Commonly Enforced Codes

Animals

Barking Dogs
Please keep dogs quiet.  Habitual or constant dog barking is prohibited.  Report concerns or questions to Ephrata Police by calling MACC at 509-762-1160. 
Dogs running at large
Report stray dog concerns or questions to Ephrata Police by calling MACC at 509-762-1160.

Buildings and Construction

Construction Noise
Noise from the construction of buildings or other developments is prohibited between 8pm and 7am, Monday through Saturday, and all of Sunday.  Report concerns or questions to Ephrata Police by calling MACC at 509-762-1160.  
Buildings & Structures in Disrepair
All buildings, fences, pools, and other structures must be maintained structurally sound and in good repair. Buildings shall not be open to the elements or persons.  Stagnant pool water is prohibited.

Report these violations to the Community Development Department through the Code Complaint form

Residential

Trash, Recycling & Yard Waste
Trash, recycling, and yard waste should be placed at the curb no sooner than 5 PM on the preceding day.  Food-related waste should be kept in rodent-proof containers with tight fitting lids (no bags).  Collection starts at 7 am on your trash day. Empty containers shall be removed from the curb by 7pm the evening after trash pickup.

Debris, vegetation, limbs, lawn clippings, lumber piles, wood piles, auto parts or bodies, garbage and the like, and storage of any materials in the alleys of the city of Ephrata, except in approved garbage or refuse carts or containers, do constitute and are hereby declared to be a public nuisance.

Report these violations to the Community Development Department through the Code Complaint form
Tall Grass & Weeds

Lawn grass and weeds must not exceed 12 inches height. Ornamental plants and grasses are exempt. Lawns and grasses located between private property lines and roads are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. This includes areas between sidewalks and roads and between fences and roads. If a fence in the back yard separates the property from the road, the property owner should maintain grass on both sides of the fence, up to the edge of the road.

Report these violations to the Community Development Department through the Code Complaint form

Vegetation and Streets/Sidewalks
It is the duty of the property owner to remove or destroy all trees, plants, shrubs or vegetation which overhang or obstruct any part of any sidewalk or street which obstructs or impairs the free and full use of the sidewalk or street by the public.

Report these violations to the Community Development Department through the Code Complaint form
Dead Vegetation: Fire/Safety Hazards
It is the duty of the property owner to remove or destroy all grass, weeds, shrubs, bushes, trees or vegetation growing or which has grown and died which are a fire hazard or a menace to public health, safety or welfare, either present or potential.

Report these violations to the Community Development Department through the Code Complaint form
Snow Shoveling
It is illegal to push snow from any property onto a City street. This creates a hazard for emergency crews and the driving public; it slows down plowing efforts, and violator's will be subject to a $47.00 fine.

Report these violations to Ephrata Police by calling MACC at 509-762-1160.
Garage Sale/Open House/Temporary Signs

The city does not allow box signs or posters on telephone poles. 

Temporary signs are allowed on private property subject to certain limitations. Signs that are placed in the public right-of-way (City property) will be removed by the City. Please check the regulations before displaying your sign by calling 509-754-4601 ext 123.

Vehicles

Abandoned Vehicles in the Street
Motor vehicles parked in the street for over 120 hours can be considered abandoned.  Unlicensed or junked vehicles in the street are prohibited at all times.  Report concerns or questions to Ephrata Police by calling MACC at 509-762-1160.
Junk or Unlicensed Vehicles
Motor vehicles parked or stored outside on private property shall not be unlicensed or in a non-operating condition for more than 5 days. Please park these vehicles within a garage or behind a privacy fence. Complaints regarding junk vehicles on private property should be submitted to the Community Development Department. 

Vehicles that are inoperable or do not have a valid registration may not be parked on city streets. Report these vehicles to Ephrata Police by calling MACC at 509-762-1160.
Recreational Vehicles

In residentially zoned districts, recreational vehicles can be parked on a city street for up to a 72 hour period. 

Recreational Vehicles can only be used as a residence in a designated RV park or campground. The Community Development Director is authorized to extend certain exceptions to this rule. Please contact Dan Leavitt at 509-754-4601 ext 124 to discuss exceptions. 

Commercial Vehicles on City Streets
Commercial vehicle is defined as:
Any vehicle exceeding 12,000 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight; including truck-tractors, truck and trailer combinations, truck-tractor and semi-trailer combinations, flatbeds, dump trucks, busses, trucks with three or more axles, mobile home transporter vehicles, or the like.

Or vehicles exceeding 8 feet, 6 inches in width, or 14 feet in height, or 20,000 lbs load per axle.

Commercial vehicles may not be parked on City Streets or Alleyways at any time UNLESS:
The vehicle is engaged in construction or activity licensed, permitted, or otherwise authorized by the City of Ephrata.

The vehicle is involved in a collision or mechanical failure may remain up to 84 hours, provided; the vehicle has not been marked by law enforcement per RCW 46.55.085, the vehicle or trailer may be moved out of the driving lane, coned properly, and does not violate RCW 46.61.571 or other EMC.

The vehicle is engaged in deliveries, loading or unloading; vehicles supporting a short-term ongoing activity, such as moving, concrete pouring, or the like.