HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity File - Appeal Narative - Newland CODE24-000437 1
RENTON CODE COMPLIANCE CODE24-000437
NARRATIVE DATE: 08/27/2025
Address: 17040 123rd Ave SE
Renton, WA 98058
Violator: Richard Newland
Property Owner of Record: Mary Newland, Deceased
• RMC Violation: RMC 4-5-130.B.4: Residential Outdoor Storage
308 Residential Outdoor Storage:
308.2 Allowed residential outdoor storage: For RC and R-1 zoned properties, a
maximum of four hundred (400) square feet of area may be used for outdoor
storage. For R-4, R-6, and R-8 zoned properties, a maximum of two hundred
(200) square feet of area may be used for outdoor storage. For R-10 and R-14
zoned properties, a maximum of one hundred feet (100') of area may be used for
outdoor storage. Outdoor storage in excess of the above requirements is not
permitted in the City of Renton.
308.3 Prohibited areas for outdoor storage: Outdoor storage is prohibited on
residentially zoned property in the following areas:
Front yards
Side yards
Slopes greater than fifteen percent (15%)
Designated open spaces or restricted areas
Critical areas, including wetland, streams and associated buffer areas
• RMC Violation: RMC 6-14-19 OWNER TO MAINTAIN PREMISES FREE OF LITTER:
The owner or person in control of any private property shall at all times maintain
the premises free of litter. Provided, however, that this Section shall not prohibit
the storage of litter in authorized private receptacles for collection. (Ord. 1700,
10-28-58)
• RMC Violation: RMC 4-5-130; IPMC Section 302.5 Rodent Harborage.
Structures and exterior property shall be kept free from rodent harborage and
infestation. Where rodents are found, they shall be promptly exterminated by
approved processes that will not injurious to human health. After elimination,
proper precautions shall be taken to eliminate rodent harborage and prevent
reinfestation.
No violation proven at this time.
2
July 7, 2024: The City of Renton received an inspection request for a property said to have
multiple violations including excessive outdoor storage, overgrown vegetation, and rodent
harborage. Exhibit 1
July 8, 2024: Inspection found tan Jayco RV (Oregon Lic# HD 02629) parked on grass in
front yard, disabled silver Toyota car (no license plate visible), tan and gray canopy
structure in driveway, overgrown front yard vegetation, and outdoor storage in driveway.
No evidence of rodents. Exhibit 2
July 11, 2024: Warning of Violation letter sent to the property owner on file (Mary
Newland). Compliance due date of July 26, 2024. Exhibit 3
July 22, 2024: Received phone call from Richard Newland, son of homeowner. He asks for
more time for completion of corrections on the numerous violations. I stated that was not
a problem and extended the due date to 08/16/2024. He had a couple questions
regarding the violations that I answered. He said he would email me progress pictures
before my next visit. Will follow up.
August 20, 2024: Inspected property, found that canopy is gone, RV is gone, outdoor
storage remains, weeds remain, unlicensed vehicle remains. Exhibit 4
August 21, 2024: Received call from Richard Newland, he states that he has made
progress on the property and has made arrangements for most of it to be completed
by this Sunday. I stated I will follow up with him next week.
September 3, 2024: Inspection found that miscellaneous household items are still
present on property (outdoor storage). unlicensed vehicles are removed. Weeds
have been trimmed. Exhibit 5
September 4, 2024: Called Richard Newland, I mentioned that I have seen a lot
of progress on the property and thank him for his efforts. He states he will have the last
couple items cleaned up within the next couple days. Next check in date is 09/23/2024.
September 30, 2024: Follow up inspection found unlicensed silver Toyota is now parked
impermissibly on side yard grass, miscellaneous items stored outside, as well as black
garbage bag. Exhibit 6
October 2, 2024: Called Richard Newland for an update, he is in the hospital with a partial
foot amputation. He is having someone come to the house to try to clean up while he is
away. Recovery will be about 4 weeks. Extended due date to 11/01/2024.
November 7, 2024: Called Richard Newland for an update, he is out of the nursing home
and back to work. He is planning to make progress on the home clean up and will send
pictures when complete. Extending due date to 11/30/2024.
3
December 3, 2024: Follow up inspection found there is still excessive outdoor storage,
disabled vehicle. Exhibit 7
December 5, 2024: Called Richard Newland for update, he is getting fitted for a boot to be
able to walk and make more progress on cleaning up with property. He is waiting for his
friend to get back into town to be able to haul things away. I urged that this be resolved to
not waste all the good progress that's been made, he understands. Will follow up most
likely with WOV2 after the new year if no progress.
