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1. How do I report a concern or a complaint?

All concerns/complaints to the city must be done so in written or electronic form. In order to ensure that every concern is appropriately addressed and to protect complainants from possible reprisal, every complainant must provide a written or electronic statement regarding the nature of their complaint. Complainants must provide their contact information, but can indicate that they wish to remain anonymous/confidential. (If a case were to make its way to court, it is possible that a judge could require a complainant to be named if their testimony is pertinent to the case) If you have any questions or wish to file a concern/complaint, visit Ask Longview. You will find the Submit Request button at the bottom of that page.

2. I noticed graffiti has shown up in our neighborhood. What should we do?

To report graffiti within Longview city limits, please call the police non-emergency number at 360-442-5800. If the graffiti does not get removed within two weeks, call the Code Compliance Division at 360-442-5093.

3. What are the regulations regarding tall grass and weeds?

All yards must be free from overgrown grass and weeds. Grass and shrub areas should be mowed, trimmed and kept weed-free. Lawn grass and weeds should not exceed 12-inches in height. Mow and trim ditch lines and right-of-way along the roadway.

4. My neighbor has a dog that barks throughout the night. Is there anything we can do?

If you have a complaint regarding an animal, the appropriate jurisdiction to call is the Humane Society of Cowlitz County, at 360-577-0151.

5. Whose responsibility is it to maintain alleys?

It is the city’s responsibility to maintain the alley roadways, such as grading and filling potholes. All other maintenance issues, such as overgrown vegetation, yard waste piles or illegally dumped household furnishings such as couches and mattresses are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to maintain, remove and properly dispose of.

6. What is the City’s position regarding accumulating junk and garbage on a property?

Any person owning, managing, renting or having control of property within the city must keep it in a condition that meets city regulated minimum maintenance standards set out in the Longview Municipal Code. Properties are to be kept free of unsightly accumulations of materials including, but not limited to:

• Garbage
• Inoperable vehicles
• Junk
• Litter
• Overgrown vegetation

7. What is the process once the city issues a Notice for violations found on a property?

When the Code Compliance division receives a complaint about a particular violation, the complaint is investigated. If it is determined that a violation exists, the owner of the property is sent a notice to correct the violation(s) within 14 days. If no progress is made within the 14-day period, a $500 fine per violation could be assessed against the owner.

8. What is voluntary compliance and what is a Voluntary Compliance Agreement?

The Code Compliance division will always look to resolve complaints by communicating with the owner or tenant and getting the problem resolved without having to initiate the enforcement process. In those instances where voluntary compliance could not be reached, or if the successful resolution would take longer than 14 days, a Voluntary Compliance Agreement (VCA) is the only way to avert enforcement and subsequent penalties. In determining the new deadlines for the VCA, the city will usually ask the owner or tenant what kind of time they would need to resolve the violation. If the city feels the proposed date is reasonable, those deadlines are put into the VCA, which would need to be signed by the owner or tenant to become effective.

9. What if the negotiated dates in a Voluntary Compliance Agreement pass and the violation is not completed?

As long as the problem is being addressed, the city will work with the owner or tenant in bringing the problem into compliance. That flexibility must be supported by the city is satisfied that the owner or tenant is working to get the problem corrected. As an example, going out once a week to move a few things around will not be construed as the owner or tenant working in earnest to resolve the problem, and any subsequent request to grant additional time outlined in the VCA will likely be denied.

10. What are the rules regarding garage sales? Can my neighbor have them every weekend?

Residents may conduct “garage,” “yard,” “estate,” or “moving” sales from their residences up to 20 days per calendar year. Each sales event may not exceed 4 consecutive days and the goods must be removed between sales. In addition:

• No goods or merchandise shall be offered for sale that does not belong to those conducting the sale
• No sale no sale shall commence prior to 8 a.m. or continue beyond 9 p.m.
• Signs for the sale shall not be placed more than six blocks or 2,400 feet from the place of the sale
• Signs must be removed within 24 hours of the event
• Signs shall not be placed on utility poles, trees, medians or other devices within the public right-of-way

11. What is the position of the city with regards to inoperable vehicles?

Any vehicle which is visible from public or private view that is inoperable, wrecked or dismantled, and/or is not registered or licensed must be stored/parked within an enclosed structure or screened from public view by a fence at least 6-feet tall. For a definition of “screened,” refer to LMC 16.30 Section 202 of the  Longview Municipal Code. This includes such other vehicles as all-terrain, boats or personal watercraft vehicles.

12. All vehicles are required to be parked on an “approved parking surface.” What is considered an approved surface?

An approved parking surface is defined as a permitted parking space designed for all motorized or non-motorized vehicles and is to be constructed using either asphalt or Portland cement concrete. All approved surfaces must also meet property setback requirements and measure 9 feet by 20 feet or 8.5 feet by 18 feet for compact spaces.

13. As summer approaches, what do I need to keep in mind if we want to purchase an above-ground swimming pool?

Swimming pools that have a depth of 24-inches or more are required by state law to be completely enclosed by a barrier or fence 48-inches or higher. For additional information, contact the Building Department at 360-442-5084 or the Code Compliance division at 360-442-5093.

14. What are the requirements regarding address numbers?

In the interest of ensuring public safety, in addition to the required front address numbers, those dwellings and businesses that have alley access are required to display their addresses with 5-inch numbers at the rear of the dwelling, shop, garage or business in a way that is clearly visible from the alley. Addresses on the backside are also very helpful when Waste Control tries to locate your address if the collection of your garbage or recycling is missed.

15. Need more information?

In an effort to serve you better, we have compiled common information that residents often require plus created an easy way for you to communicate with us. If you do not find what you are looking for, go ahead, ask a question, request a service, or give us some feedback. We are here to serve you! Ask Longview.