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Community Development - State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Code

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1. How long is the decision length?

The City will make a concerted effort to process permit applications in a timely manner while addressing regulatory and environmental concerns. Process time depends on:

• If additional analysis or studies are needed
• Permits needed
• Project complexity
• Whether information is already available

The Community Development Department can provide you with an estimate of  how long your project review may take.

2. How do you start the process?

Begin by contacting the Community Development Department to learn what permits are needed and if SEPA review is required.

The SEPA Checklist will help us to identify any likely environmental impacts and what actions, if any, that may be needed to help reduce or avoid any potential impacts. The city will use this information to decide a project's likely environmental impacts and whether a proposal/project will:

• Are adequately addressed by existing regulations
• Can be countered through mitigation
• Require further study

3. Can a proposal be changed or withdrawn?

However, once the review process starts, changing a proposal can make it easier or more difficult to complete the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA ) review process, and receive permits and approvals. If a change helps avoid environmental impacts, the permitting process is likely to be easier and could avoid the need to do an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

In cases where the review process is nearer completion, significant changes may require portions of the SEPA process to be repeated. The best approach is to incorporate environmental considerations when a project is still in the planning stage.

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Corporation Counsel

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1. I want to sue the City.

Pursuant to RCW 4.92, the Tort Claim Form is required for filing a claim against the City.  Some information is required by RCW 4.92.100 and may be subject to public disclosure.  Pursuant to law, Standard Tort Claim forms cannot be submitted electronically (we cannot accept emailed or faxed forms).

2. I want to sue my neighbor.

The Office of Corporation Counsel does not represent individuals in litigation, nor do we give individual legal advice.  Please contact a private attorney to review your legal options.

3. Can the City Attorney give legal advice to private citizens?

No.  Neither the City Attorney nor the Prosecuting Attorney give legal advice or representation to private citizens.   Please contact a private attorney to review your legal options.

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DVC

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1. I am a victim of domestic violence; how can I get help?

Immediately report the crime to police. Once a police report is made, the crime can be investigated and the prosecutor can take action. This action can include seeking a Restraining Order ("No Contact" Oder) from the court or making criminal charges. Also, Once you have reported the crime the City of Aberdeen has a victim coordinator who can help direct you to other services or assistance in the community.

Contact the Domestic Violence Victim /  Witness Coordinator at 360-537-3256. 

Contact the Domestic Violence Center of Grays Harbor at 360-538-0733

Here are some help resource links:

Domestic Violence Center of Grays Harbor

Crisis Support Network

2. I am a victim of domestic violence; how do I find out what is happening in my case?

You may call the Domestic Violence Victim / Witness Coordinator at 360-537-3256 or the Prosecutors office at 360-537-3232

3. Why did I receive a letter in the mail with an appointment to meet with the Prosecutor?

The Prosecutor wants to meet with victims and witnesses to go over their statements to police and gather any other information they may have to offer. This helps clarify what remedies may be available to the victim.

4. I don't want to press charges; why do I have to come to the appointment with the Prosecutor?

Even if you don't want to press charges, please come to the appointment. The Prosecutor would still like to go over the information and hear any additional details you may have to offer. If you still do not want charges brought, you will have an opportunity to sign a "Waiver of Prosecution" form.

5. I want to drop charges, what do I do?

Please call the Prosecutor's office at 360-537-3231 or the Domestic Violence Victim / Witness Coordinator at 360-537-3256 to schedule an appointment to sign a waiver or prosecution form. It will not guarantee that charges will not be filed or pursued, but it will officially inform the court that you do not wish the case to proceed. 

6. A no-contact order was entered; how do get it dropped or changed

If a protected party wishes for the Court to modify or rescind the no contact order, the protected party is required to appear at Court to request a hearing. The instructions and documents you need to fill out are located on the Aberdeen Municipal Court web page.  

7. What is a Waiver of Prosecution Form"

This form lets the Court know you, the victim, are satisfied with the with the City's response, and do not want further action taken. 

8. How do I know if someone is released from jail?

You can see the complete jail roster at the Grays Harbor County's website. If you wish to be notified of when the person is being released. You can click the "Register" button to the right of the person's name and you will be notified of when they are released.

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Fire Department

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1. What do I do when there is an earthquake in Aberdeen?

Drop, Cover, and Hold on until the shaking stops.  Because we are in an area that is susceptible to Tsunamis, you should then immediately make your way to higher ground. For more information go to Grays Harbor Emergency Management for preparedness and safety information.

2. After an earthquake, where do I go to get to higher ground in Aberdeen?

The Aberdeen - Hoquiam - Cosmopolis Tsunami Walking Map shows the nearest high ground for areas in Aberdeen, Hoquiam, and Cosmopolis.  The map was created by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. The routes are to be used following a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake in anticipation of a Tsunami wave impacting the Washington Coast.