January 10, 2025: Follow up inspection showed plastic cups, takeout food containers,
miscellaneous outdoor storage on property. Silver Toyota Matrix (Expired WA Lic#
BVM1367) still parked on property. Exhibit 8
January 24, 2025: Called Richard Newland for an update, he is back in a skilled nursing
facility for his foot and will be hopefully discharged next week. I mentioned my inspection
on 01/10/2025 showed litter on the property that can be easily picked up to make the
property look better right away. He states he will call his friend to come by the house on
Saturday for some clean up.
February 26, 2025: Follow up inspection found overgrown vegetation, excessive outdoor
storage including plastic bins, plastic pieces, and miscellaneous household and yard care
items, silver Toyota car (Expired WA Lic# BVM1367), and litter including plastic bottles,
aluminum cans, and other plastic pieces. No response from Richard Newland regarding
status of clean up on property. Sent out Warning of Violation 2, compliance due date of
March 13, 2025. Exhibit 9
March 19, 2025: Follow up inspection found property is in the process of being cleaned
up. Litter has been taken care of. Voicemail received from Richard Newland asking for a
return call. Exhibit 10
April 14, 2025: Follow up inspection found property has little to no change in cleanliness
of outdoor storage. Plastic buckets, plastic crates, wood pieces, miscellaneous household
items remain outside front of property. No response from Richard Newland regarding
status of clean up on property. Called on phone and left message for a return call. Exhibit
11
April 23, 2025: Follow up inspection found cardboard boxes, plastic boxes, plastic buckets,
tables, coolers, miscellaneous household cleaning materials, and other
miscellaneous items stored out front of property. Went to the front door to try to make
contact with Mr. Newland. Couldn't reach front door safely as there was garbage,
empty cat food cans, and other items blocking the way to the front door. No one
answered in the home. Left my business card on sign in front of the home. Could see that
windows are blocked with carboard boxes and garage door next to front door is ajar.
Notice of Violation sent out with compliance due date of May 8, 2025. Exhibit 12
4
April 24, 2025: Received call from Richard Newland, he states he received my card that I
left. He is going to get a dumpster to clean out the house. He does not live at the
home, he lives in West Seattle. He has been going through personal issues and not been
able to keep up with the house maintenance. I reminded Richard of the offer of a disposal
voucher if qualified, and I let him know of a complaint about rats on the property. I
offered a contact at King County if service is needed. He states that he is not aware there
is a problem and asks for more time to gain compliance.
June 3, 2025: Follow up inspection found a trailer parked in the driveway and it looks to
be collecting items to clean up property. Unlicensed/disabled vehicle is no longer on
property. Clearing this violation. Will continue to monitor. Exhibit 13
June 25, 2025: Follow up inspection found that outdoor storage in front of garage is still
present. Now, front yard vegetation is overgrown again. Trying a different approach
by emailing Richard Newland in hopes of compliance. Exhibit 14
June 26, 2025: Sent email to Richard Newland with a request on the status of clean-up of
outdoor storage on property. Received call from Richard Newland, he states he is going to
mow the lawn and finish getting the items cleaned up in front of the home by next week. I
let him know I was on vacation next week and I would follow up with him in 2 weeks time.
Exhibit 15
August 7, 2025: Called Richard Newland for status update. Left message for a return call.
August 14, 2025: Inspection found that property still has excessive outdoor storage
(plastic buckets, garbage cans, plastic totes, paper bags, miscellaneous household items)
as well as litter around the front of the walkway (plastic pieces, cardboard, plastic bags).
Weeds look to be trimmed appropriately. Sending out Second Notice of Violation with
fines and compliance due date of August 29, 2025. Exhibit 16
August 15, 2025: Hand delivered Notice of Violation 2 to front door of property. Exhibit 17
August 21, 2025: Received appeal document via City Clerk’s office. Exhibit 18
The city’s position is that more than ample time has been granted to make substantial
gains in bringing the property into compliance, which has not happened. The property
owner’s son was made aware of the violations on the property numerous times and the
property remains in violation.
I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington that the
foregoing is true and correct.
_____________________________ signed on_____________ in Renton, Washington
Sheila Madsen
Code Compliance Inspector
08/27/2025