RFQ No. 26-C3249 Hearing Examiner Consulting Services

• RFQ Number: 26-3249
• Date Issued: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
• Proposals Due: Monday, September 29, 2026, 5:00 PM Pacific Time Electronically to: bids @kenmorewa.gov
• RFQ Documents: RFQ 26-C3249

NOTICE:

Notice is hereby given that the City of Kenmore, Washington (the City) seeks Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from qualified individual attorneys or firms to provide professional Hearing Examiner services. The City intends to appoint a Hearing Examiner to conduct quasi-judicial hearings and render legally defensible decisions on a variety of land use, environmental, and code enforcement matters.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The City’s current Hearing Examiner’s contract ends December 31, 2026. This RFQ represents a routine best practice to evaluate the market and ensure the City continues to provide optimal service to our community. The City’s Hearing Examiner rules and basic information are available online at https://www.kenmorewa.gov/government/departments/development-services/planning/hearing-examiner .

PROCESS:

Soon after the due date for proposals, the City will review the proposals and select one or more for further consideration, including interviewing potential Individuals/Firms. After interviews and reference checks, the City will negotiate an agreement with the selected final Individual/Firm. The selected Individual/Firm will meet with the Community Development Director and the Contract will be considered for adoption by City Council in November/December of 2026, with an effective date of January 1, 2027. Upon execution of the Contract, the Individual/Firm will proceed with the scope of work.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Hearing Examiner will act as a secondary judicial body for the City, performing duties as outlined in the Kenmore Municipal Code (KMC) Chapter 19.30. Primary responsibilities include:

• Conducting Public Hearings: Presiding over applications for Type 3 land use decisions and appeals of administrative decisions.
• Code Enforcement: Hearing appeals regarding code violations and abatement orders.
• Issuing Decisions: Preparing written Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and final Decisions or Recommendations.
• SEPA Review: Hearing appeals related to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
• Administrative Management: Maintaining a formal record of proceedings and ensuring all hearings comply with Due Process and the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine.

Both daytime and evening hearings may be conducted, including in-person and online using platforms like Zoom or Individual/Firms. Scheduling is in consultation with the Development Services Department and City Clerk. The Hearing Examiner is expected to provide hearing recording and transcripts. Decisions are to be issued timely and in writing as prescribed by law.

Annual volumes of hearings varies but is typically 1-5 per year.

TITLE VI:

The City of Kenmore, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252,42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.