- Home
- Departments
- Community & Economic Development
- Inspection Services
- Code Division
- Common Code Violations
Common Code Violations
- ANIMAL RELATED
- BUILDING/ ZONING
- BUSINESS LICENSES
- HOUSING CODE
- NUISANCE VIOLATIONS
- PEACE/ SAFETY
- SIGN CODE
Animal Violations
Animal related code violations include loose animals, unlicensed dogs, continuously barking dogs and farm animals kept on unpermitted residential properties. Some animal related complaints are handled by the Code Division. However, some complaints (such as loose animals and barking dogs) are handled by Tri-Cities Animal Shelter.
Loose Animals, Unlicensed Dogs & Barking Dogs
- Loose animals, also called "at large animals," should be reported to Tri-Cities Animal Shelter. Report at large animals online or call Tri-Cities Animal Shelter directly at 509-545-3740.
- All dogs over 7 months of age are required to be licensed per Pasco Municipal Code 6.05.180. Licenses must be obtained within 30 days of acquiring the dog or establishing residence within the City.
- Dogs that create a habitual disturbance or annoyance by continuously howling, yelping, barking or creating other noises that can be heard inside an enclosed structure off the dog owner's property for 5 minutes or more are prohibited by Pasco Municipal Code 6.05.350. To report a continuously barking dog, call Tri-Cities Animal Shelter at 509-545-3740.
Farm Animals
- Roosters are not allowed in city limits. Farm animals such as chickens, goats, horses, llamas, cows, etc. are only permitted in the city's R-S-20, R-S-12 and R-S-1 zones which are known as the "suburban districts." These zones require a minimum lot size to own farm animals. Farm animals are not permitted in all other zones per Title 25 of the Pasco Municipal Code.
- You can check the zoning of a property using our online database (the zoning map may take several minutes to load depending on internet connection speed).
- For more information regarding zoning and lot size, please contact the Planning Division at (509) 545-3441.
Resources
Building Violations
In cases where there are complaints about ongoing construction without a valid building permit, the municipal authority will issue a Stop-Work Notice at the site, instructing both the property owner and all contractors to halt work until the necessary permit has been obtained.
If construction is undertaken without proper permits and remains unreported until after its completion, a code officer will take on the responsibility of launching an investigation and enforcing the building codes adopted by the city.
In certain instances, unpermitted work may necessitate complete removal if a permit cannot be granted due to an inability to meet the requirements of the relevant zoning and building codes.
If you are unsure if a project requires a building permit, please contact the Building Division for assistance at (509) 543-5726.
Zoning Violations
Many of the most common violations are determined by your property's zoning district. If you're unsure which zoning district you're in, you can find the assigned zoning district for your property using the online parcel and zoning viewer.
Common zoning violations include:
- Incomplete landscaping
- Vegetation or unpermitted fences obstructing vision at intersections.
- Parking on unimproved surfaces such as dirt or grass.
- Too many animals kept on a property.
- Unpermitted property uses based on zoning district.
You can find out more about the regulations for your zoning district by viewing Planning Division.
Business License Violations
Businesses are regulated by Pasco Municipal Code Title 5. A City of Pasco business license endorsement is required for conducting business within city limits. This endorsement is needed in addition to other licenses required by the State of Washington. Common violations of the business license provisions include soliciting, operating a business or renting residential property without a license and failing to renew a business license.
Required Licenses
A business license is required for all activities, occupations, trades, pursuits or professions located and/or engaged in within the City of Pasco with the object of gain, benefit, or advantage, directly or indirectly, per Pasco Municipal Code 5.04.020.
Pasco Municipal Code 5.78.010 requires that all residential rental properties in the city be licensed. This requirement extends to all properties that are made available for rent, lease or let the public and includes single family dwellings in addition to multifamily complexes. For more information, you may want to visit our Residential Rental Program page.
License Renewals
All business licenses, including residential rental licenses, are required to be renewed annually no later than the last regular business day of February of each year per Pasco Municipal Code 5.04.180. However, every attempt should be made to renew the business license no later than the first regular business day each January. If you receive a renewal notice and are out of business, please contact the City Clerk to update your license status. You are encouraged to update your license account any time there is a change of status or contact information.
Failure to renew a business license on time results in a late fee. Delinquent renewals are given to the code division for review and enforcement which may result in the Code Enforcement Board assessing additional penalties.
Resources
Housing Code Violations
The City of Pasco's Residential Rental Program requires that all rental properties in the city be licensed yearly and inspected every 2 years as outlined in Chapter 5.60 of the Pasco Municipal Code. Examples of housing code violations include:
- Leaks from the ceiling or other ceiling/wall damage exposing the occupants to outside weather.
- Bedrooms without windows or windows that will not open easily.
- Bedrooms/sleeping rooms without smoke alarms.
- Exposed/faulty electrical wiring, plumbing problems or lack of adequate heating for the residence.
- Properties with infested with cockroaches and/or rodents.
Please see the city's Rental Inspection Form (PDF) for a list of some of the areas inspected during a typical rental inspection. If you believe the property you are renting does not meet the minimum requirements, you can submit a complaint.
Resources
Nuisance Violations
A nuisance is any activity which unreasonably annoys, injures, or endangers the comfort, health, or safety of others. Examples of nuisances include but are not limited to:
- Weeds in excess of 12 inches or weeds growing onto other properties.
- Dead/dying landscaping (i.e., lawns, trees, etc.)
- Trash covered properties.
- Major vehicle repair/disassembling vehicles in residential zones.
- Storage of vehicle parts outside an enclosed building or container.
- Dilapidated buildings, fences and other structures.
- Dust blowing onto neighboring properties.
- Construction noise between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am.
- Graffiti
FAQs
What are the regulations for placement of portable basketball hoops?
Hoops and other similar equipment cannot be stored within the public right of way. While in use, a portable basketball hoop may be placed on the street abutting the curb as long as it does not pose a safety hazard. They should never block a sidewalk or handicap ramp. When not in use they are to be returned to the owner’s property.
For Additional Information: View Pasco Municipal Code Title 9 - Peace, Safety and Morals for more definitions and regulations on different types of possible nuisances.
Resources
Peace, Safety & Morals Violations
PMC 9.105 Unauthorized Camping: The Pasco Municipal Code does not allow public camping except in designated camping areas. Camping is not allowed in parks, play fields, sidewalks, streets, alleys, lanes, public rights-of-way, under bridges or viaducts or in any other public place to which the general public has access.
PMC 9.130 Noise Regulation: Public noise disturbances are prohibited from 10pm - 7am in residential districts. Report noise disturbances during prohibited hours to Pasco Police Department non-emergency number (509) 628-0333. To report construction noise disturbances during prohibited hours, use AskPasco.
PMC 9.90.050 Secure Closing of Unoccupied Buildings: Owners of unoccupied or vacant buildings are required to secure them to prevent unauthorized access.
Sign Code Violations
All signs in the City of Pasco are regulated by Title 17 of the Pasco Municipal Code. Common violations include off-premises signs and construction or modification of a sign without a sign permit.
Off-Premises Signs
An off-premises sign is defined as a sign that carries a message of any kind or directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where such sign is located, or to which it is affixed. Off-premises signs, except those approved by special permit, are prohibited in the city. For more information on sign regulations, please contact the city's Planning Division.
Sign Permits
Most signs in the city require a sign permit to be issued by the Planning Division.