3. What are the burning regulations in Aberdeen?

View Aberdeen Burning Regulations

4. Where can I find information on residential heating oil tanks?

The Aberdeen Fire Department’s does not regulate, decommission or maintain records on any Residential Heating oil tanks.  Residential home owners are advised to follow the guidelines to decommission a heating oil tank established by the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency.

5. Where can I find information on the fire department's Knox Box Program?

Key boxes for your residence or business used by The Aberdeen Fire Department are purchased from www.knoxbox.com.  Please visit the website and select the City of Aberdeen to purchase your box.  

6. Who do I contact if I have a question on my ambulance transport invoice?

Please contact the EMS Accounts Specialist at 360-537-3261 between the hours of 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.

7. Where can I find out more about the Aberdeen Fire Department?

The Aberdeen Fire Department's 2018 Annual Report is a valuable source of information for learning more about what services the fire department offers.

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Historic Preservation Commission

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1. What is the Aberdeen Historic Register?

The Register is an official list of places important to the history of Aberdeen and worthy of recognition and preservation.

2. What qualifies a property for the Historic Register?

The Aberdeen Historic Register recognizes building, structure, site, object or district that is significantly associated with:

• Community
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Engineering
  • History
• If it has integrity
• Is at least 50 years old
• Is of lesser age and has exceptional importance

It will also be recognized if it falls in at least two of the following categories:

• Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of national, state of local history.
• Embodies the distinctive architectural characteristics of a type, period, style, or method of design or construction, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
• An outstanding work of a designer, builder, or architect who has made a substantial contribution to the art.
• Exemplifies or reflects special elements of the city's history such as:
  • Aesthetic
  • Architectural 
  • Cultural
  • Economic
  • Engineering
  • Political
• Associated with the lives of persons significant in national, state or local history.
• Has yielded or may be likely to yield important archaeological information related to history or prehistory.
• A building or structure removed from its original location but which is significant primarily for architectural value, or which is the only surviving structure significantly associated with a historic person or event.
• Is a birthplace or grave of a historical figure of outstanding importance and is the only surviving structure or site associated with that person.
• A cemetery, which derives its primary significance from age, from distinctive design features, or from association with historic events, or cultural patterns.
• A reconstructed building that has been executed in a historically accurate manner on the original site.
• A creative and unique example of folk architecture and design created by persons not formally trained in the architectural design professions, and which does not fit into formal architectural or historical categories.

3. What is the process for designation?

In order for a property to be placed on the Register, the following steps are taken:

• The Commission and any member of the Commission may solicit nominations. In its designation decision, the Commission shall consider the Aberdeen Historic Register and the city's Comprehensive Plan. Any person, with the owner's consent, may nominate the following for inclusion in the Register of Historic Places:
  • Building
  • District
  • Object
  • Site
  • Structure
• In the case of individual properties, the designation shall include the UTM reference and all features-interior and exterior-and outbuildings that contribute to its designation.
• In the case of districts, the designation shall include description of the boundaries of the district; the characteristics of the district, which justifies its designation; and a list of all properties including features, structures, sites and objects, which contribute to the designation of the district.
• The Historic Preservation Commission shall consider the merits of the nomination according to the criteria in AMC 17.50.040(A) (refer to page 1 numbers 1 to 11) and the nomination review standards established in the Commission's rules.
• The Commission shall provide notice to the public, the owner(s) and the authors of the nomination, if different, and lessees, if any, of the subject property prior to the meeting at which the nomination will be considered. The notice shall include publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Aberdeen area, posting of the property and written notification as required by the Open Public Meetings Act (Chapter 42.30 RCW).
• If the Commission finds that the nominated property is eligible for the city's Historic Register, the Commission shall, with the owner's consent, make a recommendation to the Mayor and City Council that the property be listed in the Historic Register. In the case of historic districts, the consent of the owners of 60% of the property, be assessed valuation, within the proposed district boundary shall be required.
• The public, property owner(s) and the authors of the nomination, if different, and lessees, if any, shall be notified of the listing.
• Properties listed in the city's Historic Register shall be recorded on official zoning records with an HR (for Historic Register) designation. This designation shall not change or modify the underlying zone classification.

4. What are the benefits of Register placement?

The Local Tax Incentive Program is designated to encourage the preservation of historic resources. It provides for a revision of the assessed value of a historic property which subtracts, for up to 10 years, such rehabilitation costs as are approved by a local review board. The primary benefit of the law is that during the 10-year special valuation period, property taxes will not reflect substantial improvements made to the property. The rehabilitation costs that are included have to be within 24 months prior to the actual date of application such as:

• Building Code Relaxation - Some relaxation of strict building code requirements is available to properties on the Aberdeen Historic Register in the interest of preserving historic character while still meeting safety requirements. This is discussed on a case-by-case basis with the Aberdeen Building Official, Bob Waite, Phone 360-537-3214.
• Educational Program - From time to time, the City will prepare public information programs on historic properties.
• Free Advice - Preservation is encouraged by providing a process for the Preservation Commission to review any proposed exterior changes to the register properties, as well as relocation or demolition.
• Markers - Markers are provided and installed by the City for all properties on the register.
• Special Property Tax Valuation for Qualified Renovations - A state law enacted in 1985 provides a 10-year special property tax valuation for approved renovations to historic properties on the local register. Such renovations must cost at least 25% of the building's value. Additional information is available from the City of Aberdeen's Community Development Department.

