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Commission declares 1275 Southeast King a public nuisance, gives owner 14 days to abate
Summary
The Warrenton City Commission declared the property at 1275 Southeast King a public nuisance after staff documented inoperable vehicles, scrap metal and other debris. The commission ordered a 14-day abatement period and directed staff to issue a citation with a maximum penalty of $1,000 and a court date if the violation remains.
The City Commission voted to declare the property at 1275 Southeast King (Southeast 13th) a public nuisance after code compliance staff presented photos and a chronology of visits showing persistent violations.
Christian Salinas, the city’s code compliance officer, told the commission he conducted site inspections beginning Jan. 3, observed numerous inoperable vehicles, scrap metal, tires and a shed partially located in the public right-of-way, and said prior certified notices had been sent. “There have been some change, but the violation still exists on the property, the public right of way and the undeveloped roadway of Southeast 13th,” Salinas said during his presentation.
Commissioners debated remedies, citing a history of repeated notices dating to 2022 and staff time spent on the case. Commissioner Mitchell argued for strong enforcement, saying, “They have had numerous opportunities… we give them two weeks, they do nothing.” After discussion the commission voted to declare the property a nuisance and approved a two-week (14-day) abatement period. The commission directed staff to issue a citation (a court date will be set) with a cited maximum penalty of $1,000; the municipal judge will ultimately determine final penalties and any additional order if compliance is not achieved.
The code-compliance presentation and the commission’s motion referenced city code procedures for nuisance notice, abatement and potential escalation to chronic-nuisance enforcement. Staff said they will post the required notice on the premises, send certified mail to the last known address, and follow the code-specified appeal period. The city also noted it has previously used both certified notices and hand-delivered notices in earlier enforcement actions.
The commission indicated a desire to revisit and possibly streamline nuisance procedures in future work sessions so staff and the public have clearer, more efficient enforcement paths.
