City of Bonney Lake

All new construction, demolition, and alteration requires a building permit, unless that work is specifically exempt. Exemption from a building permit does not mean the project is exempt from meeting applicable requirements or from obtaining other permits, such as critical areas, shoreline, civil, or utility permits.

Examples of work that typically requires a permit includes:

• Construction, remodel, or alteration of any dwelling unit
• Construction of any residential accessory structure of 120 square feet in roof area or larger or construction of any non-residential structure, regardless of size
• Residential decks that are more than 200 square feet, are more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are attached to the dwelling unit, or serve a required exit door
• The repair or replacement of any roofing materials on a structure
• Retaining walls four (4) feet or taller, as measured from the bottom to the top of the wall
  • NOTE: If the wall supports a surcharge or impounds a Class I, II, or IIIA liquid, a permit is required regardless of height.

For more information on building permits, please visit the City's Building Permits webpage.

To report a potential building violation, please use the Request for Action form.

Almost all businesses in Bonney Lake are required to obtain a Washington State business license and a Bonney Lake city business license endorsement.

• To learn more about Bonney Lake's business licensing requirements, visit our Business Licenses webpage
• To verify whether a business location has its state and city business license, visit the Washington State Department of Revenue website

A business may be in violation if:

• The business is operating in an area where that type of business is not allowed
• The business does not have a business license
• The business opened without a Certificate of Occupancy
• The business expanded or completed construction without permits

To report a potential business violation, complete the Request for Action form.

Almost all work in critical areas requires a critical areas permit or a critical areas exemption. Critical areas include:

• Wetlands and their buffers (including Lake Bonney and Lake Debra Jane)
• Critical aquifer and wellhead protection areas
• Flood hazard areas
• Geological hazards
• Fish and wildlife habitat areas, including streams and riparian management zones

Critical areas are regulated under Title 16, Article II of the BLMC. To learn more about critical area permitting, visit the City's Planning Permits webpage.

To report a potential violation in a critical area, please complete the Request for Action form.

The accumulation of garbage and solid waste is considered a public nuisance in Bonney Lake. See Chapter 8.20 BLMC for a complete list of public nuisances.

Garbage Service is Required in Bonney Lake

Every property in Bonney Lake is required to have garbage service for: 

• Dwelling units, including landlords providing trash service for tenants
• Businesses
• Construction dumpsters

The City's current garbage service provider is DM Murrey's Disposal. 

Containers must be watertight, properly sized, and prevent intrusion by animals and insects. Dumpster enclosures for businesses or multi-family properties must be covered and have an approved sanitary sewer connection. 

Report a Violation

To report a potential violation related to garbage, solid waste, or illegal dumping, please complete the Request for Action form.

Resources

• Pierce County Transfer Stations
• Pierce County Recycling and Disposal Options

Abandoned and poorly maintained properties lower property values, attract trespassers and vandals, invite other illegal activities and pose health and safety risks to the community. Common property maintenance issues include:

• Structures unfit for human occupancy or use
• Structures that are vacant and unsecured
• Structures that are unsafe
• Weeds and grasses taller than 24 inches

Property maintenance is regulated under Chapter 8.20 BLMC and the International Property Maintenance Code, as amended by BLMC 15.04.085.

To report a potential property maintenance violation, please complete a Request for Action form.

NOTE: If you are a residential tenant requesting action on the interior of a property that you rent, you must complete the process described in RCW 59.18.115 and provide a copy of the notice to the City before the City will complete an inspection.

Chapter 10.16 BLMC contains the requirements for parking and occupying recreational vehicles (RVs), trailers, and boats.

Parking an RV, Trailer, or Boat

An unoccupied RV, trailer, or boat can be parked as follows:

• On a public road for up to 24 hours
• Between sunrise and sunset in any City park
• On private property if located on a hard, drivable, impervious surface
• Inside of a legal structure

Occupying (Living In) an RV or Trailer

An RV or Trailer can be lived in under the following circumstances:

• On a property with a single-family home:
  • A maximum of two (2) weeks in a six (6) month period; or
  • With a valid Temporary Use Permit when a permit for construction of a new home has been issued. 
• For any period of time in a legal mobile home, manufactured home, or RV park.

Report a Violation

To report a potential violation related to an RV, trailer, or boat, please complete the Request for Action form. 

A shoreline exemption or shoreline substantial development permit is required for almost all work within the shoreline jurisdiction. In general, the shoreline jurisdiction is located within 200 feet of Lake Tapps. Additional review, including SEPA or state or federal permits may be required.

