into compliance with King County Code 21A.24 (Critical Areas Code) and King County Code 16.82 (Clearing and Grading Code).
• Further reduce the normal permitting fees in exchange for property owner cooperation throughout the permit process.
• Provide the land owner/occupier with resource information, technical assistance, and other assistance as available to educate them about long-term stewardship of the property.

An example of a small violation that could qualify for this program is clearing less than 5,000 square feet of vegetation in a wetland buffer.

For more information on the Code Enforcement Cooperative Agreement Program, please contact Pesha Klein, DDES Critical Areas Section Supervisor, at 206-296-7274 or e-mail pesha.klein@kingcounty.gov.