City Code Enforcement, Why It Matters

The following letter is published in the current issue of Home Town Clipper and the original copy was also sent to me. I think it encapsulates the sign issue neatly into terms that everyone can understand. More importantly, it can be read as a call to action regarding our city enforcing all codes that make DuPont a city of regional excellence; that is attractive to residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come.

Dear Editor,

You’ve probably seen all the signs that were accumulating in DuPont, out on Center, McNeil, and Wilmington Drives, over the weekends. The number of sandwich board signs was steadily growing year after year. So I did some research and found that the City of DuPont municipal code does not allow temporary signs out on our streets unless there is a permit. So I asked the City to enforce the code, and clean up our streets.

My motivation was simply to clear the community of a constant weekend eye sore running out of control, and in conflict with the values of our community. Residents in NW Landing pay a monthly $33 Resident Owners Association fee; ensuring homeowners keep their properties looking acceptable to meet our standards in the planned community. There is an intrinsic value we all hold in the aesthetics of our community based on that investment. It is important to note that residents in the Historic Village echo the concern with temporary signs growing out of control and share the same values of code enforcement.

Why does it matter? DuPont, with the instant access to Fort Lewis, is by nature a “transient” community, with high turnover of residents coming and going for regular Joint Base Lewis/McCord post assignments. At the same time, we are a uniquely planned and highly desirable location for military families, which keeps our property values above average compared to the other military gate communities around Pierce County. My goal is simple; let’s keep our community desirable, and growing in a planned, positive manner.

Our city government has struggled with the temporary sign issue for more than four years. All the while, the city code has required a permit be obtained through city hall to post temporary signs. The city must mature around its own ability to enforce the rules without bias or whisper agreements. Without holding to the standards of the code, then all rules and standards fall into question. Enforcing compliance, keeps the new growth of our community aligned with our values as defined in the municipal code.

Hopefully by the time you read this editorial, you will already see a change for the positive. Mayor Jenkins set direction in the April 13th City Council meeting to take corrective action. She is enforcing our municipal code and bringing a new level of maturity to City Hall operations. Our new City Administrator, Dawn Masko, will also work with community and business leaders to find a more permanent signage solution. I will be actively involved in that process, and will do what I can to help the City find a permanent solution that upholds the values of residents.

Scott Schenck
DuPont, WA

Make no mistake about the above letter, it is a confrontation, a challenge, a call to action presented to those elected to represent us, the citizens; so that we have a voice into city hall. “The city must mature around its own ability to enforce the rules without bias or whisper agreements. Without holding to the standards of the code, then all rules and standards fall into question.”

The results that you see with signs did not happen over night. It took weeks of dogged determination: Emails, phone calls, information requests, council meetings, and other follow up activities. This is only one issue and others remain, so consider it a beginning and a blue print for redress. It provided the right amount of discomfort to initiate change, but it also requires the city to take inventory of what is important in the bigger picture.