A. Public Hearing Required. Unless otherwise provided, the Hearing Examiner shall hold one public hearing before rendering a decision on any application or approval.

B. Notice Methods. Notice of the time and place of the public hearing shall be given as provided in the ordinance governing the application or appeal. If the ordinance governing the application or appeal does not contain notice provisions, notice of the time and place of the hearing before the Examiner shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation at least 14 days prior to the hearing and mailed to the applicant, appellant, project sponsor and any individuals requesting notice.

C. All public hearings conducted by the Hearing Examiner shall be recorded. Any testimony provided shall be under oath.

D. The Examiner may require County staff to appear at the public hearing.

E. The opportunity to cross-examine expert witnesses, including County staff, shall be afforded all parties or their counsel during the public hearing process.

F. The hearing by the Examiner shall constitute the hearing by the Council; however, except as otherwise provided by Pierce County Code, an aggrieved party of record may appeal certain decisions of the Examiner to the Council pursuant to PCC 1.22.140 and Chapter 1.24 PCC, "Procedures for Quasi-Judicial Hearings."

G. If for any reason the hearing on the matter set for public hearing cannot be completed on the date set for such hearing, the Examiner may direct that the hearing on the matter be continued. If the date, time, and place at which the continued hearing will be held is publicly announced at the hearing from which the continuance is made, then no further notice of the continued hearing is required.