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Business owners and residents tell Port Orchard council DCD culture is blocking projects
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…
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