Code Compliance
The City of Mercer Island’s Code Compliance team responds to resident questions and investigates complaints related to zoning, building, and nuisance violations.
When a violation is found, the City typically works collaboratively with the property owner to resolve the issue. In most cases, a courtesy letter requesting corrective action is all that’s needed—and 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 is received, the Code Compliance Planner will investigate to determine whether a code violation exists. This often involves contacting the property owner by phone, letter, or in person.
If a violation is confirmed, the Planner will work with the property owner to address the issue. Depending on the severity of the violation, the City may issue a courtesy letter, a correction notice, or a formal 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 committed to working collaboratively with property owners. In some cases, additional time may be granted to address a violation; to explore this, please reach out to the Code Compliance Planner identified on the notice.
Who do I talk to about other issues?
Common issues that are not directed to the Code Compliance Planner include:
- Animals (loose, vicious, or dead): Regional Animal Services of King County (206) 296-7387
- Barking Dogs: M.I. Police, non emergency (425) 577-5656
- Abandoned vehicles in the right of way: Mercer Island Police Department (206) 275-7610
- Smoke/Odor Complaints: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (206) 343-8800
- Tree cutting in the right of way: Contact urbanforestry@mercerisland.gov or (206) 275-7872
- Tree cutting in parks: Alaine Sommargren (206) 275-7874
- Tree cutting on private property: Land Use and Planning Division (206) 275-7605
