Guide to the Archives of the City of Seattle

Record Group 3400
Office of the Hearing Examiner

The Office of the Hearing Examiner conducts administrative hearings in 50 areas where jurisdiction has been granted. The majority of cases include: appeals from land use and environmental decisions, interpretations, and recommendations by DCLU; public hearings on rezones, Council Conditional Uses, and Major Institutions Master Plans; citizen complaints regarding housing and employment discrimination; claims for return of property seized by the Seattle Police Department; and appeals associated with City Design Review. The office was created in 1973 and was part of the Municipal Courts until 1977 when it became an independent office.

3400-01
Correspondence
1974-1981
0.8 cubic foot

Correspondence and memoranda relating to the activities of the Hearing Examiner. Includes comments on proposed legislation and policies and procedures concerning areas of the Hearing Examiner's jurisdiction. Arranged chronologically.

SMA

3400-02
Subject Files
1974-1987
0.6 cubic foot

Correspondence, memoranda, rules, and policies related to the administrative hearings function of the Hearing Examiner. This series includes materials about the development of certain codes, especially the building and zoning codes, and the various appeals procedures.

SMA
Folder List

3402-01
Cable Television Rate Increase Hearings
1974-1976
0.4 cubic foot

Correspondence, memoranda, exhibits, reports, and other materials introduced in hearings related to proposed rate increases for cable television providers.

SMA
Folder List

3402-03
Housing/Employment Discrimination Cases
1973-1989
11.0 cubic feet

Complaints alleging discrimination that have been certified for hearing by the Human Rights Commission. Includes testimony, depositions, exhibits, correspondence, the Hearing Examiner's written proposed decision, and final tribunal decision. Four cubic feet, including 100 cassette tapes relate to Clara Fraser's case against City Light.

SMA
Container List

3403-02
Appeals of DCLU Director's Interpretations
1975-1980
4.4 cubic feet

Appeals from the issuance of use permits and interpretations of the director of DCLU regarding zoning and building codes. Includes correspondence, testimony, and findings of fact and final determinations. Formerly known as Appeals of Decisions by the Superintendent of Buildings.

SMA

3403-03
Disadvantaged Business/WMBE Decertification Appeals
1985-1988
0.2 cubic foot

Correspondence, memoranda, reports, findings of fact, and other documents related to the appeal of decertification of Women and Minority Business Enterprise status for local businesses.

SMA
Folder List

3403-04
Downtown Housing Maintenance Hearings
1986-1991
0.2 cubic foot

Correspondence, memoranda, findings of fact, and other hearings materials related to the Downtown Housing Maintenance Ordinance and the responsibility of developers toward maintenance of low income housing in downtown Seattle.

SMA
Folder List

3403-05
Housing Code Violation Appeals
1985-1988
0.4 cubic foot

Correspondence, memoranda, findings of fact, and other administrative hearing materials related to alleged housing code violations. The Hearing Examiner hears appeals from orders of the Department of Construction and Land Use director regarding alleged violations.

SMA>
Folder List

3403-08
Appeals of Landmarks Preservation Board Decisions
1979-1987
0.4 cubic foot

Correspondence, notices, affidavits, findings of fact, decisions and recommendations, Certificates of Approval, denials of Certificates, and court records related to Landmarks Preservation Board hearings and decisions. Records primarily concern appeals from decisions on Certificates of Approval for significant alterations or changes to controlled features of designated landmarks. Any interested party can appeal a decision to the Hearing Examiner. Files may also contain information related to disputes over controls and economic incentives for landmark properties.

SMA
Folder List

3403-12
Pike Place Market Historical Commission Appeals
1977-1987
0.8 cubic foot

Appeals to the Hearing Examiner from Market Historical Commission decisions regarding applications for certificates of approval. These include requests by Market tenants to renovate or alter premises, to erect signs, or to change merchandise offerings. Records include correspondence, memoranda, findings of fact, Commission documentation, and other administrative hearings materials.

SMA
Folder List

3403-13
Planned Unit Development Appeals
1986-1988
0.2 cubic foot

Correspondence, memoranda, and administrative hearing materials related to citizen appeals of City approval for planned unit developments.

SMA
Folder List

3403-14
Pioneer Square Minimum Maintenance Appeals
1978-1982
0.2 cubic foot

Records relate to appeals from orders of the Director of the Department of Construction and Land Use for correction of substandard conditions in historic buildings in Pioneer Square. Records include correspondence, findings of fact, orders, and other adminstrative hearing materials.

SMA
Folder List

3403-15
Pioneer Square Special Review District Appeals
1980-1986
0.4 cubic foot

Correspondence, memoranda, findings of fact, and other administrative hearing materials documenting appeals to the Hearing Examiner from decisions of the Department of Community Development director regarding construction, alterations, or use changes for Pioneer Square Special Review District buildings.

SMA
Folder List

3403-16
SEPA Appeals
1977-1979
6.0 cubic feet

Appeals from State Environmental Policy Act determinations rendered by City Departments. These are non-master use permit decisions and appeals. Includes correspondence, testimony, exhibits, findings of fact and decisions of the Hearing Examiner.

SMA
Box List

3403-18
Short Subdivision Appeals
1976-1981
2.0 cubic feet

Appeals from the decisions of the director of the Department of Community Development regarding proposed short subdivisions. Includes correspondence, findings of fact, final determinations, testimony and other hearing related documents.

SMA