5. What is not affected by placement and what is not reviewed?

Placement on the register does not affect the use of the structure, nor does it require repairs or restoration. Listing on the city's Historic Register is an honorary designation denoting significant association with the historic, archaeological, engineering or cultural heritage of the community. Properties are listed individually or as contributing properties to an historic district.

Repair & Maintenance & Emergency Measures

Prior to the commencement of any work on a Historic Register property, excluding ordinary repair and maintenance and emergency measures that are defined in AMC 17.50050, the owner must request and receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Commission for the proposed work. Violation of this rule shall be grounds for the Commission to review the property for removal from the register.

Waiver of a Certificate of Appropriateness

Prior to whole or partial demolition of a registered property, the owner must request and receive a waiver of a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Commission.

6. What buildings are eligible?

• Residential, Industrial or Commercial buildings which:
  • Are on the Aberdeen Historic Register or are in a Historic District and:
    • Have lost major historic features that are being restored in the renovation project for which the property tax valuation is being claimed
    • Have retained major historic features
  • Have been substantially rehabilitated. Actual Cost of Rehabilitation means costs incurred within 24 prior to the date application and directly resulting from one or more of the following:
    • All cost defined as qualified rehabilitation expenditures for purposes of the federal historic preservation investment tax credit
    • Architectural and engineering services attributable to the design of the improvements
    • Improvements outside of but directly attached to the original structure which is necessary to make the building fully useable but shall not include rentable/habitable floor-space attributable to new construction
    • Improvements to an existing building located on or within the perimeters of the original structure
  • The actual cost of rehabilitation shall be at least 25% of the assessed valuation of the historic property, exclusive of the assessed value attributable to the land, prior to rehabilitation.
  • Retain their historic character after rehabilitation. The Washington State Advisory Council's Standards for the Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Historic Properties or State Advisory Council's Standards are the rehabilitation and maintenance standards used by the Aberdeen Historic Preservation Commission as minimum requirements for determining whether or not a historic property is eligible for special valuation and whether or not the property continues to be eligible for special valuation one it has been so classified.

7. What are the requirements after approval?

• Agreement: The building must be protected during the ten-year exemption period by a historic preservation agreement which must include the following provisions:
  • The building must be in sound structural condition and maintained according to Washington State standards.
  • The owner must obtain approval from the Historic Preservation Commission prior to making improvements.
  • The property must be visible from a public right-of-way or made available for public view one day a year.
  • If the property is sold, the new owner must sign a new agreement to continue the special valuation.
• Appeals:
  • Any decision of the Commission acting on any application for classification as a historic property, eligible for special valuation, may be appealed to Superior Court under Chapters 34.05.510 RCW and 34.05.598 RCW in addition to any other remedy of law.
  • Any decision on the disqualification of historic property eligible for special valuation, or any other dispute, may be appealed to the City of Aberdeen Council.
  • Standing to appeal the Commission's decision shall be limited to the following person(s) pursuant to the Washington State Land Use Petition Act (36.70C.060 RCW):
    • The applicant and/or the owner of the property to which the Commission's decision is directed
    • Person(s) aggrieved or adversely affected by the Commission's decision, or who would be aggrieved or adversely affected by a reversal or modification of the commission's decision
• Penalties: Owners who fail to comply with their agreement or other program requirements must pay:
  • All back taxes which would have been otherwise owed
  • Interest on back taxes
  • A penalty equal to 12% of back taxes and interest

8. What is the special valuation review procedure?

• Before beginning work, contact the City of Aberdeen Community Development Department for more information and to arrange a preliminary review of renovation plans.
• Individual or historic district placement on a local, State or National register is necessary before applying for the special valuation program. Application for placement on the Aberdeen Historic Register may be made by contacting the Community Development Department at the City of Aberdeen.
• After work is complete, apply to the City of Aberdeen no later than 24 months after the beginning date of the rehabilitation work. Application forms are available from the Community Development Department at the City of Aberdeen. A final review and decision by the Aberdeen Historic Preservation Commission and the Aberdeen City Council will be arranged before December 31 of that year.
• Applications made before October 1, will be heard by the end of the year; the new value will be calculated the next year, and the new tax goes into effect the following year. Applications received after October 1, will be processed in the following year.

Example

• By October 1, 2010: Application is made.
• By December 31, 2010: Preservation Commission conducts final reviews
• 2011: Assessor determines new tax
• 2012 and 2013: New tax goes into effect for ten years

9. What are the submittal requirements for Aberdeen Historic Tax Applications?

A complete application shall consist of the following documentation:

• A legal description of the historic property.
• Comprehensive exterior and interior photographs of the historic property before and after rehabilitation.
• Architectural plans or other legible drawings depicting the completed rehabilitation work.
• A notarized affidavit attesting to the actual cost of the rehabilitation work completed prior to the date of application and the period of time during which the work was performed and documentation of both to be made available to the Commission upon request.
• For properties located within historic districts, in addition to the standard application documentation, a statement from the Secretary of the Interior or appropriate local official, as specified in local administrative rules or by the local government, indicating the property, is a certified historic structure is required.

