Hearing Examiner

No formal votes were taken, as this was an administrative hearing. The Hearing Examiner will issue a written decision within 10 business days (by June 11, 2025) determining whether to uphold or overturn the vehicle impound and associated fees of $876.36. The hearing addressed appeal case files HE-25-VI-010 and 25-PW-00599, with the appellant challenging both the validity of the impound and the amount of towing and storage fees.

**Sharon Rice, on enforcement authority:** "The burden is on the parking individual to know what the regulations are, and then to make sure that they are in compliance with them, even when they've taken steps to comply, they have to be in compliance with all of them." **Stephanie Mays, on equal enforcement:** "We enforce based off of the information that we have available... we can't do one without doing all is really what I have to say there." **Hannah Hurley, on financial impact:** "I would be happy to pay the $60 in tickets, because I think I made a mistake. But the additional, almost like $900 of towing fees was just a really huge hit to my finances." **Stephanie Mays, on enforcement volume:** "Since January we've issued 178 tickets on these 3 streets alone, so or 3 blocks of these streets." **Stephanie Mays, on sticker theft concerns:** "We have seen vehicles who have had their stickers stolen and placed on other vehicles." **Hannah Hurley, on system clarity:** "I just felt that it wasn't super clear how I would have even updated it, I guess."

## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE ### Meeting Overview The City of Bellingham Hearing Examiner conducted a vehicle impound appeal hearing on May 28, 2025, presided over by contract Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice. The case involved Hannah Hurley contesting the impound of her 2015 Subaru Crosstrek and associated towing/storage fees totaling $876.36 from a residential parking zone violation. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Residential Parking Zone (RPZ):** Special parking areas around Western Washington University designated for residents only, requiring permits to park legally. Designed to prevent college students from taking up residential parking spaces. **Hearing Examiner:** An independent contract attorney who hears appeals of city decisions, including parking violations and impounds. Not a city employee, works on contract to provide impartial hearings. **Burden of Proof:** In impound appeals, the person appealing (appellant) must prove their case - the city doesn't have to prove the impound was valid. **Posted Tow-Away Zone:** An area where vehicles can be impounded immediately without warning tickets, as long as proper signage is posted. **License Plate Scanning:** Modern enforcement method where officers scan license plates to check if vehicles have valid permits, rather than relying solely on visible stickers. **72-Hour Rule:** City ordinance requiring vehicles to move every 72 hours or risk being impounded as abandoned, even with valid permits. **Class A Tow Truck:** Heavy-duty towing vehicle that can charge $400/hour under Washington State Patrol contracts. **Digital Permit System:** New system allowing residents to have valid permits without displaying physical stickers, tracked by license plate numbers. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Sharon Rice | Contract Hearing Examiner | | Hannah Hurley | Appellant (vehicle owner) | | Stephanie Mays | Code Compliance Officer, City of Bellingham | | Chris Heston | Owner, Heston Hauling and Heston Towing | | Ms. Bowker | Hearing Clerk (not present, mentioned) | ### Background Context This case highlights common challenges in residential parking enforcement around universities. The Cedar Street/North Forest area near Western Washington University has ongoing parking problems with college students using residential spaces meant for neighborhood residents. The city uses a complaint-based enforcement system, responding when residents report violations. Since January 2025, this three-block area alone generated 178 parking tickets, showing the scope of the problem. The city has moved to digital permit tracking while still allowing physical stickers, creating potential confusion for residents about proper procedures. The case also demonstrates how administrative changes (like new license plates) can inadvertently put law-abiding residents in violation, even when they believe they're following the rules. ### What Happened — The Short Version Hannah Hurley moved to North Garden Street in October 2024 and got a residential parking permit. She placed the sticker in her windshield (wrong location) and later changed her Utah license plate to Washington without updating the permit system. While she was on vacation April 26-May 11, 2025, her car was ticketed twice and then impounded on