The Kennewick Police Department currently has 2 Code Enforcement Officers and 1 Administrative Assistant. The Code Enforcement Unit is responsible for the City's dedicated nuisance abatement process. The Unit serves as staff to a five member quasi-judicial, Council appointed Kennewick Improvement Board. The Code Enforcement Officers identify nuisances on routine patrol or in response to a citizen complaint. The nuisance will then be processed through the provisions of Title 9.44, Title 18, and Title 15 of the Kennewick Municipal Code. The Code Enforcement Officer will provide notification to the property owner harboring a nuisance for a 14 day time period. If the nuisance is not abated within that time period, a second notice of Civil Violation is provided and scheduled for the Kennewick Improvement Board. This can result in possible abatement action and assessment of administrative fees. There is then a 30 day appeal period to the abatement process.The property is then posted with a 7 day notice of abatement. At the conclusion of this period, the City can contract out the physical abatement process.

Common Code Enforcement Violations

Tall weeds, grass, leaves, tree debris, tumbleweeds:
Tall weeds, grasses, leaves, tree debris, tumbleweeds or other vegetation on properties/vacant lots or occupied are considered to be a nuisance when grasses, weeds, or other vegetation which have grown and died or which are not irrigated and which exceed six inches in length and considered a violation pursuant to KMC 9.44.020(12).

Miscellaneous Junk, Debris, Garbage:
Throwing, depositing, exposing, or causing to be disposed of, in any street or other public place within the City, any garbage, waste, refuse, litter, debris, or other offensive material, unless the disposal of such items in such place is specifically authorized by law; Causing or allowing garbage, waste, water, refuse, litter, debris, or other offensive material, to be collected or deposited, or to remain in any place in the City, to the annoyance of any person, unless otherwise permitted by law is considered a public nuisance pursuant to KMC 9.48.010 (2) (a-b)

Inoperable or Abandoned Vehicles:
Inoperable/abandoned vehicles on city streets or right-of-ways are handled by the Kennewick Police Department.  Inoperable/abandoned vehicles on private property constitiute a nuisance as defined in Section 9.48.010 or is maintained in violation of the City's Zoning Ordinance, KMC Title 18.

Obstruction of Sidewalks and Sight Obstructions: 
All obstructions to streets, rights of way, or other public ways in the City for which lawful permission has not been obtained; Erecting, maintaining, using, placing, depositing, leaving, or permitting to be or remain in or upon, any private lot, building, structure, or premises, or in or upon any street, alley, sidewalk, park, parkway, or other public or private place in the City is prohibited and considered a public nuisance pursuant to KMC 9.48.010 (2) (h-i). 

Too Many Animals/Animal Complaints:
The City of Kennewick contracts with the Tri-City Animal Authority for these issues and they may be contacted by calling (509) 545-3740 or the Non-Emergency Number (509) 628-0333.

To Report A Violation or Make a Complaint:
To report a violation, make a complaint or you have a question please contact the Code Enforcement Division at (509) 582-1355 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or you can complete a Code Enforcement Investigation Request Form by clicking on the following web address then either mailing the form in or emailing it to the Code Enforcement Specialist at penny.lane@ci.kennewick.wa.us

 Request For Investigation Form