10. What is the criteria for review by the commission?

In its review the Commission shall determine if the properties meet all the following criteria:

• The property is a historic property.
• The property is included within a class of historic property determined eligible for Special Valuation by the city.
• The property has been rehabilitated at a cost which meets the definition set forth in RCW 84.26.020(2) and as identified in AMC 17.50.020I within twenty-four months prior to the date of application.
• The property has not been altered in any way which adversely affects those elements which qualify it as historically significant as determined by applying the Washington State Advisory Council's Standards for the Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Historic Properties under WAC 254-20-100(1) and AMC 17.50.060(4).

11. Now that I am listed on the Historic Register what do I need to know about the future repairs, upgrades, and additions to my home or building?

The first step is to set up a meeting with the City of Aberdeen, Community Development Department to discuss the plans for your property and to determine whether or not a Certificate of Appropriateness (CA) is necessary for the proposed work. Whenever a building permit or other City approval is applied for on a Historic Register property, whether or not the project requires a CA, the Commission shall be notified. If the activity is not exempt from review by the Commission, City staff shall notify the applicant of the review requirements. The city shall not issue any permit for work on the property until a Certificate of Appropriateness is received from the Commission. City staff shall assist the Commission in considering building and fire code requirements. 

Considerations

The Commission will review the proposed work for the following considerations:

• The owner or his/her agent (architect, contractor, lessee, etc.) shall apply to the Commission for a review of proposed changes on Historic Register property or within a historic district and request a Certificate of Appropriateness or, in the case of demolition, a waiver. Each application for review or proposed changes shall be accompanied by such information as is required by the Commission in its rules for review of the proposed project.
• The Commission shall meet with the applicant and review the proposed work according to the design review criteria established in rules. All action taken on the application shall be taken at a regular meeting of the Commission or, if the review is conducted at a special meeting, action shall be taken only after public notice as provided in AMC 17.50.040B(5).
• The Commission shall complete its review and make its recommendations in writing within 30 calendar days from its meeting with the applicant unless the commission requests an extension from the applicant.
• The Commission's recommendations shall be in writing and shall state the findings of fact and conclusions relied upon in reaching its decision. The Commission shall issue a Certificate of Appropriateness upon the owner's acceptance of the Commission's recommendations. Any conditions agreed to by the applicant shall become conditions of approval of the permits granted by the city.
• The Commission's recommendations and any Certificate of Appropriateness issued shall be transmitted to the building and zoning official. No permit shall be issued by the city unless a Certificate of Appropriateness has been issued.

Original Condition

The Historic Preservation Commission does not expect that buildings remain exactly as when they were built, nor does it expect that buildings will be restored to their original condition. Contemporary design for alterations and additions will be encourage when they do not destroy historical material and when the design is compatible with the size, scale, material and character of the property and its environment. Compliance is voluntary unless the property is in one of the city's historic districts, then it is mandatory.

12. What do I do now? My property is listed on the Historic Register and it needs to be demolished.

A waiver of the Certificate of Appropriateness is required before a permit may be issued to allow whole or partial demolition of a Historical Register property or property in a Historic District. The Commission shall grant a waiver if it finds the property in questions meets any of the following criteria and if the proposed demolition is determined to substantially improve or correct any of the following conditions:

• The property constitutes a hazard to the safety of the public or to the structure's occupants.
• The property is a deterrent to a major improvement program that will be of substantial benefit to the community and the applicant proposing the work has obtained all necessary planning and zoning approvals, financing and environmental clearances.
• Retaining the property will cause undue financial hardship to the owner when a governmental action, an act of God, or other events beyond the owner's control created the hardship and all feasible alternatives to eliminate the financial hardship, which may include offering the resource for sale at its fair market value or moving the resource to a vacant site within the historic district, have been attempted and exhausted by the owner.
• Retaining the property is not in the interest of the majority of the community.

Review of the Proposed Demolition & Request a Waiver

The owner or his/her agent shall apply to the Commission for a review of the proposed demolition and request a waiver. The applicant shall meet with the Commission in an attempt to find alternatives to demolition. The Commission shall issue its decision, in writing, within 45 calendar days from the initial meeting with the applicant, unless either party grants an extension. If no alternative to demolition has been agreed to during the review process, the Commission shall issue a written decision granting or denying the waiver. A copy of the Commission's decision shall be provided to the official in charge of issuing the demolition permit.