May 8 for not having a valid permit associated with the current license plate. She paid $876.36 in towing/storage fees plus two $30 parking tickets, then appealed the impound. The hearing examiner will issue a written decision by June 11, 2025. ### What to Watch Next - Written decision due by June 11, 2025, from Hearing Examiner Rice - Potential policy clarifications about permit transfer procedures when license plates change - Ongoing enforcement actions in the Cedar Street/North Forest residential parking zone --- ## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Q:** What is the Meeting ID for this hearing? **A:** BEL-HEX-2025-05-28 (Bellingham Hearing Examiner, May 28, 2025) **Q:** Who is Sharon Rice? **A:** Contract attorney serving as Hearing Examiner for Bellingham and 9-10 other jurisdictions, not a city employee. **Q:** What vehicle was impounded? **A:** 2015 Subaru Crosstrek belonging to Hannah Hurley **Q:** What was the total towing and storage fee? **A:** $876.36 ($400 for one hour towing, $404 for four days storage at $101/day) **Q:** Where are residential parking stickers supposed to be placed? **A:** On the rear bumper (left side) or lower left corner of rear window - NOT in the windshield. **Q:** How many parking tickets were issued in this area since January 2025? **A:** 178 tickets on just three blocks of Cedar Street and North Forest. **Q:** What is the 72-hour rule? **A:** Vehicles must move every 72 hours or can be impounded as abandoned, even with valid permits. **Q:** When was Hannah's license plate changed from Utah to Washington? **A:** January 27, 2025, according to DOL records. **Q:** What is a "posted tow-away zone"? **A:** Area where vehicles can be impounded immediately without warning tickets if proper signs are posted. **Q:** How does the city's digital permit system work? **A:** Officers scan license plates to check for valid permits - physical stickers no longer required. **Q:** Who bears the burden of proof in impound appeals? **A:** The appellant (person appealing) must prove their case. **Q:** When will the hearing decision be issued? **A:** Within 10 business days (by June 11, 2025) in writing via email. **Q:** What dates was Hannah on vacation? **A:** April 26 through May 11, 2025 **Q:** When was the vehicle first ticketed? **A:** April 28, 2025 (ticket was still on windshield when impounded May 8) **Q:** What is Stephanie Mays' role? **A:** Code Compliance Officer 2 with the City of Bellingham, handles parking enforcement. **Q:** What company towed the vehicle? **A:** Heston Hauling and Heston Towing, owned by Chris Heston. **Q:** Why was finance department contacted before impound? **A:** License plate scan showed no valid permit, but sticker was visible (in wrong location). **Q:** What exempted the vehicle from citation on May 20? **A:** Visitor pass hanging from windshield mirror (handicap placard style). **Q:** What are the case file numbers? **A:** HE-25-VI-010 and 25-PW-00599 **Q:** How much were the parking tickets? **A:** $60 total ($30 each for April 28 and May 8 violations) --- ## MODULE S3: QUIZ WITH ANSWER KEY **Question 1: What is the correct placement for residential parking permit stickers?** - A) Front windshield - B) Rear bumper (left side) or lower left corner of rear window - C) Dashboard - D) Side window **Question 2: Who presided over this hearing?** - A) A city employee - B) Sharon Rice, a contract hearing examiner - C) The mayor - D) A police officer **Question 3: What was the total amount Hannah paid for towing and storage?** - A) $400 - B) $404 - C) $876.36 - D) $936.36 **Question 4: How many parking tickets have been issued in this area since January 2025?** - A) 50 - B) 100 - C) 150 - D) 178 **Question 5: When must the hearing examiner issue her decision?** - A) Immediately after the hearing - B) Within 5 business days - C) Within 10 business days (by June 11, 2025) - D) Within 30 days **Question 6: What is the 72-hour rule?** - A) Vehicles get 72 hours to pay tickets - B) Vehicles must move every 72 hours or risk impound - C) Towing companies have 72 hours to process impounds - D) Appeals must be filed within 72 hours **Question 7: When was Hannah's license plate changed to Washington?** - A) October 2024 - B) December 2024 - C) January 27, 2025 - D) April 2025 **Question 8: What exempted Hannah's vehicle from citation on May 20?** - A) The residential parking sticker - B) A visitor pass hanging from the mirror - C) The vehicle was moved - D) No enforcement that day **Question 9: Who bears the burden of proof in impound appeals?** - A) The city - B) The towing company - C) The appellant (person appealing) - D) The hearing examiner **Question 10: What triggered the finance department check before impound?