Hearing examiner

The City of Kent Hearing Examiner is a neutral party who hears and renders decisions on land use issues. The hearing examiner considers variances, conditional use permits, plats, permit appeals, code enforcement actions and similar matters. 

Hearing Examiner Meetings are tentatively scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month at 1:30 PM in Chambers West, located in City Hall.

Are all land use issues brought to the Hearing Examiner?

No.  The Hearing Examiner is a quasi-judicial officer (like a land use judge), who considers and weighs evidence presented in hearings by project applicants and City staff on many, but not all, land use applications, appeals and code enforcement violations.   According to Kent City Code, the Hearing Examiner issues recommendations or decisions, depending on the type of project permit being reviewed.  For example, the Hearing Examiner issues decisions on conditional use permits, preliminary plats, and variances but issues recommendations to the City Council on rezone applications. 

Can the public testify at ANY public meeting of the Hearing Examiner?

No. While the public is encouraged to attend all public meetings in order to remain informed, public testimony is only taken at public hearings. 

How will I know when the Hearing Examiner has made a decision or recommendation on a project or issue?

The Hearing Examiner usually issues a recommendation or issues a decision to the City Council within 14 days, unless further information is required from the applicant or City staff.  Decisions and recommendations to Council are supported by findings of fact - including how a given proposal does or does not meet the letter and intent of land use policy and regulation.