Commissioner Reviews

• The official in charge of issuing the demolition permit may include a condition allowing the Commission up to 45 additional calendar days to develop alternatives to demolition.
• The Commission may require any owner granted a waiver to document the loss of the Historic Register property by means determined by the Commission, which shall at a minimum include recent or historic photographs of the interior and exterior, construction plans if available, and a written history of the building outlining the historic significance.
• Any conditions agreed to by the applicant in the review process shall become conditions of approval of the permits granted by the city.
• The Commission shall remove the property from the city's Historic Register after the property is demolished.

13. What if I do not agree with the commission’s findings?

Any Commission decision regarding issuance or denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness or waiver of a Certificate of Appropriateness may be appealed to the City Council within ten days. Standing to appeal the Commission's decision shall be limited to the following person(s), pursuant to the Washington State Land Use Petition Act (36.70C.060 RCW):

• The applicant and/or the owner of property to which the Commission's decision is directed.
• Person(s) aggrieved or adversely affected by the Commission's decision, or who would be aggrieved or adversely affected by a reversal or modification of the Commission's decision.

Appeals must be in writing and clearly state the errors of fact or law alleged. Any appeal from the decision of the City Council must be filed in Superior Court and served on the city no later than 21 calendar days following the date of the City Council's decision or appeal is thereafter barred.

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Jail

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1. Is my friend in jail?

See Grays Harbor County Jail register

 

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Property Rental Licensing and Inspection

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1. What is the Rental Registration and Inspection Program (RRIP)?

The City passed an ordinance creating the Rental Registration and Inspection Program (RRIP). The RRIP requires all landlords to register their properties with the City and have them inspected at least once every three years.

2. Why does my home need an inspection?

The RRIP helps ensure rental housing in Aberdeen is safe and meets basic living standards. The program was established to protect tenants from living in poorly maintained properties. 

3. When will I know my unit/s will need an inspection?

The City will send letters out to landlords when their inspection year comes up. The inspection year is based on the ward location. That will determine when the inspection  year.

We divided the City in threes sections. The first year of inspections are Wards 4 and 6. The second year will be Wards 3 and 5. The third year will be Wards 1 and 2.

4. Who will do the inspection?

A City building inspector or a private inspector who is approved by the City to perform inspections.

5. Will the inspector look at my personal possessions?

No. A rental inspection is NOT a look at your possessions or what you do in the rental unit. An inspector will NOT go through your personal items.

6. How will I know when my units will be inspected?

Rental properties must be inspected every three years, although they may be inspected sooner if a has been filed with the Property Maintenance Division. Your landlord must notify you at least 48 hours before your building or unit is inspected. You should work with your landlord to arrange access for the inspector.

7. Do I have to get another inspection if my tenant moves out?

Once the unit/s have passed an inspection. The inspection is good for three years when it has been issued a Certificate of Compliance.

8. Why am I receiving letters from the City when I have a property management company handling my rental/s?

The duty of the Property Maintenance inspector is to contact the owner. It is the owners responsibility to contact their property management company.

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Prosecutor FAQ's

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1. Can I make an appointment to talk to the Prosecuting Attorney?

Yes. Any person can make an appointment with the prosecuting attorney.  You may call 360-537-3231 and speak with the Prosecutors assistant.  Please have the case number, the police report number (SR Number), the suspect name before you call. 

2. How do I find out if an offender has been released from prison?

To find out if a defendant has been released from jail, please the Aberdeen Police Department or visit the jail roster web page.

3. I feel that a crime has been committed. How do I press charges? Can I report a crime directly to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office?

Immediately report the crime to the Aberdeen Police Department. Once a police report is made, the crime can be investigated and the prosecutor can take action. This action can include seeking a Restraining Order ("No Contact" Oder) from the court or making criminal charges. When you provide the officer your statement as to what happen you can inform the officer that you want to press charges against the person.  The officer should include that information in his/her report which is forwarded to the Prosecutors office.

4. Is there a warrant out for me?

You will need to contact the court at 360-533-5411 to find out whether you have a warrant out for your arrest.

5. I need child support can you help me?

No. The prosecuting attorney cannot assist you in seeking child support.

6. I want a divorce, I want to sue someone, or I want to adopt a child can the Prosecuting Attorney's office help me?

No. The prosecuting attorney cannot assist you in your divorce, or other civil proceeding.  You will need to hire a private attorney, or contact with the Northwest Justice Project if you cannot afford a civil attorney.

7. I want to file a Civil Lawsuit.

The prosecuting attorney cannot assist an individual seeking to file a civil lawsuit.

8. Does the Legal Department provide copies of police reports?

Yes, the Legal Department can provide you a copy of a police report, but that request should go through the Aberdeen Police Department.

9. I want a protection order to keep my husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend or family member away from me. Will the Prosecuting Attorney's office help me?

If a person is a victim of a domestic violence crime, i.e. a victim of a crime committed by a family/household member, or the defendant and the victim were in a dating relationship, yes the City can request a no contact order.

10. I want a protection order against the person who committed a crime against me. Will the Prosecuting Attorney's office help me?

