The city of Federal Way shut down the longtime Ridgecrest Motel and told occupants to vacate by noon today because the motel was in violation of several building codes.
The closure displaced at least five families and other low-income individuals, however the city has partnered with local organizations that have stepped up to help the residents find other accommodations.
“We will meet with them and find out what their needs are,” said Robin Corak, CEO of Multi-Service Center, one of the organizations that is currently working with the displaced motel residents. “Based on what we gather from each person, we will refer them to internal and external resources they are eligible for and provide them with proper housing.”
The city is also making an effort to assist families living in Ridgecrest Motel.
“What we know now is that five households had been in to talk with [the Multi-Service Center],” said Chris Carrel, communications and government affairs coordinator for the city. “The city recognizes the importance of helping out our low-income families and that’s why we’ve partnered with [the Multi-Service Center] and Catholic Community Services to help out those individuals.”
The hotel was purchased in 2013 by Haewon Choe, also an owner of Happy Motel LLC in Bellevue. Ridgecrest was last appraised in 2014 at a $415,700 total value. The one-story motel at 1812 S. 336th St. has 11 rooms and was built in 1947.
A city Department of Community Development inspector said construction work was performed at the motel without permits or inspections, which created unsafe conditions. Electric work, plumbing, installation of windows and doors and an added laundry room/storage area was recently constructed.
Larry Frazier, director of Community Development, notified the motel owner that the various construction and electric work that was performed violates state law and city code and revoked the building’s certificate of occupancy.
The city ordered the discontinuance of electrical service to the motel because conductors and equipment were found to be in a dangerous or unsafe condition and not in accordance with state regulations. Since this forced the motel owners to shut down power, the building is not permitted to be occupied.
A single family unit inside the motel was also shut down. Frazier reported it lacked sanitation and has not been maintained, making it “not habitable.” As a result, habitable minimum standards of sanitation — including confirmation of hot and cold running water, adequate heat, removal of rotten decaying floor and wall finishes, removal of rot and mold and confirmation of code compliant function of the fireplace — is needed before the motel can be occupied.
“It’s important to take care of this because peoples’ health, safety and lives are at stake,” Carrel said. “Everything needs to be up to code to ensure the people living at the motel are not harmed in any way.”
Before the motel can be re-opened, permit applications for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and energy code permits must be made, plan review performed and permits obtained. Subsequent inspections must be scheduled, performed and approved before the city can re-issue the certificates of occupancy or use of these buildings, according to Frazier’s report.
Carrel said the owners are aware of the violations and are attempting to attain a permit and correct the issue.
“They are taking positive steps to address everything correctly,” Carrel said. “Right now they are waiting on their permit application and that will be a key milestone in enabling them to move forward.”
