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HomeMy WebLinkAboutProcedure for Appeals of Administrative Determinations rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 10/24/2023 | Page 1 of 2 CITY OF RENTON Ι PERMIT SERVICES PROCEDURE FOR APPEALS OF ADMINISTRATIVE DETERMINATIONS Any person or persons may challenge an administrative determination or interpretation by a staff member or city board regarding the city’s land use codes and regulations by appealing that determination to the Hearing Examiner of the City of Renton. That is, any person who may be concerned about the effect a decision or interpretation has on their property or project or on another’s property or project and who believes that the decision was wrong may appeal the decision. The person who challenges the decision becomes known as the “APPELLANT”. The appeal must be filed with the Hearing Examiner within fourteen (14) days from the date the decision was made . In the appeal, the appellant must allege sufficient facts which indicate that a valid reason for challenging the decision exists. Therefore, in the appeal letter, the appellant should attempt to show in a general manner in which of these areas the city official or board erred and why the decision should be changed. The Hearing Examiner will then establish a date for a public hearing. The Hearing Examiner will not decide the matter based on the letter of appeal. At the public hearing, the appellant and other interested citizens may introduce testimony, exhibits, maps, expert witnesses or other supporting information. State law and city ordinances indicate that the determination of the city is entitled to be given “substantial weight”. That is, the challenger must truly demonstrate that the city made a mistake in its review, which means that the appellant has the burden of demonstrating an error was made by the city official or board. The procedure at the hearing is generally informal, but al l parties should be aware that in most cases a large amount of funds may be invested in the project and that attorneys may be representing interested parties, and some limited cross -examination or questioning may occur. The appellants present their arguments first, and as indicated above, may call witnesses and present other information to support their presentation. The city, through its representatives, will then attempt to show that the determination was correct by presenting its information. If the appellant is not the project sponsor or developer, then the developer may also present information concerning the proposal. All witnesses should avoid redundant testimony. During the next fourteen (14) days following closure of the hearing, the Hearing Examin er will consider all of the information submitted concerning the matter and will decide whether or not the city official or board was correct or in error. A report containing minutes, findings, conclusions and the decision will be mailed to all parties who testified. Person(s) not satisfied with the Examiner’s decision may request the Examiner to consider his decision within fourteen (14) days of its mailing. Person(s) gain not satisfied upon receipt of the reconsideration may appeal within twenty (20) days to King County Superior Court. The appellant should also be aware that the only issue considered at the hearing is the question of the determination or interpretation. The quality, character, or general compatibility of the project is not subject to review. That is, the question of whether the project is a “good” project or “bad” project is not at issue; rather, it is whether the project comes within the scope of city ordinances. In preparation for the hearing, a review of the City’s Development Regulations, Title 4 of the Renton Municipal Code, may prove helpful. This document may be reviewed in the Development Services Division or in the public library. Also available for your review are the application and plans prepare d and submitted by the project sponsor/developer. These documents will acquaint you with the various factors which were considered prior to issuance of the decision. Documents are available in the Development Services Division for review, or available at a cost established by the city. If you require information regarding procedural matters, you may contact the Hearing Examiner’s office at (425) 430- 6515. If there are specific questions about the project, you may contact the Development Services Division at (425) 430 -7294.