The code of conduct should be the same for a public figure as anyone else, say a group of Shoreline residents, especially when it comes to the city zoning code.
Some residents are upset that, according to city documents, Lila Smith, chair of the 32nd District Democrats, has repeatedly violated zoning regulations by using a space above her garage as a living area or as rented business space.
“We would think that people who represent the public in the political arena would be honest in their dealings,” said Smith’s neighbor, Beth O’Neill.
The property is owned by Smith and her husband, Gregory Smith, in the 2300 block of NW 199th Street.
Smith, who has come into compliance after each complaint was investigated by city staff, feels her neighbors’ concern is a personal attack motivated by politics.
“I would say it is clearly political in nature and is a pattern,” Smith said.
O’Neill submitted a petition to Shoreline Council members on Monday, Sept. 11, signed by 177 Shoreline residents who object to Smith’s use of her property during the past few years.
In the time since the garage was completed, neighbors say the upstairs space has been repeatedly used as an accessory dwelling unit by Smith and her husband and other parties. It was rented for a short time to a software business, O’Neill said. Neighbors say another person is now living in the space over the garage, spending nights in the garage, rather than in the main house.
Cathy Taylor, who spoke at the Council meeting, said that ads on the Web site craigslist have advertised the garage space for rent. The ads recently advertised the garage office space and a bedroom in the house as a package, she said.
“The reality is that (the tenant) sleeps in the garage every night,” Taylor said.
O’Neill said the space above the garage has been advertised as “perfect for band practice,” which further demonstrates disregard for neighbors.
This is the second petition submitted by Smith’s neighbors. The first, signed by more than 120 people, was submitted to the council in June 2005.
According to a city documents, a building permit for the garage with a second story was issued in 2000 to Smith, with the applicant’s knowledge that the space could not be used as a living space because the property does not meet the criteria for a detached accessory dwelling unit.
According to public record, Smith was spoken to more than once about zoning laws on accessory dwelling units. City staff confirmed that the space above the garage was used as a living space or for outside business uses, according to a city news release. Each violation was addressed and the illegal use of the space was terminated, the release says.
Rachael Markle, assistant director of planning and development services, said voluntary compliance was requested of Smith in all cases.
People who receive what the city refers to as “Strike 1 violations” usually receive a letter and phone call and are given time to comply. If a deadline isn’t met, fines could be imposed, Markle said.
“We typically try to work with people to get voluntary compliance,” Markle said. “If they continually violate the code, that does escalate it.”
City staff are reviewing the documents and petition recently submitted and will provide council members with an update.
“While we can’t ask you to enforce honesty and integrity, we can ask you to enforce the law,” O’Neill said to council members.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
