In a move aimed at curbing persistent public safety concerns tied to after-hours establishments, the Seattle City Council has passed new legislation expanding the city’s Chronic Nuisance Properties Ordinance. The bill was approved Monday by a 7-1 vote.
Council Bill 121006, introduced by Mayor Bruce Harrell and sponsored by Public Safety Committee Chair Bob Kettle (District 7), broadens the definition of what constitutes a chronic nuisance property. Key updates include the addition of liquor-related violations, possession and sale of stolen property, and certain civil health and safety infractions to the list of qualifying offenses. It also allows nuisance activity that occurs near — but not directly on — a property to count toward a nuisance designation, provided there is a clear link between the property and the conduct.
“Updating the current ordinance is an important part of our broader strategic public safety framework,” said Councilmember Kettle. “The previous version lacked the flexibility to address modern challenges, particularly those tied to recurring violence, trafficking, and other high-risk activity. This amendment gives law enforcement more tools to protect our communities.”
Mayor Harrell praised the Council’s decision, noting the legislation will help the city respond more effectively to establishments that repeatedly attract crime.
“Public safety is our highest priority, and the City must be able to act quickly and decisively when a property becomes a persistent source of dangerous criminal activity and disorder,” said Harrell. “This is an important step in protecting our neighborhoods and improving quality of life for our residents.”
Councilmember Rob Saka, Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Committee and a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized its alignment with broader city efforts to manage unsafe properties.
“Building on the authority we recently gave our Fire Chief to address unsafe buildings, this legislation creates another vital enforcement tool to help ensure neighborhood safety,” Saka said.
The city’s original Chronic Nuisance Properties Ordinance, adopted in 2009, defines a chronic nuisance property as one with three or more qualifying offenses within a 60-day period. These include drug activity, assault, prostitution, weapons violations, gang-related crimes, and obstructing traffic. Since its enactment, the law has been used just 17 times, most recently in April 2025 following a deadly shooting near a late-night venue.
Under the revised law, nuisance activity adjacent to or near a property may now contribute to a nuisance designation if it involves someone associated with the property and is tied by clear circumstances or evidence. The aim is to hold property owners and operators more accountable for illegal behavior linked to their premises, even if the activity spills beyond their physical boundaries.
The legislation will now head to Mayor Harrell’s desk for signature and final approval.
