Hearing Examiner
Upcoming Hearings:
None.
The City is now using Teams for our public meetings.
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 215 662 440 841
You can also phone in if you prefer:
+1 253-363-9585 phone conference ID 741 892 173#
To view the most recent recording, please click here.
Local governments in Washington State have statutory authority to establish a hearing examiner system. A hearing examiner is appointed and acts in a manner similar to a judge.
The main purpose of having a hearing examiner conduct land use hearings is to have a professionally trained individual, typically an attorney, make objective quasi-judicial decisions that are supported by an adequate record and that are free from political influences. Using a hearing examiner system allows local legislative and advisory bodies that might otherwise conduct these hearings to better concentrate on policymaking. It can also potentially reduce local government liability exposure through what should be more consistent and legally sustainable quasi-judicial decisions.
The hearing examiner meetings are open to the public, recorded, and are considered a public hearing.
The purpose of a public hearing is for interested people to provide the Hearing Examiner with information and testimony on the subject for which the hearing was convened. Notification of the meeting and the hearing is published in the newspaper of general circulation, as well as being posted at the project site and at certain official public notice locations. The public hearing is normally an official “on-the-record” hearing which allows the Hearing Examiner to obtain data that will be considered in his/her deliberations following the close of the hearing.
After the meeting, the Hearing Examiner reviews all pertinent data, letters, and testimony from the hearing and issues a written decision. The decision is mailed to all parties of record, which includes anyone who has submitted written comments during the comment period or who testifies during the public hearing.
The City of Sequim contracts with Peregrin Sorter of Laminar Law to serve as our hearing examiner.
Important Notice: Appeal Deadline for Quasi-Judicial Decisions
Please be advised that the appeal period for quasi-judicial decisions is 21 calendar days from the date the written decision is posted on the City’s website.
- Decisions are only posted on the City website—they will not be mailed or otherwise distributed.
- Parties of record will be notified via email when the decision becomes available.
- It is the responsibility of each party of record to ensure the City has a valid and current email address for notification.