Maybe.  If you are a victim of a domestic violence crime, i.e. a victim of a crime committed by a family/household member, or was in a dating relationship with the suspect, yes a no contact order can be entered.  If the suspect was a stranger or a friend, no the City cannot obtain a formal no contact order.  The victim will need to obtain a civil anti-harassment order in district court 2.

11. Can I talk to the Prosecuting Attorney? I think that's the person who is working my case.

Yes, the victim of a crime can/should contact the prosecuting attorney to speak him about your case.  You will need to contact the Legal Department at 360-537-3231.  Please have the case number, the defendant’s name, the police report/SR Number available.

12. Where do I report for jury duty?

Please contact the court at 360-533-5411 or visit the Washington State Courts Jury Duty website.

13. I am a victim in a criminal case and I want to drop the charges. Can I do that?

No, a victim of a crime cannot make the decision to drop charges against a defendant.  A victim who wants to drop charges can contact the Prosecutors office and sign a waiver of prosecution.  At that time the victim can speak with the Prosecutor and discuss the reasons for the decision. The City is not bound by the victim’s request to drop charges, but does take into consideration the victim’s wishes.

14. Why am I a witness? I didn't see the crime occur.

A witness can encompass many things.  A witness can observe the alleged event.  A witness can be the person who tested a substance, like a blood sample for a DUI case. A witness can also be a person who made a copy of a video of the alleged incident, that person will testify about whether the recording equipment was working properly on the date and time of the alleged incident. 

15. As a witness, do I have to talk in front of the defendant in court?

If a case goes to trial, any witness will have to testify in court.  The defendant will be present in the courtroom along with his/her attorney.  The defendant will most likely not talk to you. He/she will most likely on speak to their attorney. 

16. Who will be with me in court?

If the case is a domestic violence case, the victim will have the domestic violence advocate present in the courtroom.  I may also contact the Grays Harbor Domestic Violence Center to see if they have someone available to be present as well if necessary.  If the case is a non-domestic violence case, I try to have my assistant available to talk to you and reassure you while you wait to provide testimony. 

17. How long will I be at court as a witness?

It depends.   A witness is generally required to appear by 9:00 am on the day of trial.  The person will have to wait in the lobby until they are called as a witness.  Prior to the testimony phase of the trial, a jury must be selected and opening statements must be given.  The shortest wait period would be an hour, but it could easily be three hours if not longer.  If it is going to be a long wait period, the legal department will contact you prior to trial to give you a better estimate of when to appear.

18. What do I do if I can't attend court as a witness on the date stated in the subpoena?

If you cannot appear on the schedule date of the subpoena, please contact the Legal Department immediately.  The City can request a continuance for good cause.

19. What happens at arraignment?

At arraignment a defendant pleads guilty or not guilty and is appointed counsel if he/she qualifies for the public defender.  In addition, pre-trial release conditions are entered, and bail may be imposed.  Finally, if the crime is a domestic violence a no contact order may be entered.

20. I have a complaint about my attorney, who do I contact?

If you have a complaint with the public defender, please contact the City of Aberdeen Human Resources Department.

21. Can I get my warrant quashed?

If you have a warrant you can pay $100.00 warrant quash fee you can pay this fee online or if you are unable to afford the $100.00 warrant quash fee please write a letter to the court.

22. Who is my attorney?

Currently, the City has contract with Helix Law as our main public defender’s office.  There are two attorneys in that office, Brittany Stephens and Seng Hamilton.  The City also uses two other attorneys as conflict counsel.

23. Can I just pay my fine(s) and not have a court date?

Maybe, paying a fine will not make a court date go away on a criminal charge.  You will need to plead guilty before a court can assess a penalty which could include jail time.  If the charge is a parking ticket or traffic infraction a person may pay the fine, and will not need to appear for a later court date. 

24. What if I don't show up to my court date?

A warrant for your arrest will be issued if you do not appear in court.  If you know in advance that you will not be present in court, please contact the Prosecutors office or the court to request a continuance

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Public Records Request

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1. How do I submit a Public Records Request?

Fill out the Public Records Request form. Fax to 360-532-9137 or drop off in person at City Hall 200 E. Market St. Aberdeen, WA.

2. Can I See All City Records?

No, Federal, State and/or City law restricts access to some records. The City may withhold restricted records in their entirety, or may "redact" (black out) part of a record depending on the statutory rules.

3. Will my request for records be kept confidential?

No, your request becomes a public record and can be requested and/ or viewed by others.

4. How are the five business days calculated when responding to a public records request?

RCW 42.56.520 provides that a response to a request for public records must be made by the agency within five business days. The day the request is received does not count as one of the five days. RCW 1.12.040 provides: "The time within which an act is to be done, as herein provided, shall be computed by excluding the first day, and including the last, unless the last day is a holiday, Saturday, or Sunday, and then it is also excluded." The general statute appears to be of application throughout the state statutes.

5. Must the City copy records at no charge for non-profit organizations?

No. Public records law allows a city to recover a reasonable charge for providing copies of public records to any person. This applies to nonprofit corporations as well as private citizens or businesses. The charge may not exceed the amount necessary to reimburse the agency for its actual costs and may not include staff time needed to retrieve the documents.

