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Commission reviews proposal to make final plat approval an administrative, ministerial process
Summary
Staff proposed amendments to POMC Title 20 to convert final-plat approval from a public hearing (type 4) to an administrative ministerial check by staff, citing state law that allows delegation; commissioners supported efficiency but raised outreach and notice considerations.
At the March 3 meeting, staff proposed amendments to Port Orchard Municipal Code Title 20 to establish an administrative final-plat approval process. Principal planner Jim Piss said the change would align city procedures with state law by turning final plat review into a ministerial compliance check rather than a second public hearing.
"Because of that state law state law allows cities to delegate final plat approval to staff and a public hearing is not required," Piss said, explaining that substantive review, public comment and conditions of approval occur at the preliminary plat stage.
Staff told commissioners the red-line amendments would update code sections across Title 20, create a ministerial path for final plats, and next require drafting an adopting ordinance, issuing an environmental determination, and routing the proposal to the Washington Department of Commerce before scheduling a public hearing. Staff anticipates returning to the commission with a draft ordinance and public hearing in May.
Commissioners generally supported the efficiency rationale but cautioned about cases where residents learn about subdivisions late in the process. Staff noted the existing notice sequence for preliminary plats: notice of application and SEPA notices to property owners within 300 feet and a notice of hearing that provides an earlier opportunity for public comment.
Staff outlined the sequence of permits: preliminary plat with hearings and possible conditions, land-disturbing activity and stormwater permits during construction, and then the ministerial final plat check to confirm all conditions are satisfied before recording. Piss said council approval of final plats has become a procedural obligation and shifting to staff review would avoid timing problems for developers who need recorded lots for sales and closings.
Next steps: staff will draft the adopting ordinance, complete the environmental determination, route the proposal to the Department of Commerce, and present the matter for a public hearing where the commission will take testimony and make a recommendation to council.
