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Code Compliance and Enforcement
City staff enforce municipal codes and ordinances related to property maintenance, zoning, planning, special land uses, signs and permits. Code enforcement is also coordinated closely with Fire and Police Services as needed. Staff enforce codes and ordinances while taking into consideration the protection of the community, the well-being of the public, and the rights of property owners.
Edgewood has a commitment to provide safe living conditions for all its residents. It takes a cooperative effort of investors, owners, tenants, and the city to achieve success.
The City of Edgewood uses a comprehensive approach to promote healthy and safe communities within the city through investigation of violations and enforcement of city ordinances.
City staff helps to promote self-reliance towards a positive physical image of the city and works hard to find ways to get residents to work together so everyone can be a part of the solution.
When a reported code violation is verified, property owners and/or occupants are educated then given a specified time to correct the violation. This “warning” period varies dependent on the violation as some life safety or environmental issues require immediate correction. Failure to correct the violation within the warning period may result a Notice of Code Violation.
Edgewood Municipal Code (EMC) contains the official codes of the City. Edgewood has also adopted the International Property Maintenance Code under EMC Chapter 15.80.
The City uses SeeClickFix as the means to report concerns of potential code compliance issues. The app can also be downloaded from your app store.
Additional Resources
- How do I file a Code Compliance request?
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Please contact City Hall at 253-952-3299, or you can send an email to codeenforcement@cityofedgewood.org. You may also use the City's citizen reporting app, SeeClickFix. Please provide all the information available regarding the concern and how staff can contact you to follow-up.
- What is the City's code for overgrown vegetation?
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Edgewood has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). Edgewood Municipal Code (EMC) 15.80.230 requires lawns to be 6 inches or less in height, and vegetation on vacant lots to be 12 inches or less.
- Is a permit required to remove a tree?
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Maybe - Edgewood has regulations for significant trees and their removal, but there are several exceptions. Please see the Tree Permit Handout for more information.
- What restrictions are there for commercial vehicles?
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Vehicles over 16,000 GVW, such as semi-trucks and trailers, and storage containers are prohibited on properties where the primary use is residential. Other restrictions apply to commercial vehicles on the roadway, per EMC Chapter 10.05 Commercial Vehicles.
- Can I operate a business from my home?
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There are a few extra rules that try to keep the “home” in “home based business.” Is your business online? Do you have in-person customers, but see less than sixteen roundtrips per day including deliveries and client-related trips? A home business permit may fit your needs. It will allow you to operate a business within your home whether you live in a house, townhouse, apartment, or accessory dwelling unit. For a full list of home occupation standards, please see EMC 18.100.070 and EMC 18.100.080. You may also visit Business License FAQ Answer Page.
- What are the requirements to operate a business in the City of Edgewood?
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Please see the City's business licensing FAQ Answer Page.
- Do I need a permit for construction or renovations to my residential property?
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All provisions of the International Residential Code, including building permit requirements shall apply to residential property construction or renovation. Please contact the Building Division at 253-952-3299 for more information or visit the Building Division Page.
- Are building permits required for construction or renovations to my business?
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All provisions of the International Building Code, including building permit requirements shall apply to commercial property construction or renovation. Please contact the Building Division at 253-952-3299 for more information or visit the Building Division Page.
- Are building permits required for fences?
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Fence permits are not required for fences under six foot tall, however the height may be further restricted depending on the location on your property. See EMC 18.90.060 Fences, bulkheads, and retaining walls. Fences on non-residentially zoned property have additional design standards. Please contact the planning department with your questions at 253-952-3299 or comdev@cityofedgewood.org.
- What about dogs and cats in the City of Edgewood?
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No person shall own, keep, harbor any dog within the City unless such dog is licensed. All dogs shall be kept secured by a leash or otherwise under the control of an owner or responsible person, or within the real property limits of the owners. It is prohibited for a dog to make excessive noise that disturbs a neighbor within the city limits.
Licensing information can be found at the Metro Animal Services. - What are nuisances and eyesores?
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All residential, business, property owners or tenants of the City of Edgewood shall maintain their properties in a manner which upholds the property values in their neighborhood as well as ensures the health, safety and welfare of the public is protected. Code Violation conditions can include junk vehicles, garbage and debris, graffiti, and safety issues.
- What is a Notice of Code Violation?
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A Notice of Code Violation, or “NOCV”, is formal notification from the city regarding alleged violations on your property. The NOCV explains the violations and corrective action required to bring the property into compliance.