Mason County is not enforcing two ordinances which could make a huge difference. Learn more below.
Mason County is not enforcing two ordinances which could make a huge difference. Learn more below.
We all know the properties which contribute to the problem. People living in tents, cars, or RV's, surrounded by trash, and -- if we're lucky -- using a porta potty for sanitation. Cars and/or people coming and going at all hours. Drug use. Sex trafficking. Aggressive behavior. Disrespect for the personal and property rights of others. Intimidating long-term residents into becoming home-bound hostages in their once-pleasant neighborhoods.
Two ordinances are on the books which, if enforced as written, would significantly reduce the number of these problem properties. But Mason County Community Development is choosing to blanketly not enforce these codes. The stated reason: fear of increasing homelessness.
Washington State health code (WAC 246-272A-0240) prohibits permanent residential usage of porta potties. Only temporary, emergency usage is permitted. Mason County sanitary code, specifically MCC 6.76 (On-Site Sewage Regulations) cannot be less strict than WAC 246-272A due to a subordination clause at 6.76.050(4). This means Mason County is violating state law and its own local codes when it allows these properties to use a porta potty for sanitation instead of installing a proper septic system.
Mason County's RV Park ordinance, MCC 16.22, requires that RV's set up in permanent fashion be permitted as residences. This process would require meeting certain building codes AND installing a permanent septic system. This code contains ample protections for property owners simply storing their RV or having family and friends visit on a short-term basis.
Absent enforcement of these codes, people are moving out here with just a car or RV and not enough money for a septic or to properly support themselves on rural land. Many have underlying addiction problems. Decrepit properties tend to attract crime and further local deterioration. For the majority of these residents, enforcement of these codes will lead to one of two outcomes: 1.) either they will comply with the codes or 2.) they will move back to housing they can better afford, such as a mobile home/RV park or an apartment. After all, we don't get to live beyond our means just because we really want it. What will remain is a much smaller subset of people who are truly on hard times -- and we can better focus our resources on helping them. Perversely, by not enforcing these codes out of a well-intentioned desire not to increase homelessness, Community Development is actually attracting the problem from neighboring counties. Word has gotten out on social media that you can move here with just an RV because, "Mason County lets you." If not corrected soon, we will be dealing with this issue long after neighboring counties have righted their ships.
Enforcing these codes will also result in fair taxation of these properties. Currently, by not making these properties install septic tanks or pull building permits, the parcels remain taxed as "vacant land" regardless how many people are living on them. They pay less than their fair share of taxes despite frequently consuming more than their fair share of community resources. That loss is compensated for by increasing taxes on the rest of us. In the end, the taxpayers of Mason County wind up subsidizing the lifestyle of these problem residents.
Community Development is not the legislative branch of County government; though they have discretion to determine whether or not to enforce code in a specific instance, they may not blanketly choose to disregard an ordinance. They are only able to do so because the current County Commission is turning a blind eye. But two of the three Commissioner seats are up for election this year, and the opportunity for change exists. VOTE FOR COMMISSIONERS WHO CARE AS MUCH ABOUT YOU AS THEY DO THE ADDICTS. Scroll to the bottom of this page to read what each of the candidates has to say about this specific issue and click the links to email them your thoughts.
Supportive of Enforcement
Supportive of Enforcement
Supportive of Enforcement
But it Doesn't Have to be this Way. Those who came before us gave us the tools to fix this, and they are codified in law. Enforce the laws on the books; restore our quality of life.