Code enforcement expands vehicle‑sticker program to address long‑term abandoned cars

Code Enforcement Officer Davie Moss told the council he has seen an uptick in enforcement cases this year and described a new vehicle enforcement technique using stickers like those sheriff’s deputies use prior to towing. Moss said the program begins with placing a sticker and sending a violation letter based on municipal code and state RCWs, giving owners an opportunity to respond. "If it's your neighbor, just say, hey. Give Dave a call because we can, you know, probably help you resolve it," Moss said. He said the program has already prompted removals and that deputies assisted with towing when needed. Moss reported quarterly case metrics: at the end of June he had 104 cases; by the time of the meeting he had opened about 124 cases for the year. On the quarter he reported approximately 26% of cases still open, 17% on watch and the remainder closed. He said property cases remain the majority of his workload and that vehicle cases have increased notably. Moss also said he escalated enforcement when necessary, turning civil infractions into court actions for repeat noncompliance; he said he filed one last week and another that day. He said he is coordinating with the prosecutor’s office to resolve active cases before he transitions to a different position (Airway Heights referenced) so the transfer is clean. Moss said he seeks solutions for residents who cannot afford towing by connecting them to local tow services when possible, and that his goal is to avoid punitive action when remediation is feasible. The council thanked Moss for the work and acknowledged the process can be slow; no ordinance changes or new enforcement authorities were proposed at the meeting.