[WSBARP] liens/fines for code violations extinguished by property tax foreclosure?

[Eric Nelsen]

Are a City/County's recorded lien for fines related to building code violations extinguished in a property tax foreclosure?

I know the general rule is that a property tax foreclosure results in "fresh title" free of all encumbrances except for appurtenant easements and restrictive covenants in place at the time the property tax accrued. City of Olympia v. Palzer, 107 Wn.2d 225, 728 P.2d 135 (1986); RCW 36.36.290<https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=36.35&full=true#36.35.290>.

But is there an exception buried in the statutes somewhere, that allows governmental fines to survive the foreclosure? Or perhaps, do those fines get added to the minimum bid necessary to purchase at the tax foreclosure?

Sincerely,

Eric

Eric C. Nelsen
Sayre Law Offices, PLLC
1417 31st Ave South
Seattle WA 98144-3909
206-625-0092
eric at sayrelawoffices.com<mailto:eric at sayrelawoffices.com>

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