This bill amends Washington state law to establish and regulate hearing examiner systems for local governments, specifically targeting counties and cities. It permits counties not planning under RCW 36.70A.040 and cities with populations of 2,000 or less to adopt a hearing examiner system for decisions on plat approval and zoning amendments. For counties fully planning under chapter 36.70A RCW, the bill mandates the implementation of a hearing examiner system for quasi-judicial development permit applications. The hearing examiner's decisions can be classified as recommendations, administrative decisions appealable to the legislative authority, or final decisions, depending on local ordinances.

The bill outlines operational procedures for hearing examiners, including the requirement for written decisions that contain findings and conclusions based on the record. It allows local governments to charge applicants for hearing examiner services and encourages interlocal agreements for shared services. Final decisions must be made within a specified timeframe after hearings, and applicants can choose between legislative or hearing examiner review for land use applications. Additionally, the bill requires counties and cities to adopt a hearing examiner system for quasi-judicial land use decisions, ensuring that these decisions align with comprehensive plans and development regulations, and mandates the incorporation of these requirements into development regulations by the next comprehensive plan update or within two years of the bill's effective date.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70.970, 35.63.130, 35A.63.170, 58.17.330
Substitute Bill: 36.70.970, 35.63.130, 35A.63.170, 58.17.330
Engrossed Substitute: 36.70.970, 35.63.130, 35A.63.170, 58.17.330