Work that commonly requires a permit includes:

• Construction or alteration of structures, including heat pumps, air conditioners, sheds, gazebos, boat houses, and retaining walls
• Installation of decks, patios, or walkways
• Repair or replacement of bulkheads
• Construction, repair, or replacement of docks
• Tree removal, clearing, grading, or filling
• New or replaced impervious surface

Shoreline areas are regulated under Title 16, Article III of the BLMC. To learn more about shoreline permitting, visit the City's Planning Permits webpage.

To report a potential shoreline violation, please complete the Request for Action form.

Prohibited Signs

Certain types of signs are prohibited in Bonney Lake, including but not limited to:

• Abandoned signs, blade signs, searchlights, air-activated graphics (signs filled with air), balloon signs, animated signs, pennants, flashing signs, and festoons 
• Signs attached to trees, utility poles, public benches, light poles, or any other pole
• Signs placed on any public property; except for temporary signs in the public right-of-way that comply with the BLMC
• Signs in the median of SR 410
• Any sign that is not maintained or is a safety hazard
• Any permanent off-premises sign

For a complete list of prohibited signs, see BLMC 15.28.050.

Temporary Signs

Temporary signs, including a-board and political signs, do not need a sign permit, but must meet the requirements of BLMC 15.28.060.

Permanent Signs

A sign permit is required for the construction, alteration, repair, or relocation of all permanent signs, except:

• Routine sign maintenance
• Change of copy on painted, printed, or changeable copy signs
• Signs not visible from the public right-of-way
• Addresses, street numbers, and street names under two (2) square feet per face
• Window displays that are only readable within a distance of eight (8) feet

For specific sign requirements, see Chapter 15.28 BLMC. For sign permit information, see the City's Building Permits webpage.

Report a Violation

To report a potential sign violation, please complete a Request for Action form.

A permit is required for almost all tree removal and clearing activities. If the tree is located within a critical area or the shoreline jurisdiction, additional permits are required. Tree topping is strictly prohibited.

• For more information about obtaining a Tree Removal Permit or requirements, visit the City's Planning Permits webpage
• To report a potential tree violation, please complete the Request for Action form

If you are unsure what the violation might be or it is something different than what is listed above, please feel free to submit a Request for Action form.

We will either open a case, refer it to the correct agency or department, or let you know if it is a civil matter.

To begin the review of a potential code violation, a Request for Action form must be submitted. Request for action forms are the only way to generate a code enforcement investigation. Complaints are not accepted via phone or email.

Initial Investigation

Once a complaint is received, staff will:

• Confirm that the property is inside city limits
• Confirm that the violation is under code enforcement authority
• Research the property, including ownership, permit history, zoning, existing code enforcement cases, and licenses
• Complete a site visit to view the potential violation from the right-of-way

After the initial investigation, staff will either:

• Send a courtesy or warning letter to inform the property owner of the potential violation and the requirements of the BLMC
• Send a notice to the property owner that includes:
  • A description of the violation(s)
  • The code(s) that was violated
  • The actions needed to resolve the violation(s)
  • Enforcement steps if the violation(s) is not corrected
  • Information on how to appeal
  • Supplemental documents, if necessary
• Close the case if the violation was unconfirmed

If the property owner does not correct the violation, Bonney Lake can:

• Issue fines (civil penalties)
• Record a certificate of non-compliance on the property’s title, which could affect a future sale or refinancing
• Pursue abatement (property cleanup) if applicable to the violation
• In rare cases, issue criminal misdemeanor charges

The case will be closed by the assigned code enforcement officer either after an inspection confirms the violation(s) has been addressed, a needed permit has been approved, or an abatement is completed.

Some cases are closed without resolution after appropriate enforcement efforts and outreach efforts to the property owner are exhausted.

NOTE: If a Notice of Noncompliance was recorded against the property, you are responsible for the cost of the original notice and the cost of recording the Notice of Compliance before the case can be closed.

This option is free. Under a work plan, you have up to six (6) months to complete the corrective actions listed in the code enforcement notice. The work plan will:

• Describe the work to be performed
• Provide new deadlines to complete the work
• Describe what happens if the deadlines are not met
• All other items listed in BLMC 14.130.090

There is a fee for a Voluntary Correction Agreement (VCA). To see the current fees for a new VCA or for the extension or amendment of an existing VCA, see the current Bonney Lake Fee Schedule.

Under a VCA, you can negotiate a longer period of time (more than six months) to complete the corrective actions listed in your ode enforcement notice. The proposed deadlines should be reasonable and appropriate for the required corrective action. The VCA will:

• Describe the work to be performed
• Provide new deadlines to complete the work
• Describe what happens if the deadlines are not met
• Include a statement that you are waiving your right to appeal the determination that a violation has occurred
• All other items listed in BLMC 14.130.090

Stop Work Orders, Notices of Violation, and Notices of Civil Penalty can be appealed if the property owner or other responsible party (such as a tenant) disagrees that the Bonney Lake Municipal Code (BLMC) has been violated.

