Business owners and residents tell Port Orchard council DCD culture is blocking projects
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Summary
Dozens of public speakers urged action after what they described as aggressive, inconsistent permitting by the Department of Community Development, citing delayed permits, stop‑work orders, and burdensome inspector demands; callers named staff and asked council to review contracts and culture.
Multiple business owners, residents and a former councilmember used the citizen comment periods at the March 24 Port Orchard City Council meeting to deliver pointed criticism of the Department of Community Development (DCD).
Ian Baer, director of the Western Washington Center for the Arts, said a stop‑work order and shifting occupancy‑class directions have effectively shut down fundraising and productions for his nonprofit and that DCD asked for costly architectural work before offering clear guidance. Landlord Steve Segoe said the department’s culture has shifted to produce more delays, citing a six‑month mechanical permit delay he traced to incorrect form use. Several speakers, including former councilmember Clancy Donlon, named two field staff—Angela Garcia and Aubrey Wilson—saying their interactions with applicants have been aggressive and punitive and warning the pattern is driving businesses away.
Small business owner Sue Ann Martin Smith described being required to install an expensive commercial hood fan after a small equipment change; she said that requirement cost her tens of thousands and that she believed inspection guidance had been inconsistent. Contractor and developer Robert Baglio said permitting delays on a major downtown project had added nearly $250,000 in consultant and delay costs. Additional callers online and in person urged the council to look at contractual arrangements and staff training rather than only software or staffing levels.
Councilmembers acknowledged the volume and similarity of complaints, thanked speakers for testimony, and several asked staff to provide additional information. One councilmember proposed a work study to review contracts for inspection services; another asked staff to circulate existing appraisal and packet materials where relevant. The council did not take immediate action on specific personnel matters but indicated the concerns will be considered in future work sessions and that staff should respond to the points raised.
