PORT TOWNSEND — Old rusting cars doubling as supports for berry brambles stand to become a thing of the past because of a new Jefferson County law backed by health and environmental authorities.
So will piles of yard junk, hazardous waste and other eyesores that neighbors complain about.
A $531 daily fine per violation and specific legal language adds serious teeth to the law passed Thursday by Jefferson County commissioners and the Board of Health.
“We want to always educate first and seek voluntary compliance, but now we have the big stick if we need it,” said county Environmental Health Director Mike McNickle, who will be the chief “enforcer” under the new county ordinance.
A Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office enforcement deputy also could back up McNickle or other county Environmental Health enforcement employees, if necessary, officials said.
The law, in general, applies to property owners improperly handling solid waste materials of all kinds, from typical litter and trash to household appliances.
Burying or dumping trash on private or public property is already illegal in the county, said McNickle.