CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to commercial tenancies; temporarily prohibiting the enforcement of personal liability provisions in commercial leases or other rental agreements; declaring an emergency; and establishing an immediate effective date; all by a 3/4 vote of the City Council.
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WHEREAS, the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on February 29, 2020 the Washington Governor issued Proclamation 20-05, proclaiming a state of emergency for all counties throughout the state of Washington in response to new cases of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020 the President of the United States declared a national state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on March 25, 2020 the Washington Governor issued Proclamation 20-25, prohibiting all people in Washington State from leaving their homes and all non-essential businesses in Washington State from conducting business ("Stay Home - Stay Healthy Proclamation"); and
WHEREAS, these actions are appropriate for public health reasons but result in severe economic impacts on businesses, families, and individuals in Seattle; and
WHEREAS, these actions in conjunction with self-distancing means cancellations of large events, a decrease in the number of people patronizing places of business, and the temporary closure of many small businesses and not-for-profit organizations, resulting in the loss of income for businesses in multiple industries, including the service and entertainment industries; and
WHEREAS, the economic disruptions caused by COVID-19 will increase the likelihood of businesses and nonprofits struggling to meet existing financial commitments; and
WHEREAS, meeting existing rent obligations are a continuing financial burden on small businesses and not-for-profits and threaten their viability; and
WHEREAS, small b...
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