Shoreline has adopted rules and regulations designed to ensure safe and attractive neighborhoods. The City's Code Compliance and Enforcement Program helps by enforcing these rules and regulations in a responsible, fair, courteous and impartial manner.
Individuals can register complaints through the City of Shoreline's Customer Response Team by calling (206) 801-2260. The City of Shoreline views each investigation as an opportunity to inform residents, work on resolutions and achieve compliance. The City is unable to pursue anonymous complaints with the exception of health and safety issues. Your name, address, and telephone number are essential to a successful investigation, but you may indicate if you do not wish to have your name disclosed.
Code Enforcement Program Information:
Accessory Dwelling Unit: An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), sometimes called a "mother-in-law" unit or "granny" flat, is allowed on all single-family lots. It is a separate living unit complete with kitchen that can be rented out or used by a family member.
Animals: The City of Shoreline has a contract with the King County Regional Animal Control.
Business License Information: Every business in the state must register with the State of Washington through the Department of Licensing. Visit the State's website for an application and more information.
Code Requirements: Know Your Code Requirements
Disposal: General Disposal Information
Fences, Trellises, and Arbors: If your fence is six feet high or less, it may be built on the property line. No building permit is required, unless your property is located in an environmentally critical area.
Graffiti: Graffiti is a widespread issue that every community is confronted with, however, there are steps that can be taken to stop and prevent vandalism from reoccurring.
Home Repair Programs: City homeowners of all ages can qualify for a variety of repairs based on income and family size. Materials are provided at cost and there is a small charge for labor. Estimates are free and arrangements can be made.
Home Business / Occupation: The City of Shoreline requires a permit for conducting a business out of your home in any zoning district, with some exceptions. Businesses conducted out of a home are referred to as a home occupation. More specifically, a home occupation is: Any activity carried out for gain by a resident and conducted as a customary, incidental, and accessory use in the resident's dwelling unit.
Outdoor Lighting: Efficient outdoor lighting means that we all can save energy and money and still provide a safe and secure night time environment. Controlled, effective, and economical lighting at home or at a business will offer the same safety, security, and visibility you are used to, while saving you money and reducing wasted energy.
Parking / Vehicles: Yard Parking, Junked Vehicles, Oversized Vehicles, Abandoned Vehicles, etc..
Permit Exemptions: The various codes and ordinances adopted by the City of Shoreline define certain activities and/or structures that are exempt from permitting requirements.
Proactive Code Enforcement: Information on the Proactive Code Enforcement Program. Click here for brochure.
Re-Roofing: The International Building Code (IBC) Section 1510 and the International Residential Code (IRC) Section R907 require a building permit for re-roofing. City of Shoreline Ordinance 355 Section 3 exempts certain re-roofing projects from obtaining a permit.
Recycling: Where to Take It: The City of Shoreline offers Clean Sweep Recycling Events twice a year for residents. If you have items that are not accepted at the biannual events or if you want to recycle throughout the year, contact the Surface Water and Environmental Services departmet at: (206) 801-2455.
Right-of-Way Permits: Right-of-way is City property designated for use by the general public. This property is typically used for roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, alleys and utilities. The actual right-of-way is often wider than the paved or improved portion of the roadway.
Street Trees: Recommended Street Tree Planting List
Surface Water Drainage: Rainfall that lands on hard surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, or gravel does not soak into the ground. Surface water is rainfall that does not infiltrate into the ground or evaporate into the air and as a result flows over land. The intent of the adopted surface water drainage standards is to provide for control of the flow and quality of the surface water run-off.
Tree Removal: The City of Shoreline regulates tree removal in the various situations. The following information is intended to educate property owners and contractors of the general requirements regarding tree removal.
Wildlife Trappers: For problem wildlife control.