A. To provide an efficient and effective administrative adjudicatory system for acting upon quasi-judicial matters and for review of contested administrative determinations;

B. To ensure, to the extent possible, that quasi-judicial administrative decisions are made in a fair and impartial manner; and

C. To ensure that the principles of due process and appearance of fairness are adhered to in regard to quasi-judicial matters.

The office of hearing examiner is hereby created under the authority provided by Article 11, Section 11 of the Washington State Constitution and Chapter 58.17 RCW in order to best satisfy these needs. The office shall be independent of city departments, boards and commissions and shall be responsible for impartial administration of administrative hearings in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The term “hearing examiner” shall include the hearing examiner pro tem. [Ord. 2000-05-023].