Appeals that meet the minimum filing requirements are brought before the City of Bonney Lake Hearing Examiner, who will either uphold or overturn the determination. This decision can be appealed to a higher court.

There are two common situations that can be addressed without filing an appeal:

• More time is needed: If you need more time to correct the violation, please contact your assigned code enforcement officer or [email protected] to discuss a Work Plan or Voluntary Correction Agreement.
• The use, structure, or site existed prior to current requirements: If you believe or if you have documentation that the use, structure, or site was legally established prior to current zoning, critical area, shoreline, or other permit requirements (sometimes referred to as "grandfathering" or "legally nonconforming"), please contact your code enforcement officer to provide this information. 
  • Chapter 18.54 BLMC: Nonconforming Uses and Buildings (Zoning)
  • BLMC 16.20.170: Preexisting Developments and Uses (Critical Areas)
  • BLMC 16.56.150: Nonconforming and Preexisting Uses, Structures, and Developments (Shoreline)

NOTE: Property owners are responsible for addressing code violations on their property even if they did not create the violation (BLMC 14.130.040.E and F).

Your appeal must meet the requirements in the BLMC and be submitted on time in order to be considered.

Who can appeal?

The person cited in the notice, or any person having any record title or legal interest in the building, structure, premises, personal property, or land where the violation is alleged to exist, may appeal.

What is the deadline to appeal?

The appeal must be submitted electronically using the online Code Enforcement Appeal Form (available in the section below) by 4:00 PM on the appeal due date. The appeal due date is the 15th day from the date of service, as calculated in BLMC 14.130.050. 

What needs to be in the appeal?

• The name and address of the appellant
• How the appellant is authorized to file the appeal under BLMC 14.130.120.B
• The grounds for the appeal, included any alleged error of fact or law in the Stop Work Order, Notice of Violation, or Notice of Civil Penalty

Use the form below to appeal your Stop Work Order, Notice of Violation, or Notice of Civil Penalty. Appeals must be filed by 4:00 PM on or before the appeal due date.

• Code Enforcement Appeal Form
• NOTE: This form must be completed all at once and cannot be saved.

Abandoned vehicles are vehicles broken down or left on the side of the road, or those left on private property without the property owner's permission.

To see if a road is located within city limits and if it is a public or private road, use the City of Bonney Lake Public GIS Portal.

Abandoned Vehicles on a City Road

Report abandoned vehicles to the Bonney Lake Police Department by calling the 24-hour Non-Emergency number at (253) 287-4455.

Abandoned Vehicles on a Private Property or Road

The property owner is responsible for removing unauthorized vehicles on private property. Contact a licensed tow operator to impound the vehicle. To find a licensed tow operator, or those left on private property without the property owner's permission.

1. Go to the Washington State Department of Revenue Business License Lookup webpage
2. Click on "Business Lookup"
3. In the County field, select "Pierce" 
4. In the "Endorsement Type" field, select "Vehicle Transport and Disposal"
5. Under "Narrow Your Search," select "Motor Vehicle Hulk Hauler"

Acceptable Parking Locations for Nuisance or Junk Vehicles

Under Chapter 9.07 BLMC, public nuisance and junk vehicles can legally be parked:

• In a legally constructed building
• Behind a fence or hedge that screens the vehicle(s) from the road or other property
• On the property of a business licensed to store, park, and work on nuisance or junk vehicles

If you or someone else needs immediate medical attention due to an air quality problem, call 911.

To make a complaint about air quality, visit the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency website for information and instructions.

Animal Neglect or Cruelty

• For animal cruelty or abuse in progress,  please call 911.
• For other complaints, please contact METRO Animal Services at (253) 299-PETS (7387).

Kennels

Kennels are prohibited in the R-1 and R-3 zoning districts. This includes commercial and hobby kennels where six (6) or more dogs or cats are kept for breeding, care, or boarding, and includes grooming facilities, pet shops, and shelters. See Chapter 6.04 BLMC for additional requirements. 

Livestock and Poultry

Livestock and poultry can be kept on property where single-family residences are a permitted use (see the Land Use Matrix in BLMC 18.08.020). Care and enclosures must meet the minimum requirements in BLMC 6.04.130. 

Lost and Found Pets

• If you have lost or found a pet, please contact METRO Animal Services at (253) 299-PETS (7387).

• For more information, visit the METRO Animal Services Lost/Found Pets webpage.

Wildlife

• Do not approach wild animals and keep all children and pets safely away from them.

• For common wildlife, such as raccoons, opossums, or squirrels, please contact METRO Animal Services at (253) 299-PETS (7387) or 911.

