Title
Hearing Examiner Report
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing from Olympia Hearing Examiner Mark Scheibmeir.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing from Olympia Hearing Examiner Mark Scheibmeir.
Staff Contact:
Tim Smith, Deputy Director, Community Planning and Development Department, 360.570.3915
Presenter(s):
Tim Smith, Deputy Director, Community Planning & Development Department
Mark Scheibmeir, Olympia Hearing Examiner
Background and Analysis:
The position of Hearing Examiner is established in Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapter 18.82. The purpose of this Chapter, as stated in OMC 18.82.020, is to:
A. Separate the land use regulatory function from the land use planning process.
B. Ensure procedural due process and appearance of fairness in land use regulatory hearings and decisions.
C. Provide an efficient and effective land use regulatory system which integrates the public hearing and decision-making processes for land use matters.
D. Provide for consistency and predictability in land use decision making and the application of policies and regulations adopted by the City.
E. Establish clear and understandable rules governing the land use decision-making process.
The City conducts a land use review process in accordance with the requirements of RCW 36.70B (1995 Regulatory Reform Act). This statute has requirements for streamlining and creating a predictable process when making decisions on project permit applications. Olympia’s land use review process is codified in OMC Chapter 18.70.
Olympia Hearing Examiner Mark Scheibmeir has prepared a summary of cases before the Examiner in 2023 and potential discussion topics for the City Council Study Session.
Climate Analysis:
The Hearing Examiner Report has no impact on climate.
Equity Analysis:
The Hearing Examiner Report identifies equity issues as a topic for discussion.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The work of the Hearings Examiner has been a topic of interest to many community members as development continues throughout the City.
Financial Impact:
There is not financial impact related to the update. Costs for hearing examiner services are covered by development application fees.
Options:
1. Receive the update.
2. Do not receive the update.
3. Receive the update at another time.
Attachments:
Summary of 2023 Hearing Examiner Cases