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• Office of the Hearing Examiner

About the Office of the Hearing Examiner

The Office of the Hearing Examiner operates independently within the City of Tacoma to ensure fair and impartial administrative hearings across diverse legal domains. Established under Tacoma Municipal Code 1.23, this office addresses disputes ranging from land use and zoning to ethics complaints and property forfeiture cases. By maintaining procedural integrity and accessibility, the office upholds transparency in governmental decision-making.

Core Functions

• Conducting evidentiary hearings with sworn testimonies
• Issuing legally binding recommendations to City Council
• Maintaining public records of all proceedings

Key Personnel

Led by Hearing Examiner Jeff Capell, the team includes experienced attorneys specializing in municipal law, ensuring technically sound adjudication processes. Capell’s background spans roles at Bellingham City Hall and corporate legal departments, bringing multifaceted expertise to complex cases.

Case Management System

All matters progress through structured phases: initial filings, discovery periods, evidentiary hearings, and final determinations. Digital tracking systems enable stakeholders to monitor status updates in real-time, reducing administrative delays while preserving due process requirements.

Notable Procedures

• Public comment periods prior to decisions
• Ex parte communication prohibitions during active proceedings
• Appeal pathways to Superior Court within statutory timelines

Hearing Schedules & Participation

Current and upcoming hearings follow a biweekly cycle with both in-person and virtual options. Critical deadlines include:

• Public comment submission cutoff: 5 PM preceding each session
• Appeal filing window closure: 30 calendar days post-decision
• Emergency injunction requests: 24-hour expedited review

Virtual Access

Zoom platforms support remote attendance with encrypted connections. Meeting IDs and passwords are distributed through official channels only to prevent unauthorized access. Technical troubleshooting guides are available on the portal’s help section.

Physical Venue Details

Hearings typically convene at Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street, Room 720. Accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request through the Accessibility Services division.

Appeals Process

Decisions may be challenged via formal appeals when:

• New evidence emerges post-ruling
• Procedural irregularities affect fairness
• Statutory limitations on review apply

Appeals must cite specific code provisions and adhere to strict formatting standards. Self-represented litigants receive guidance documents but are encouraged to consult legal professionals for complex matters.

Community Engagement Resources

Residents may access:

• Interactive hearing calendars with search filters
• Downloadable decision templates
• Multilingual assistance hotlines
• Educational webinars on rights and obligations

Regular updates appear on the official website, with critical notices published in the Tacoma News Tribune and local radio stations.

Contact Information

Phone: (253) 591-5195
Email: hearing.examiner@%5BSITEURL%5D
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM
Address: 747 Market Street, Room 720