The health and safety of the community and our employees is a priority. In accordance with guidance from State and local officials, the Hearing Examiner's Office is currently restricted to employees only. Staff will continue to assist the public by mail, email, and phone.
- The Hearing Examiner serves as a quasi-judicial officer.
- The Hearing Examiner decides land use issues, disputes, and development proposals.
- Files are available for public review by appointment.
- The Hearing Examiner has no legislative function – the Hearing Examiner applies laws and ordinances passed by the County Council.
- Public hearings are generally held weekly, as needed. Please call for current schedule and hearing location.
- A non-exclusive list of land use matters heard by the Hearing Examiner includes:
- Zoning
- Shoreline conditional use permits
- Variances
- Shoreline substantial development permits
- Preliminary plats
- Appeals from county determinations regarding whether a project requires an environmental impact statement
- Appeals of county administrative determinations involving the various land use regulatory codes and policies of the county, including the Shoreline Management Program
