The emergency legislation will take effect immediately after being signed by the Mayor
From the Seattle City Council Blog — thanks to Ann M. who notes, “Let’s hope the old Prosch House @ 9th & Cherry will soon be demolished.”
SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council unanimously passed legislation today that would allow the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) to swiftly order the demolition or remediation of unsafe vacant buildings that pose risks to public safety. The bill was sponsored by Councilmembers Bob Kettle (District 7, Downtown to Magnolia) and Tammy J. Morales (Yesler Terrace to Rainier Beach).
“The inability to demolish these hazards has contributed to a permissive environment where government stands by as predictable accidents and crimes occur,” said Councilmember Kettle. “Today, the Council took decisive action to change that. This legislation will substantially address the issue of dangerous vacant buildings. We owe it to our brave firefighters and our neighbors to take a proactive approach, so they don’t have to endanger their lives to put out fires at vacant buildings.”
“Fires in derelict buildings have become a dangerous hazard across the City, especially in District 2. Between 2022-23 there were over 60 fires between Yesler Terrace and Rainier Beach, and someone tragically lost their life,” said Councilmember Morales. “This legislation marks a turning point. I’m heartened that we passed this bill, as it’s something that I’ve been working on for over a year in partnership with the Seattle Fire Department, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, and the City Attorney’s office. Thank you to Councilmember Kettle, the Mayor, and my colleagues for supporting this critical, life-saving bill.”