Title
Hearing Examiner Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive briefing from Olympia Hearing Examiner Mark Scheibmeir. Briefing only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive briefing from Olympia Hearing Examiner Mark Scheibmeir
Staff Contact:
Tim Smith, Planning & Engineering Manager, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3915
Presenter(s):
Tim Smith, Planning & Engineering Manager
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.
Olympia Hearing Examiner Mark Scheibmeir has prepared an annual report that further describes the role of the Hearing Examiner and summarizes recent hearings. Mr. Scheibmeir will provide an overview of his report and answer questions at the Council Study Session.
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. Many cities and counties use a Hearing Examiner to help satisfy the State requirements. Additional information on the use of the Hearing Examiner system in the State of Washingto...
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