November 2024 Post-Windstorm Resources
Washington's most recent windstorm is behind us, but we know many are still recovering from the damages caused by the high winds. City of Renton Public Works Department, Renton Parks and Recreation, and Renton Police Department have worked nonstop to clear roads and restore traffic flow, while PSE and additional support crews have been working to restore Renton's power as quickly as possible.
Storm clean-up and recovery efforts are still in place, and we've compiled a central source of resources. Below, residents can find answers quickly, leave feedback, and connect with the agencies or city staff that can assist.
Property Tax Relief for Damaged Properties
In response to the “bomb cyclone” storm that ripped through the region recently, the King County Department of Assessments offers an online form for owners who experienced significant damage from the windstorm to apply for property tax relief. State law allows taxpayers to apply for property tax relief if their property was damaged or destroyed by recent windstorms. Property damaged or destroyed by something beyond the property owner's control is eligible for a reduction of assessed value, resulting in lower property taxes.
If you own property in King County, information on the criteria for a claim and how to file online can be found here, or you can download a King County Destroyed Property Form.
Private Damage Assessment
King County has issued a Home and Business Owner Damage Collection Survey here to quantify the dollar losses in the community. All residents are encouraged to take the survey; however, the survey does not guarantee financial assistance.
Post Storm Clean Up
Given the storm's severity, the volume of debris the city is dealing with will take at least a couple of weeks to clean up. Patience is appreciated as city staff continues to work through the list of downed trees based on safety prioritization. The property owner is responsible for clearing trees and branches that fell from private property.
Permits are needed for tree removal; however, they can be obtained retroactively if the tree is damaged and poses a safety issue. Find permit information here.
Please be safe and do not go near any downed wires. Call Puget Sound Energy or Seattle City Light first if you are in any doubt about possible electrical hazards. See downed power lines? Call 911.
Debris Disposal
Republic Services will pick up unlimited organic material at no extra charge. This applies to Renton customers within city limits on your normal organic collection day. Important guidelines to follow:
- The cart weight limit is 65 pounds
- Branches can be up to 4” in diameter and 4’ in length—no logs or stumps
- Yard debris can be set out in carts, cans, sturdy paper bags, or bundles
- Bundles of yard debris can be up to 2’ in diameter, 4’ in length, and up to 55 pounds each. Bundles must be tied with string or twine that can be composted.
King County's Solid Waste Division will temporarily pause free storm debris collection at its transfer stations until December 7 due to lack of capacity and the overwhelming demand for disposal services following the region’s recent windstorm. King County expects to resume free collection of yard waste and woody debris at its transfer stations on Saturday, December 7. King County will still waive the standard yard waste recycling fee for King County residents at the following transfer stations: Bow Lake, Cedar Falls, Enumclaw, Factoria, Shoreline, and Vashon facilities.
The free service is exclusively for wood debris from the recent storms. Stumps, logs, and limbs no longer than six feet in length are allowed – no grass clippings, sod, or soil will be accepted. These events are open to all King County residents. People visiting recycling and transfer stations are reminded to secure their loads.
If customers do not want to wait until Saturday, residents can have their yard debris collected for a fee at the locations during normal business hours. Call ahead for costs
The Algona, Houghton, and Renton stations don’t offer yard waste recycling, so customers dropping off storm debris at those facilities will be charged the standard garbage rate of $33 for up to 320 pounds or $198 per ton.
To use these solid waste facilities, including the free storm yard waste disposal, customers must live or do business within King County's 37-city and unincorporated service area. More information is available at Solid waste facilities - in King County, Washington, or by calling 206-477-4466.
Lost and Spoiled Food
Check out the CDC Guidelines to for food safety after a power outage here.
For those who are on the SNAP program and lost food due to spoilage, replacement benefits are available: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/benefit-issuances-and-use-benefits/replacement.
For those who need food but don't qualify for SNAP, the main food banks serving Renton are:
- Renton Salvation Army Food Bank: Food Bank - Renton Corps
- Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank: Home > Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank
