Seattle council passes 'nuisance' law

The Seattle City Council voted Monday to make it easier for the city to shut down businesses and residences where there is frequent illegal activity.

Under the new city ordinance, property owners can get in trouble if there are three or more "nuisance activities" within 60 days or seven nuisance activities within a year. Owners would have a chance to reduce any illegal activity — such as drug use, fighting, prostitution or weapons — before the new ordinance would be enforced.

The city tried to crack down this summer on five motels on Aurora Avenue North where police said illegal activity was common. But the city couldn't shut down the motels, and instead targeted the owners for alleged tax violations.

Councilmember Tim Burgess, who sponsored the legislation, said police are doing their jobs, making "dozens of arrests," but that the city needed another tool.

The American Civil Liberties Union has expressed concerns about the legislation. Some of their concerns were addressed in amendments by Councilmember Nick Licata. He added a provision to protect victims of domestic violence when they are displaced, and a provision to provide relocation assistance to people living in motels shut down under the provision.