Seattle City Council adopts multiple amendments to chronic nuisance property bill

Seattle City Council made significant strides in addressing public safety during its meeting on July 15, 2025, by adopting several amendments to Council Bill 121006, aimed at tackling chronic nuisance properties. The council unanimously approved multiple amendments that refine the bill's focus on criminal behavior, ensuring that properties cannot be labeled as nuisances based solely on police reports without evidence of actual criminal activity.

Council Member Kettle, chair of the Public Safety Committee, emphasized the importance of these amendments in clarifying the bill's intent to address criminal violations while recognizing the complexities surrounding public health issues. The amendments were crafted in response to community feedback and aim to prevent the misuse of the law against nonprofit organizations, such as food banks, which provide essential services to vulnerable populations.

Council Member Strauss introduced an amendment that explicitly exempts nonprofit social service providers from the bill's provisions, ensuring that they are not unfairly targeted. This amendment received support from several council members who acknowledged the critical role these organizations play in the community. However, some members expressed concerns about the potential for unintended consequences, arguing that the bill should maintain the flexibility to address problematic non-profit entities that do not receive city funding.

The council also adopted an amendment that requires evidence of criminal activity before a property can be declared a chronic nuisance, addressing concerns about arbitrary enforcement based on complaints alone. This change aims to protect residents and businesses from potential overreach while still allowing the city to respond effectively to genuine public safety issues.

In closing, the council voted in favor of the amended bill, recognizing it as a necessary tool in the ongoing effort to enhance public safety in Seattle. The legislation is seen as a proactive measure to address chronic nuisance properties while balancing the need for community support services. As the city moves forward, council members expressed their commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of these new regulations.