Swift demolition of derelict buildings on the horizon in Seattle

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is scheduled to sign a bill Thursday that, according to a city press release, will allow the Seattle Fire Department to "swiftly order the demolition or remediation of unsafe vacant buildings that pose risks to public safety."

The City Council unanimously passed legislation Tuesday. The bill was co-sponsored by Bob Kettle and Tammy J. Morales.

“The inability to demolish these hazards has contributed to a permissive environment where government stands by as predictable accidents and crimes occur,” Kettle said in the release.

“Fires in derelict buildings have become a dangerous hazard across the city, especially in (my Southeast Seattle) district," Morales said, adding that in 2022-23 there were over 60 fires in the district and one person died.

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2024/06/05/swift-razing-derelict-seattle-buldings-coming.html