CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
title
AN ORDINANCE relating to the use of extensively damaged motor vehicles; prohibiting persons from allowing the occupation of extensively damaged motor vehicles; and adding a new Chapter 11.75 to the Seattle Municipal Code.
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WHEREAS, the occupation of extensively damaged recreational vehicles has increased in frequency over time in the City of Seattle; and
WHEREAS, many of these recreational vehicles are parked in the public right-of-way and the requirements of the Housing and Building Maintenance Code are not applied to these vehicles; and
WHEREAS, many who use these recreational vehicles belong to vulnerable populations and are occupying or renting the vehicle through an arrangement with the person who controls the vehicle; and
WHEREAS, the safety and cleanliness of these recreational vehicles often poses a health and safety risk to those using the vehicles and the public; and
WHEREAS, the people who control extensively damaged recreational vehicles often display predatory behavior where they benefit from a person residing in the vehicle despite it posing a health or safety risk for the occupant; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the person who controls the recreational vehicle to maintain the condition of the vehicle; and
WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon the City to protect its residents from predatory practices; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. A new Chapter 11.75 of the Seattle Municipal Code is added as follows:
CHAPTER 11.75 USE OF EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
11.75.010 Definitions
For the purposes of this Chapter 11.75, the following definitions apply:
"Extensively damaged" means a recreational vehicle that meets at least two of the following five conditions:
1. Has a broken window or windshield and/or missing wheels or tires;
2. Is apparently inoperable;
3. Has inadequate s...
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