Hearings Examiner

From Salish Sea Wiki


Cities and counties have the authority to establish a hearings examiner system, usually in place of the the local board or council. This provides for a professionally trained individual and a administrative record theoretically free from political influences to reduce liability exposure. The city or county body has considerable discretion over how the system operates through enabling ordinance.

  • http://mrsc.org/Home/Explore-Topics/Planning/Land-Use-Administration/Hearing-Examiner-System.aspx
    • RCW 58.17.330 – Authorizes use of a hearing examiner system in cities and counties for hearing and issuing recommendations or decisions on preliminary plat
    • RCW 36.70B.020(3) – Defines open record hearings on project permit applications – hearing examiner may conduct
    • RCW 46.55.240 – Authorizes use of a hearing examiner to conduct hearings on abatement and removal of junk vehicles from private property
    • RCW 43.21C.075 – Authorizes use of a hearing examiner to conduct hearings on SEPA appeals