18.120.040 Code Interpretations.
A. Any person(s) may submit a written request for a Code interpretation to the Director, regarding any applicable development regulation. The Director may also issue a Code interpretation on the Director's own initiative.
B. At a minimum, the request for a Code interpretation shall:
1. Identify the specific Section(s) of the Pierce County Code (PCC) for which interpretation is requested;
2. Identify the parcel or site, if the Code interpretation involves a particular parcel of property or site; and
3. Include facts that are relevant to the request, such as if the Code interpretation request involves a Code enforcement case;
4. Be accompanied by the applicable fee, see Chapter 2.05 PCC; and
5. Be limited to a single subject, which may require interpretation of one or more Code Sections.
C. The Director may deny or reject the Code interpretation request if there is no ambiguity or need for clarification demonstrated by the requestor.
D. The Director shall issue a Code interpretation within 60 days after receiving the Code interpretation request, unless the Director determines that based on the unusual nature of the issue, additional time is necessary to respond to the request.
E. The Director shall transmit copies of the final Code interpretation to the following:
1. The person who requested the Code interpretation;
2. If the Director determines that the Code interpretation relates to a specific development proposal that is pending before the county, the applicant and all other parties of record for that proposal;
3. If the Director determines the Code interpretation relates to a specific parcel of property, the taxpayer of record for that parcel; and
4. Any person who has submitted written comments regarding the director's review of the Code interpretation request.
F. A final Code interpretation remains in effect and governs all staff review and decisions until it is rescinded in writing by the Director or it is modified or reversed on appeal by the Hearing Examiner, the Pierce County Council, or an adjudicatory body.
G. The Director's Code interpretation may be appealed to the Hearing Examiner. Appeal of a Code interpretation that relates to a Code enforcement case shall be consolidated with the appeal of any associated Code enforcement action.
H. The Director shall provide an annual report to the Council on Code interpretations rendered. The report shall include, if necessary, any recommendations for Code amendments.
I. The Department shall annually review Code interpretations for potential inclusion in or clarification of the Pierce County Code.