Published June 3 2015
First application of new code amendment puts property owners on notice
Police Chief Steve Mylett recently notified two businesses in the city that they were being declared "chronic nuisance" properties under a city code amendment passed by the City Council in April. Passed in response to repeated complaints of prostitution at some businesses in the city, the amendment gives the Bellevue Police a powerful new tool to fight prostitution and human trafficking.
An investigation into the two businesses, Sunnyday Spa in Factoria and Jolee Spa in downtown Bellevue, revealed ongoing prostitution activity at both locations.
Bellevue City Code 9.10A.020, passed by the council on April 6, allows the police chief to declare a property a chronic nuisance if there are reports of at least three nuisance activities at the property within a 60-day period, or seven or more nuisance activities within a 12-month period.
Both properties that were served with the notices had three nuisance activities reported within 60 days. The activities included several prostitution-related offenses, as well as an assault report. A nuisance activity is defined as the promotion of prostitution or other prostitution-related offense, drug related activity or assault violations. The property owners have 15 days to respond to the notices, or face fines of up to $500 per day.
Chief Mylett stated, "These businesses were put on notice that prostitution activities and human trafficking in any form will not be tolerated in Bellevue. The men and women of the Bellevue Police Department are dedicated to holding property owners responsible for these activities."