Professional Hearing Examiner Services

The Whatcom County Planning and Development Services Department in Bellingham, Washington requires professional hearing examiner services to manage land development applications in compliance with federal, state, and county regulations. The agency needs a qualified contractor to handle quasi-judicial land use matters, including appeals from the shoreline management program administrator and applications for variances from zoning ordinances. A county staff member will serve as the Hearing Examiner Coordinator to manage administrative functions such as scheduling, agendas, meeting notices, and website maintenance. Eligible contractors must possess prior experience performing similar quasi-judicial planning and land use duties for other firms or agencies. The selected hearing examiner must conduct site visits at their own expense when required. Additionally, the hearing examiner and any pro tempore examiners must recuse themselves from any cases presenting a potential conflict of interest. The agency limits eligibility to onshore contractors located within the United States. The contractor will perform the requested work offsite. The agency is seeking budget proposals for a contract period lasting one year. Bidders must submit all questions regarding this opportunity no later than July 13, 2026.