Code Enforcement


Code Enforcement – The Building Official acts as the code enforcement officer for all building, zoning, and nuisance regulations. Economic Development – The Department acts as the Economic Development agency for the City of Yelm. The City’s economic strategy is to retain and support existing businesses while attracting new jobs and services.

The primary intent of all enforcement actions described is to educate the public and to encourage the voluntary correction of violations. Civil and criminal penalties will be used only when necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of the codes to which this chapter applies. Criminal charges will be brought only when civil remedies have failed to ensure compliance.

Enforcement and Duty to Enforce -  Regulations are for the benefit of health, safety, and welfare of the general public, and not for the benefit of any particular person or class of persons.


The community development department is authorized to enforce the regulations and may call upon law enforcement, public works, or other appropriate city departments to assist in enforcement as stated in the Yelm Municipal Code.

Stop Work Order - Whenever a continuing violation of the Unified Development Code will materially impair the administrator’s ability to secure compliance with this code, or when any person is proceeding in defiance of permit requirements, the administrator may issue a stop work order specifying the violation and prohibiting any work or other activity at the site. The stop work order shall be served on the person(s) responsible pursuant to the Yelm Municipal Code and shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises, if posting is reasonable and practical. Failure to comply with a stop work order shall constitute a violation and the business owner will be subject to penalty.

It is a violation of this chapter to remove or deface any sign, notice, complaint, or order required by or posted in accordance with this code.

Emergency Order - Whenever any use or activity in violation of the codes to which the enforcement provisions of this chapter apply threatens the health or safety of occupants of the premises or any member of the public, the administrator may issue an emergency order directing that the use or activity be discontinued and the condition causing threat to health and safety be corrected. The emergency order shall be served on the person(s) responsible pursuant to YMC 18.18.040, shall specify the time for compliance, and shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises, if posting is physically possible. Failure to comply with an emergency order shall constitute a violation of this chapter.