Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced new legislation to strengthen the usability and effectiveness of Seattle’s chronic nuisance properties ordinance. The proposed changes will improve public safety by addressing frequent criminal behavior in and around specific properties.
“We are committed to ensuring every Seattle resident feels safe and secure in their neighborhood,” said Mayor Harrell. “Fortifying our chronic nuisance property rules is an important step to protect communities from repeated harm, increase accountability, and support long-term public safety. This legislation will allow the City to act decisively and effectively if a property becomes a continued source of crime and disorder for the surrounding community, improving the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our city.”
Under the current ordinance, first adopted in 2009, activities that qualify as nuisances include gun violence, assault, drug trafficking, prostitution, and gang and other firearm-related violations. A property may be declared a chronic nuisance if three or more nuisance activities are documented in a 60-day period or seven or more occur in any 12-month period.
The mayor is proposing two amendments to enhance the ordinance:
- Adding liquor violations to the list of offenses considered when determining whether a property is a chronic nuisance. This change addresses after-hours venues and other establishments that continually violate liquor laws and operate without valid licenses.
- Adding off-property nuisance activities to the list of offenses considered if they occur adjacent to or in proximity to the property and involve a person associated with the property. This includes a person in charge or a guest or an invitee of the person in charge. Specific facts and circumstances must also establish a nexus between the property and the nuisance activity. Other Washington cities, including Tacoma and Spokane, also consider off-property offenses when determining whether a chronic nuisance exists.
The City has used the chronic nuisance properties ordinance only 17 times since its enactment 16 years ago. These 17 declarations of a chronic nuisance property included seven motels, five nightclubs, three private residences, one apartment building, and one commercial event space.
Under the ordinance, the police chief has the authority to send a declaration letter outlining the reasons a property has been identified as a chronic nuisance. Property owners are expected to respond to the declaration within seven days and work with the police department to abate or mitigate the nuisance.
If the property owner fails to take steps to mitigate the nuisance activity, a fine of $500 per day can be imposed from the date of the declaration letter. If the property owner ignores the City’s directives, a one-time penalty of $25,000 may be enforced. Additionally, the police chief may refer the matter to the City Attorney’s Office for court action.
In April, Police Chief Shon Barnes issued a chronic nuisance declaration for a nightclub/hookah lounge in Rainier Beach following a double homicide and prior shootings. The owner has since permanently closed the business.
“Ensuring a safe and vibrant nightlife isn’t just about protecting those enjoying a night out, it’s fundamental to the well-being and prosperity of our entire city. When our night life areas are safe, it fosters a stronger sense of community, attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and ultimately makes Seattle a more desirable place to live, work, and play for everyone,” said Chief Shon Barnes. “The expansion of the city’s ability to enforce the chronic nuisance property ordinance is yet another tool in the public safety toolbox.”
The legislation has been transmitted to the City Council for consideration in the Public Safety Committee on June 24.
This legislation builds on the new safety regulations for after-hours lounges, which took effect last month, and legislation signed in 2024 to give the Seattle Fire Department the authority to abate or demolish dangerous vacant buildings, preventing them from becoming nuisances.
What People Are Saying:
Councilmember Bob Kettle
“Strengthening the chronic nuisance law will improve safety for residents impacted by ongoing issues in vulnerable areas throughout the City. This action is part of the Council’s commitment to public safety, adding another layer of protection for neighborhoods.”
Councilmember Rob Saka
“As Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I support strengthening our nuisance property laws as an additional tool to keep our neighborhoods safe. By amending the current ordinance our city builds on previously passed legislation which includes increasing the Fire Chief’s authority to demolish and abate nuisance buildings. I will continue to support these efforts and look forward to collaboratively exploring more ways to protect Seattleites from crime stemming from nuisance establishments.”
Lieutenant Kenny Stuart, President, Seattle Fire Fighters Union, IAFF Local 27
“Mayor Harrell’s proposed amendments to the Chronic Nuisance Properties Ordinance will make our city safer for fire fighters and the public. The city needs the ability to effectively address dangerous problems before more tragedies happen.”
Lisa Howard, Executive Director, Alliance for Pioneer Square
“The proposed legislation regarding Chronic Nuisance Properties is an important step to addressing long term issues that have plagued our neighborhoods. The thoughtful legislation fills logical gaps in our systems.”
Erin Goodman, Executive Director, SODO BIA
“The Mayor’s proposed changes to the chronic nuisance ordinance are essential in enhancing public safety and reducing negative impacts to businesses and property owners in SODO. With safety concerns typically occurring after-hours, the SODO BIA supports legislation that holds establishments and individuals accountable for continued illegal activity. These changes are a proactive step towards ensuring SODO remains a safe, thriving place to work and do business.”