• For unusual, nuisance, or dangerous wildlife, such as bears, cougars, or elk, contact the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife at (877) 933-9847 or submit an online report. 

• For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife Living with Wildlife webpage.

Issues with contractors, electricians, plumbers, and workplace safety regulations are the responsibility of the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

• To report a contractor, call the Report-a-Fraud line at (888) 811-5974 or complete the Report Contractor Fraud
  in Washington State form 
  • Learn more about reporting contractors on the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries website
• To report a workplace safety hazard, call (800) 423-7233 or visit the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Report a Safety Hazard webpage to complete the complaint form

The Bonney Lake Police Department responds to complaints about homeless encampments. To make a complaint, call the 24-hour Non-Emergency number at (253) 287-4455.

The Bonney Lake Police Department responds to noise complaints, as officers are available. To make a noise complaint, call the 24-hour Non-Emergency number at (253) 287-4455.

Quiet Hours

For a complete list of requirements related to noise, see Chapter 9.07 BLMC. Quiet hours for common activities are:

• 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM for construction activities
• 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM for residential maintenance activities, such as yard maintenance
• 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM for most other activities

Outdoor burning of yard debris is allowed in Bonney Lake from October to May of each year (BLMC 8.16.020). Outdoor burning of garbage, construction debris, or any other materials is prohibited.

Helpful Links

• East Pierce Fire & Rescue’s Outdoor Burning Rules & Requirements webpage (includes whether a local burn ban is in effect)
• Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Burn Ban Status webpage

The City provides a free dumpster from Murrey's Disposal for:

• Correcting a solid waste violation
• Victims of illegal dumping on residential property

The free dumpster is a one-time assistance program. You must have a valid, signed Work Plan or Voluntary Correction Agreement in place. Future solid waste violations on the same property may be cause for further enforcement action.

How the Dumpster Program Works

To apply for the Free Dumpster Program, please complete the Dumpster Program Request form. Staff may request to inspect the property and take note of what materials will be disposed of.

The completed Dumpster Program request must be submitted to [email protected]. If approved, staff will coordinate delivery of the dumpster to the property. After the dumpster is picked up, staff may reinspect the property and determine whether the code enforcement case can be closed.

Prohibited Materials

• Waste from a business or industry
• Yard waste, leaves, brush, or limbs
• Automobile hulks or parts
• Hazardous wastes, chemicals, paint, or asbestos
• Infectious or medical waste
• Any other waste prohibited or limited at Pierce County Transfer Stations

Various programs are available for residential property owners in Bonney Lake to repair your home.

Pierce County

• Home Repair Program (Pierce County)
• Weatherization Assistance Program (Pierce County)

Regional Programs

• Home Repair Program (Rebuilding Together South Sound)

Federal Programs

• Section 203(k) Loan Program (Housing and Urban Development)
• Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants (Department of Agriculture)

A Junk Vehicle Affidavit (JVA) is required by a tow operator to remove a junk vehicle from private property when no title or proof of ownership is available. We can assist with issuing a JVA from Bonney Lake.

Junk Vehicle Criteria

A public nuisance or junk vehicle meets three (3) or more of the criteria below:

• Is extensively damaged
• Is apparently inoperable
• Is three (3) years old or older
• Has an approximate fair market value equal to the scrap value

For more Bonney Lake's requirements on public nuisance and junk vehicles, see Chapter 8.12 BLMC.

What to Know

The City can only process requests for a JVA from the property owner where the vehicle is located, or from a registered agent if it is under a property management company or owned by an LLC or Trust.

If a request is submitted by someone not listed as the property owner, they will need to provide proof that they are a lawful representative of the property owner before the City will process the request.

Replace a Lost Title or Registration

To replace a vehicle title or registration if you lose it or it is damaged, visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website. 

Property owners should maintain and secure their vacant property. This effort will help you be a good neighbor, prevent damage, reduce pest and rodent activity, and deter trespassing, vandalism, and other illegal activity. It will also help you to stay in compliance with the Bonney Lake Municipal Code.

Tips to Maintain Your Vacant Property

Here are some ways you can take care of your vacant property:

• Visit your property regularly to check for issues
• Maintain your structures
• Secure your property by posting "No Trespassing" signs, keeping the property well lit, ensuring exterior doors and windows properly close and lock, and maintaining gates and fences
  • For information about No Trespass Agreements, please contact the Bonney Lake Police Department
• Check your handrails, guardrails, and stairs to make sure they are safe and stable
• Maintain your landscaping
• Eliminate sources of stagnant and standing water, which may attract insects
• Remove excess garbage and debris from your property
• Do not store vehicles at vacant properties.
• Ensure systems related to power, heating, water, sewer/septic, and smoke detectors are functioning properly
• Send mail and other deliveries to a PO Box or an occupied property.