6. What is third party notification?

If records contain information that may affect others and may be exempt from disclosure, the City may send a notice to those parties informing them of the request prior to providing the records to the requestor.

7. When is a request considered abandoned?

If a requestor fails to fulfill their obligations to inspect, respond to clarification from by City staff, or make any payment in the allotted time period, the City may close the request and consider it abandoned.

8. How does the City handle large requests?

Large requests may be handled in installments.

9. Where can I find Council meeting recordings, minutes and agendas?

City of Aberdeen Council Meeting recordings, meeting minutes and agendas once posted can be found here:

https://aberdeenwa.gov/AgendaCenter

10. How do I get Birth/Death, Marriage, or Divorce certificates?

These are not City of Aberdeen records.  You can obtain information on how to obtain copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates from the Washington State Department of Health Center for Health Statistics at http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/BirthDeathMarriageandDivorce/AboutCertificates.

11. Must the City agree to provide copies of “future records”?

No. A future record is one that does not exist today but may be created in the future. If there is no "writing," there can be no "public record" and, accordingly, there can be no requirement to allow inspection or copying as a result of a current request. Obviously, if a future request is made and the record then exists, the request will need to be considered. The City's obligation is confined to existing records.

12. What public records are exempt from disclosure?

In general, public records that are exempt from public disclosure are those in the categories listed in RCW 42..56.230 through 42.56.480.  Reference must be made to this statute to determine on a case-by-case basis whether a particular record is exempt. When a city denies a request for disclosure of a public record, it must identify the specific statutory exemption upon which the denial is based and it must provide a brief explanation of how that exemption applies. RCW 42.56.520. It should be kept in mind, however, that certain statutes outside of the public records law also prohibit disclosure of particular records.

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Public Works - Stormwater

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1. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is water from rain or melting snow that "runs off" across the land instead of seeping into the ground. This runoff usually flows into the nearest stream, creek, river, lake or ocean. The runoff is not treated in any way.

2. What is allowed in storm drains?

Local laws prohibit anything other than uncontaminated rain water from entering the storm drain system. Never pour anything into a gutter, street or storm drain.

3. What are catch basins?

A catch basin is a curbside receptacle whose function is to convey water from streets and other urban surfaces into the storm drain system. The design of this drainage structure includes a sump that captures and temporarily stores some pollutants such as oils and sediment. Regular maintenance to clean out the sump removes the stored pollutants and prevents them from washing further into the storm drain system and into receiving waters such as the Chehalis River.

4. What is an illicit discharge?

Stormwater regulations define an "illicit discharge" as "any discharge to a municipal separate storm sewer that is not composed entirely of stormwater" (except discharges resulting from fire fighting activities and a few other categories). 

Common sources of non-stormwater dry weather discharges in urban areas include:

• Airports
• Apartments and homes
• Car washes
• Gas stations
• Landfills
• Restaurants

These so called "generating sites" and include, among other substances:

• Antifreeze
• Discharge sanitary wastewater
• Gasoline and fuel spills
• Motor oil
• Septic system effluent
• Vehicle wash water
• Washdown from grease traps

Although these illicit discharges can enter the storm drain system in various ways, they generally result from either direct connections (e.g, wastewater piping either mistakenly or deliberately connected to the storm drains) or indirect connections (e.g, infiltration into the storm drain system, spills, or "midnight dumping"). Illicit discharges can be further divided into those discharging continuously and those discharging intermittently.

Report an illicit discharge online

Click here to open reporting form

5. How can I report a spill?

To report a spill or an illicit discharge, contact Jeff Springer at 360-537-3393.

6. What can I do to prevent stormwater pollution?

By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can keep common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and out of stormwater. Adopt these healthy household habits and help protect our lakes, streams, rivers and wetlands.

7. How can I help?

You can help reduce pollution in our stormwater by avoiding the release of chemicals or pollutants into the waterways. You can also help by participating with the Grays Harbor Stream Team in cleaning up local waterways.

8. Why manage stormwater?

The ultimate goal of stormwater management is to maintain the health of streams, lakes and aquatic life as well as provide opportunities for human uses of water by mitigating the effects of urban development. To achieve this goal stormwater management strives to maintain the natural hydrologic cycle, prevent an increased risk of flooding, prevent undesirable stream erosion, and protect water quality.

9. Do catch basins and storm drains get cleaned out?

Yes. The City regularly performs maintenance activities; including cleaning, of the storm drain system. In addition, the City crews are always available to respond to emergency situations where clogged storm drains result in flooding.

10. Why doesn’t the City clean out all of the storm drains before a storm?

City crews clean out clogged catch basins throughout the year as part of on to going maintenance. Unfortunately, there are just too many catch basins and not enough time. Residents can reduce flooding in their neighborhoods by keeping material out of the storm drain system or clean debris around the catch basin when performing landscape maintenance.

