Code Enforcement

Junk / Junk Vehicle Ordinance 96-29

The purpose of this ordinance is to preserve the character and safety of the county neighborhoods by eliminating junk and junk vehicles.  Junk vehicles are defined as extensively damaged, or missing parts, are apparently inoperable, are without a valid title, and are more than three (3) years old.  Junk is defined as old appliances, equipment, junk vehicles, or the parts thereof, scrap metal, automotive tires, and any items which are not being used for their intended purpose.

This ordinance can only be enforced after the receipt of at least two separate (individual) written complaints from a citizen or property owner of Asotin County. This ordinance is also under review with recommended changes.

Open Burning Ordinance 06-14

The purpose of this ordinance is to assist with maintaining air quality and for the prevention of wildfires.  Restricted open burning is allowed from April 1 through May 31, and again October 15 trough December 15, satisfactory weather conditions permitting.  To determine if open burning is allowed on a given day during these time periods, call 243-2002 for information. Controlled burning is also only allowed if the following conditions are met:

• A competent person is in attendance of the burn at all times, and that the person has on hand a garden hose, other water supply or other adequate fire extinguishing equipment.
• The open burn is at all times 50 feet away from any building, structure or combustible material.
• The open burn shall only be conducted between 10:00am and 5:00pm.  The fire must be completely extinguished by 5:00pm
• The person conducting the open burn is in legal control of the land on which the burn is being done.
• The size of the open burn can be no larger than 4 feet by 4 feet by 3 feet.

Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited from being burned any time:

• Asphalt
• Building Materials
• Demolition Debris
• Garbage
• Grease
• Green Vegetation
• Lawn Clippings
• Leaves
• Oil
• Railroad Ties or Any Treated Wood
• Rubber
• Burn barrels are also prohibited at all times under State Law.

Noise Ordinance 04-44

The purpose of this ordinance is to control the level of noise in a manner which promotes public health, safety and welfare, as well as protects the value and enjoyment of property.

Maximum Permissible Sound Levels

The maximum permissible sound levels allowed in the county are as follows:

 Residential District Sound Source

Commercial District Sound Source

Industrial District Sound Source

Between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am. Monday through Friday, and between the hours of 10 pm and 7 am. Saturday through Sunday, the above decimal levels are lowered by ten decibels.

Exempt Sounds

The following sounds are exempt from the ordinance at all times:

• Sounds caused by fire alarms.
• Sounds created by emergency vehicles.
• Sounds created by the normal operation of motor vehicles on public roads.

Animal Ordinance 04-29

The purpose of this ordinance is to protect public health, safety and welfare by providing for the control of animals with the county, especially dogs. All dogs over 6 months of age that are kept in the county are required to be licensed. For more information on this see the Dog License section of the Sheriff’s Office website.

The owner, or responsible person, shall not allow their dogs to commit the following nuisances:

• Cause unprovoked injury or harm to any person while such person is in or on a public place or private property
• Chase or jump at vehicles using public roads
• Habitual howling, yelping or barking which disturbs any person or neighborhood to an unreasonable degree
• Run at large, whether licensed or not
• Snap, growl, snarl, jump at or upon, or otherwise threaten persons lawfully using public sidewalks or other public right of ways

For more information regarding Code Enforcement please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 509-243-4717.