Code Compliance

Construction site with debris scattered throughout

The City of Mercer Island's Code Compliance team answers questions and investigates complaints from residents on a wide variety of issues, including zoning, building, and nuisance violations. Depending on the nature of the complaint and the results of the investigation, the City will work with the property owner to abate any violations. Usually, a courtesy letter from the City of Mercer Island requesting that the property owner fix the problem is all that is needed. Most residents are happy to cooperate!

What issues do the Code Compliance Planner address?

Nuisance

  • Trash/Debris
  • Junk/Abandoned vehicles on private property
  • Significant weeds/overgrowth
  • Vacant and unsecured structures
  • Rodents

Zoning

  • Fence height and location
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
  • Intrusions into Setbacks
  • Encroachment into City Right of Way
  • Environmental concerns: shorelines, watercourses, and critical areas

Building

  • Work without required permits
  • Work outside scope of permit
  • Work outside permitted hours of construction
  • Construction vehicle intrusions

Trees

  • Cutting down trees without a permit

Please note: The allowed hours for construction work are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays) and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday. No work may be performed on Sunday and holidays. Holidays include the following:

  • New Years’ Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
  • Presidents’ Day; Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans’ Day
  • Thanksgiving Day and the Day after Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Please see MICC 8.24.020 for further information. If construction work is observed outside the allowed hours, please contact Community Planning & Development at 206-275-7605. Construction work does not include minor maintenance and decor improvements (e.g. painting). City Hall is open by phone M-F 8:30am to 5pm and open to the public by appointment – to report violations outside regular business hours, contact the police by dialing 911.

How do I report a complaint?

Please complete a Code Compliance Request Form. Please note Code Compliance request forms are subject to public disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Act (chapter 42.56 RCW)

What is the City's process for handling complaints?

Once a complaint has been received, the Code Compliance Planner will investigate to see if a code violation exists. Often, in order to make this determination, the Code Compliance Planner will contact the property owner either by phone, letter, or in person. Once a violation is determined to exist, the Code Compliance Planner will work with the property owner to resolve the issue. Depending on the gravity of the violation, the Code Compliance Planner may send out a courtesy letter, a correction notice, or a notice of violation.

Who is the Code Compliance Planner?

Grace Manahan is our Code Compliance Planner. Grace can be reached by telephone at (206) 275-7764 or by email at grace.manahan@mercerisland.gov.

What if I receive a letter or Correction Notice about a violation?

City staff is very willing to work with property owners. In some cases, additional time may be need to resolve a violation. This can be discussed by contacting the Code Compliance Planner listed on the notice.

Who do I talk to about other issues?

Common issues that are not directed to the Code Compliance Planner include:

  • Printer-friendly version