Code Compliance

• Construction without a permit
• Grading, filling, and excavation
• Fences, and retaining walls constructed without a permit on private property
• Outside junk accumulation on private property
• Zoning code violation
• Illegal placement of manufactured homes
• Travel trailer and recreational vehicle violations
• Critical areas and shoreline violations
• Stormwater drainage violations

To submit a code compliance complaint, complete the Request for Investigation Form.

• Road maintenance
• Abandoned vehicles within the county right-of-way
• Road and right-of-way stormwater drainage issues
• Traffic signs and signals
• Unauthorized signs or obstructions in the county right-of-way

• Fireworks violations (SCC Chapter 9.20)
• Noise control violations (SCC Chapter 9.50)
• Animal code violations (SCC Title 7)
• Other public nuisances (SCC Title 9)

For any of the issues above, contact the Sheriff's Office 24-hour non-emergency line at 360-428-3211 or dial 9-1-1.

Some of these matters include:

• Boundary disagreements: fences, retaining walls, landscaping, trees hanging over the property line, and property line locations. 
• Easements: disagreements over who maintains or has access to shared driveways and utility paths.
• Encroachment and trespass: unauthorized use of a neighbor’s land or buildings extending past property lines.
• Landlord/tenant disputes and other private issues: Disagreements over delayed repairs pest control, making the dwelling safe and livable. Confusion or misunderstandings over late charges, unexpected utility costs, or rules for raising rent, missing money and improper cleaning deductions.

• Volunteers of America's Dispute Resolution Center at 360-542-8487. 
• Tenants Union of Washington State
• Resolution Washington
• Washington Law Help
• Washington State Attorney General

Incorporated jurisdiction's code compliance contact information.

1. A Request for Investigation (RFI) form is completed, providing details and location of the alleged code violation. 
2. The Department performs a site visit and takes pictures. If the code violation is confirmed the case continues, if not, the case may be closed as unfounded.
3. The Department sends a contact letter to the property owner(s). The contact letter specifies the code violation(s) and remedies to correct the violation(s) and a specified time frame for the corrections to be implemented.
4. If the violation continues, the Department will issue an Administrative Order to Abate the Violation. Violations unresolved by the deadline specified in the order will accrue a minimum $100 up to $1,000 per day fine.
5. If the violation continues, the Department will record a Certificate of Non-Compliance against the property. This could make it difficult to sell the property or create a problem with the existing mortgage company.
6. Lack of response or cooperation from the property owner will result in referral to the Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney.

At any time, the County and the property owner may enter into a Voluntary Compliance Agreement, where the County and the property owner agree, in writing, to the nature of the violations, the requirements for correction, and appropriate deadlines. A Voluntary Compliance Agreement is the preferred method of resolving code violations.

Tracking Compliance

For active code compliance updates, contact pdsenforcement@skagitcountywa.gov