Bremerton hearing examiner orders permits, grants continuances in dozen code-enforcement cases

Hearing Examiner Yoshi Kumar convened the City of Bremerton hearing examiner session on Feb. 24, 2025, to review 12 separate code-enforcement matters. City staff presented inspection findings and requested orders requiring permits, demolition, or cleanup; the examiner granted continuances in multiple matters, found some cases cured, and said written orders would be issued in the next few days.

The hearing matters centered on public-safety and property-maintenance concerns: collapsing or failing building components and retaining walls, unsecured or occupied recreational vehicles, accumulated debris and garbage, interior mold and unsafe electrical or structural work, and shorefront bulkhead repairs tied to the shoreline master program. The city repeatedly asked property owners to apply for building or demolition permits within set timeframes and warned of fines if owners failed to comply.

City staff member Mr. Cohen presented most cases and introduced exhibits including inspection reports, correction letters and stop-work orders. City building inspector Roper Benitez provided technical detail for one case, saying he had “conducted an assessment of the property inspection report … and documented a line item by line item” the life-safety and damaged areas that would require permits. For several matters, the city recommended a 30-day compliance period to apply for permits and $500 initial fines followed by $100 per day after the deadline.

Major outcomes and directions from the hearing included:

- 1513 Elizabeth (C240547), Michael Butts: The examiner ordered the owner to apply for building permits within 30 days after the city’s presentation and to respond to follow-up questions within two…