Clallam County mulls nuisance law

Peach suggests ordinance focusing on process

PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commissioners are considering a nuisance ordinance to address situations in which the activities of one person or business adversely impact their neighbors.

While Clallam County has county codes, which are going through a number of revisions now, the county does not have an ordinance specifically addressing nuisances, Commissioner Bill Peach said during a discussion last Monday.

Peach said that after researching laws in counties throughout Washington state, he found significant differences in how code compliance ordinances and nuisance ordinances are handled.

“When you look at the different types of ordinances, they fall into generally two categories,” he said. “One category is very prescriptive … It goes on and on about a description of behavior that is not acceptable. The second category focuses on process.

“I prefer the latter because you don’t have to constantly update your list of inappropriate activities, you can go through a process with the public,” Peach said as he recommended Spokane County’s law.

The issue is not on the agenda for today’s meeting of commissioners.

“Commissioners began a number of months ago talking about the possibility of creating a noise ordinance, and then we determined it would make sense to broaden that out a little bit and consider a more general nuisance ordinance that could be a little bit more utilitarian,” Commissioner Mark Ozias said last Monday.

Ozias outlined some of the types of complaints that have come to the county.

“We have heard from one county resident whose next-door neighbor does not have an electrical hookup to a utility and uses a gas generator that runs 24/7. She has played a recording of the noise for us to underscore how disruptive it is,” he said.

“Another resident has approached us about light pollution created by a neighbor, recently arrived, who placed spotlights throughout their property, which now serves to illuminate much of the valley each night and not just the property on which the lights are placed,” Ozias said.

Peach said that Spokane County’s ordinance specifies that four complaints in a 12-month period trigger an investigation by the sheriff’s office. Then there is an opportunity for the responsible party to voluntarily come into compliance, he said.

If that doesn’t occur, there is a notification process and then an abatement process which could involve the removal of the property owner from the premises if they do not participate.

“To ensure that the property owner is involved in the process and has their rights protected, I like the fact that there is a path to having a hearing examiner review the case providing the opportunity for the individual to legal defense,” Peach said.

________

Reporter Ken Park can be reached at kpark@peninsuladaily news.com.

More in News

Port Angeles High School twin graduates Kaylie Mast, left, and Kendall Mast, communicate with their friends by text while waiting for the start of the 2025 graduation parade on Friday. The parade began at Ediz Hook and culminated with a formal ceremony Friday evening at Port Angeles Civic Field. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Graduation parade

Port Angeles High School twin graduates Kaylie Mast, left, and Kendall Mast,… Continue reading

Suzy Ames.
College pivoting to meet deficit

School cuts more than $2 million in expenses

Pleasant Harbor Resort still seeking approval

Disagreements lead to delays and layoffs

Retiring Port Angeles School District Superintendent Marty Brewer, right, shares a career experience as his replacement, Michelle Olsen, listens during a retirement gathering on Thursday at Lincoln Center in Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Olsen sworn in as PASD superintendent

Stevens Middle School name change proposed with four options

Two hospitalized following head-on collision

Two people were transported to Olympic Medical Center following… Continue reading

Royal Canadian Navy to conduct exercises

The Royal Canadian Navy’s Maritime Forces Pacific will conduct… Continue reading

Power outage scheduled in Freshwater Bay area

Clallam County Public Utility District No. 1 has scheduled power… Continue reading

Slope repair work slated for Highway 19 on Tuesday

Maintenance crews from the state Department of Transportation will… Continue reading

Mike O’Brien of Port Angeles watches as his dog, Nara, left, catches a flying disc and his other dog, Copper, waits for his turn to fetch a ball on Thursday at Erickson Playfield in Port Angeles. O’Brien said catch and fetch are favorite activities for his canine companions. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Got it!

Mike O’Brien of Port Angeles watches as his dog, Nara, left, catches… Continue reading

40-week business program under way

Advisor training part of Recompete program

Port of Port Townsend may ask voters if they should increase term lengths

Commissioners could serve six years if ballot measure is approved