Code Enforcement

What We Do

Common Code Enforcement Issues:

Property Maintenance / Nuisance Violations

• Overgrown vegetation or weeds
• Junk, trash, or debris accumulation
• Unsafe or deteriorated structures
• Graffiti on private property

Zoning Violations

• Unpermitted land use or structures
• Home businesses outside regulations
• Setback, height, or density violations

Vehicle Violations

• Abandoned/inoperable vehicles on private property
• Parking on lawns or unpaved surfaces
• Commercial vehicles in residential zones

Housing Code Violations

• Substandard or unsafe housing
• Lack of heat, water, or sanitation
• Illegal dwelling units

Construction Without Permits

• Building, plumbing, mechanical or electrical work without permits
• Unsafe or uninspected construction

Vacant or Foreclosed Properties

• Unsecured or blighted buildings
• Trash accumulation or vandalism
• Squatting prevention

What We Don't Do

What Code Enforcement Does Not Handle

This guide outlines common issues that fall outside the scope of Code Enforcement in the City of Bremerton. Please refer to the appropriate agency or department listed below.

Criminal Activity
Handled by: Bremerton Police Department

• Drug activity, theft, vandalism
• Trespassing, loitering, public disturbances, noise complaints
• Non-Emergency Phone: 360-473-5220
• Emergency Phone: Call 911

Civil Property Disputes
Handled by: Private Legal Counsel or Civil Court

• Property line disagreements
• Fence or tree encroachments
• Easement access issues
• These are private matters and not enforceable by the City
• Website: Dispute Resolution Center of Kitsap County

Landlord-Tenant Issues
Handled by: Washington State Landlord-Tenant Law

• Rent disputes, evictions
• Lease violations, security deposits
• Website: Washington State Landlord-Tenant

Wildlife or Animal Control
Handled by: Kitsap Humane Society / WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

• Stray or aggressive animals, barking dogs
• Wildlife concerns (raccoons, deer, etc.)
• Phone: Animal Control - 360-692-6977
• Website: Kitsap Humane Society | Animal Control
• Website: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Traffic & Parking on Public Streets
Handled by: Bremerton Police – Parking Enforcement (Impark)

• Illegal parking
• Abandoned vehicles on public roads
• Phone: 360-616-4808
• Website: City of Bremerton Parking Enforcement

Report A Violation

Report a violation using the Code Enforcement Complaint Form.

Or download the Bremerton1 app to your smartphone. Visit the Bremerton1 website. 

What Happens After I Report a Violation?

Typically, a Code Enforcement Officer will visit the site of the violation within 10 days of the City receiving the complaint. The Officer will evaluate the situation, possibly take photos, and determine whether a violation has occurred.

If a violation has occurred, Code Enforcement staff will begin the following compliance process. This format may vary based on the severity of the violation. It is the goal of Code Enforcement to gain compliance, not punish violators.

• If an ordinance or regulation is being violated, a Code Enforcement Officer will first send a courtesy letter to the owner of the property indicating the violation(s). The letter requests that the violation(s) be corrected within 21 days.
• If the violations are not corrected within the designated time frame, the Code Enforcement Officer will send a Correction Notice, indicating that the violation(s) is to be corrected within 21 days.  The Correction Notice also outlines the penalties for the violation, including a possible hearing date before the Administrative Hearing Examiner, and daily monetary penalties.
• If the violations are still not corrected, the Code Enforcement Officer may issue a Notice of Civil Violation (NOV). The NOV is sent certified mail to the property owner and will also be posted on the property. The NOV states the date, time and location of a hearing before the Administrative Hearing Examiner. The NOV also includes a statement indicating that the hearing will be canceled and no monetary penalty will be assessed if the code enforcement officer approves the completed, required corrective action by the date and time requested in the notice.

Please see the links below to access supporting codes, forms, and reports.

• Bremerton Municipal Code (BMC) Nuisance Code - Chapter 6.02 PUBLIC NUISANCES
• 2024 Code Enforcement Annual Report (PDF)
• Vacant Commercial Property Registration Form