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Code enforcement pursues voluntary compliance on basketball hoops obstructing streets after complaint; staff used neighborhood outreach and PD support
Summary
A December complaint about basketball hoops placed in streets prompted Liberty Lake code enforcement to pursue voluntary removal; staff reported most cases were resolved without fines after visits, letters and a joint visit with the neighborhood resource officer.
Liberty Lake code enforcement investigated complaints about portable basketball hoops placed in the public right of way and pursued voluntary compliance through inspections, door tags, courtesy letters and follow‑up visits, staff reported to the City Council.
The complaint received Dec. 24 cited safety and maintenance conflicts (snowplows, street sweeping and trash pickup). Lisa (code enforcement staff) cited municipal code sections in her presentation, including a city authority to regulate uses in the public right of way, and specific clearance standards: she referenced code language calling for the clearance of streets “edge to edge” and an overhead clearance of 13 feet 6 inches; sidewalk clearance was cited as 7 feet 6 inches above the surface.
Code enforcement specialist Sue Rao Hudson investigated and left door hangers and letters. Several homeowners complied promptly. Where initial responses were not received, staff made a second visit that included the neighborhood resource officer to reinforce the safety message; council members were told the officer’s presence was intended to elevate the conversation where staff faced resistance. By Jan. 31 all initial violations in the reported neighborhood were resolved without issuance of formal notices of violation or fines.
Lisa said code enforcement has found additional hoops in other neighborhoods and is handling those with the same voluntary compliance approach; in some cases staff allowed owners additional time after snow and freezing conditions prevented removal. The city also acknowledged a claim filed after a snowplow reportedly dragged a hoop; staff noted that hoops in the street create a potential liability for the city.
Council members praised the tact used by staff and urged continued outreach; several members requested staff research on related issues such as sidewalk tree roots and sidewalk repair programs. Staff said it will develop standard operating procedures for enforcement steps and coordinate with police and the fire district when escalated enforcement is required.
Ending: Staff will continue voluntary compliance outreach, develop SOPs for right‑of‑way obstructions, and provide options to council for sidewalk and tree‑root remediation strategies.