11. What are the metal buttons that are above catch basins around Aberdeen?

Those buttons were placed above catch basins as a reminder to citizens that the catch basins drain to the streams, and should not have any discharge into the catch basin that is not rainfall.

12. What discharges are allowed in catch basins?

The only discharge that is allowed in catch basins is rainfall.

13. What is the Stormwater Rate?

The Stormwater Rate is $8.69 per month.

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Utility Billing

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1. Can I pay my City of Aberdeen, WA utility bill online?

Yes - go to the Payment Portal,   All you need is your account number and your house number.  You can find this information at the top of your bill.

2. I just bought a home in the City of Aberdeen. How do I set up my account for water and sewer services?

1 - Please complete the Utility Services Activation Form and return it to me via e-mail.  Please use the date of closing as the date of activation.

2 – Once the closing has been completed, you will need to provide Proof of Ownership by sending me a final settlement statement from the title company. This form is often labeled American Land Title Association.

3 - Once you are ready to activate service, please contact LeMay of Grays Harbor to set up garbage service. Their number is (360) 533-1251. If the residence will be occupied, you or the tenant must have garbage service before the water can be activated. If the residence will be vacant, and you do not currently need garbage service there, you can put the service on a "Vacation Hold" for up to 4 months in a calendar year. During a vacation hold, no charges are accrued. We are not able to activate the utilities until garbage service is established as per Aberdeen Municipal Code. LeMay will send me an e-mail confirmation once the account has been set up.

3. Can I have my City of Aberdeen bill paid by auto-pay?

At this time, we only offer automatic payments from a checking or savings account and is processed through our office. If you choose to sign up for this service - the withdrawal will occur on the 4th of each month, unless that happens to be a weekend or holiday. In either of those cases, the withdrawal will occur on the next business day.  The auto pay system is set up to withdraw the TOTAL AMOUNT DUE on your utility account at the time of withdrawal. Please remember that if the funds are not available on the day that they are withdrawn, there will be an NSF fee assessed to your utility account and your services may be in danger of being turned off.

You will need to fill out the Utility Automatic Bill Paying Authorization Form form and include a voided check or document from your bank supplying the routing number and account number that you would like to use.  If you would like the current bill paid via the auto-pay program, please be sure to return the form by the 20^th of the current month.

4. I just sold my house in Aberdeen and want to close my account.

You must complete the Discontinue Services Form and return it to the Finance Department at City Hall by 2:00pm on the day that you would like services stopped.

5. I am a homeowner and would like to select a Property Manager for my house in Aberdeen.

You will need to complete the Property Manager Designation Form and return to the Finance Department at City Hall. This would allow the person or agency of your choosing to act on your behalf and would give them all the rights and privileges to make changes to your utility accounts.

6. I have a tenant living in my home in the City of Aberdeen and I want them to set up water in their name.

In the City of Aberdeen, tenants are not able to set up service in their name as the utility charges are lienable against the property. Homeowners or designated property managers must complete a Tenant Authorization Form, which will ensure that the tenant will receive a copy of the bill with their name on it. If the completed form is not received by the end of the month, you will continue to receive the bill and it will be between you and the tenant to take care of the charges.

7. I just got my utility bill from the City of Aberdeen and it is more than it usually is.

Please call Water Customer Service at (360) 537-3213 or (360) 537-3223 to discuss the high consumption.  

8. I am a tenant that just moved into a house in Aberdeen, how can I set up water services in my name?

In the City of Aberdeen, tenants are not able to do this as the utility charges are lienable against the property. Homeowners or designated property managers must complete a Tenant Authorization Form, which will ensure that the tenant will receive a copy of the bill with their name on it. If the completed form is not received by the end of the month, the owner will continue to receive the bill and it will be between you and the owner to take care of the charges.  Please keep in mind that we do not bill tenants for partial months unless the service has been turned off between tenants. 

9. Why do I have to have garbage service?

Title 13 of the Aberdeen Municipal Code states that garbage service is compulsory and mandatory upon all persons, dwellings and business establishments within the city.  If your property is located within the city limits, there must be active garbage service in order to keep the utility services active. If there is a tenant living on the premises, the tenant may establish service.

Please contact LeMay of Grays Harbor at (360) 533-1251 to set up service. Once the service is established, they will send us a confirmation e-mail. 

10. What do I do if my water was shut off and I got a yellow notice on my front door?

1. Make a payment on your account.  You must pay at least the PAST DUE amount to have the services restored.  You can go to City Hall to make a payment or you can visit the payment portal to make your payment.  Your payment must be made with CASH, MONEY ORDER or CREDIT/DEBIT CARD.  
2. If you make a payment on our payment portal you will need to call (360) 537-3210 to notify the billing department that your payment has been made and that your service needs to be restored.
3. Payments must be made by 3:30pm for service to be restored the same day.

11. How can I pay my City of Aberdeen Bill?

• Use your Visa/MasterCard, cash, check, money order during business hours at City Hall.
• Drop a check or money order off in the drop box located in the alley behind City Hall.
• Visit the payment portal to make a payment online.