Kenmore extends four COVID-19 related proclamations and emergency rules to follow Governor Inslee’s Safe Start proclamation and eviction moratorium extensions

Kenmore, WA – The City of Kenmore has again extended four COVID-19 related proclamations and emergency rules in order to provide support resources and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within the Kenmore community.

Two of the emergency rules pertain to eviction moratoriums and are being extended to remain consistent with the Governor Inslee’s statewide eviction moratorium.

The proclamation and issuance of an emergency rule establishing a temporary moratorium on residential tenant evictions in Kenmore has been extended. Coinciding with the Governor’s proclamations, the moratorium will now expire on October 15 unless extended further. The purpose of this moratorium is to is to protect the health and safety of persons, provide emergency assistance to the victims of the COVID-19 emergency, and establish procedures to support the mitigation of the pandemic illness and public health emergency currently taking place.

The proclamation and issuance of an emergency rule establishing a temporary moratorium on commercial and non-profit tenant evictions has also been extended. Likewise, this moratorium will now expire on October 15 when the Governor’s proclamations expire, unless extended further. The purpose of this moratorium is to protect public health, safety, and welfare by providing small businesses stable locations to operate from during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic. By establishing this moratorium, small businesses and non-profits in Kenmore will receive stabilization support that will help reduce the number of businesses declaring bankruptcy and closing during the economic downtown caused by this public health emergency. The moratorium also states that no late fees, interest, or other charges due to late payment of rent shall accrue during the moratorium.

In addition to the eviction moratoriums, the City has extended the proclamation and issuance of an emergency rule temporarily suspending Kenmore’s plastic bag policy. Suspending this policy allows grocery and retail stores to provide paper or plastic bags to customers and waives the required $.05 charge for the bags. The rule also prohibits customers from bringing their own reusable bags from home. This rule will provide greater protection to workers in retail and food industries, who continue to provide essential services to the public, while reducing the risk of transmission in the community.

The fourth extension is a proclamation and issuance of an emergency rule which waives and suspends certain portions of the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act that require in-person settings or activities. In order to provide greater protection to the public and City staff, and slow the spread of COVID-19, this emergency rule temporarily suspends City rules, regulations and policies that require “in-person” attendance. This suspension, as well as the suspension of the plastic bag policy, will be in effect until the City Manager declares the State of Emergency is over.

Find out more about the City of Kenmore’s response to COVID-19 at kenmorewa.gov.