** - A) The sticker was expired - B) License plate scan showed no permit, but sticker was visible - C) The vehicle looked suspicious - D) Standard procedure for all impounds **Answer Key:** **1. B — City code requires stickers on rear bumper (left side) or lower left corner of rear window, not in windshields.** **2. B — Sharon Rice is a contract attorney serving as hearing examiner, explicitly stated she's not a city employee.** **3. C — $400 for towing (one hour) plus $404 for storage (four days at $101/day) totaled $876.36.** **4. D — Stephanie Mays testified 178 tickets were issued on these three blocks since January 2025.** **5. C — City code requires written decision within 10 business days, making it due June 11, 2025.** **6. B — City ordinance requires vehicles to move every 72 hours or they can be impounded as abandoned.** **7. C — DOL records showed the Washington registration transfer occurred on January 27, 2025.** **8. B — A visitor pass hanging from the windshield mirror exempted the vehicle from the May 20 citation.** **9. C — The hearing examiner explained that in impound appeals, the appellant bears the burden of proof.** **10. B — The license plate scan returned no valid permit, but officers saw a sticker in the windshield, prompting the verification call.** --- ## MODULE S4: Q&A — COMMON QUESTIONS **Q: What exactly is a residential parking zone and why do they exist?** A: Residential parking zones are special areas around Western Washington University where only residents with permits can park. They're designed to prevent college students from taking up parking spaces that neighborhood residents need. The city created these zones because of ongoing complaints about students parking in residential areas and walking to campus. **Q: How does the city's parking enforcement actually work in these areas?** A: The system is complaint-based - residents call in problems and code compliance officers respond. Officers now scan license plates to check for valid permits using a digital system, rather than just looking for stickers. This area alone generated 178 tickets on just three blocks since January 2025, showing how active enforcement is. **Q: Why was Hannah's car impounded when she had a valid permit?** A: Hannah had paid for a permit but made two critical errors: she placed the sticker in her windshield instead of on the rear of the car, and when she changed from a Utah to Washington license plate in January, she never updated the permit system. The city's scan showed no valid permit for her current plate number. **Q: What's this about vehicles having to move every 72 hours?** A: Even with a valid parking permit, vehicles can't sit in one spot for more than 72 hours or they can be impounded as abandoned. This requires someone to file a complaint first - the city doesn't actively patrol for this. If reported, they put an orange sticker on the car and mail a notice before towing. **Q: How much did this impound actually cost?** A: Hannah paid $876.36 in towing and storage fees, plus $60 in parking tickets. The towing company charges $400 per hour (one-hour minimum) and $101 per day for storage. Her car was stored for four days while she was still on vacation. **Q: Could Hannah have avoided this if she'd done something differently?** A: Yes, if she had either: 1) placed the sticker correctly on the rear of her car, or 2) updated her license plate information with the finance department when she got Washington plates in January. The city's digital system would have recognized her valid permit. **Q: What happens next in this case?** A: Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice will issue a written decision within 10 business days (by June 11, 2025). The decision will be emailed to the hearing clerk, who will forward it to all parties. Rice could uphold the impound, reverse it, or potentially reduce the fees. **Q: Is there any flexibility for honest mistakes like this?** A: The code compliance officer testified that they enforce regulations equally across all vehicles and can't make exceptions for some without doing it for all. The hearing examiner has the authority to consider the circumstances, but city staff indicated they must apply rules uniformly. **Q: How common are these residential parking problems?** A: Very common - this three-block area alone has generated 178 tickets since January 2025. The compliance officer mentioned they typically do enforcement rounds about a week apart, first issuing tickets, then returning to impound vehicles that are still in violation. **Q: What should residents know about getting and maintaining parking permits?** A: Residents need to register with the finance department and keep their license plate information current. Physical stickers are optional now with the digital system, but if you use one, it must be on the rear bumper or rear window. Any changes to your vehicle registration must be updated with the city's finance department that issues permits.

## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE **Meeting ID:** BEL-HEX-2025-05-28 ### Meeting Overview The City of Bellingham Hearing Examiner conducted a vehicle impound appeal hearing on May 28, 2025, presided over by contract Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice. The case involved Hannah Hurley contesting the impound of her 2015 Subaru Crosstrek and associated towing/storage fees totaling $876.36 from a residential parking zone violation. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Residential Parking Zone (RPZ):** Special parking areas around Western Washington University designated for residents only, requiring permits to park legally. Designed to prevent college students from taking up residential parking spaces. **Hearing Examiner:** An independent contract attorney who hears appeals of city decisions, including parking violations and impounds. Not a city employee, works on contract to provide impartial hearings. **Burden of Proof:** In impound appeals, the person appealing (appellant) must prove their case - the city doesn't have to prove the impound was valid. **Posted Tow-Away Zone:** An area where vehicles can be impounded immediately without warning tickets, as long as proper signage is posted. **License Plate Scanning:** Modern enforcement method where officers scan license plates to check if vehicles have valid permits, rather than relying solely on visible stickers. **72-Hour Rule:** City ordinance requiring vehicles to move every 72 hours or risk being impounded as abandoned, even with valid permits. **Class A Tow Truck:** Heavy-duty towing vehicle that can charge $400/hour under Washington State Patrol contracts. **Digital Permit System:** New system allowing residents to have valid permits without displaying physical stickers, tracked by license plate numbers. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Sharon Rice | Contract Hearing Examiner | | Hannah Hurley | Appellant (vehicle owner) | | Stephanie Mays | Code Compliance Officer, City of Bellingham | | Chris Heston | Owner, Heston Hauling and Heston Towing | | Ms. Bowker | Hearing Clerk (not present, mentioned) | ### Background Context This case highlights common challenges in residential parking enforcement around universities. The Cedar Street/North Forest area near Western Washington University has ongoing parking problems with college students using residential spaces meant for neighborhood residents. The city uses a complaint-based enforcement system, responding when residents report violations. Since January 2025, this three-block area alone generated 178 parking tickets, showing the scope of the problem. The city has moved to digital permit tracking while still allowing physical stickers, creating potential confusion for residents about proper procedures. The case also demonstrates how administrative changes (like new license plates) can inadvertently put law-abiding residents in violation, even when they believe they're following the rules. ### What Happened — The Short Version Hannah Hurley moved to North Garden Street in October 2024 and got a residential parking permit. She placed the sticker in her windshield (wrong location) and later changed her Utah license plate to Washington without updating the permit system. While she was on vacation April 26-May 11, 2025, her car was ticketed twice and then impounded on May 8 for not having a valid permit associated with the current license plate. She paid $876.36 in towing/storage fees plus two $30 parking tickets, then appealed the impound. The hearing examiner will issue a written decision by June 11, 2025. ### What to Watch Next - Written decision due by June 11, 2025, from Hearing Examiner Rice - Potential policy clarifications about permit transfer procedures when license plates change - Ongoing enforcement actions in the Cedar Street/North Forest residential parking zone ---

## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Meeting ID:** BEL-HEX-2025-05-28 **Q:** What is the Meeting ID for this hearing? **A:** BEL-HEX-2025-05-28 (Bellingham Hearing Examiner, May 28, 2025) **Q:** Who is Sharon Rice? **A:** Contract attorney serving as Hearing Examiner for Bellingham and 9-10 other jurisdictions, not a city employee. **Q:** What vehicle was impounded? **A:** 2015 Subaru Crosstrek belonging to Hannah Hurley **Q:** What was the total towing and storage fee? **A:** $876.36 ($400 for one hour towing, $404 for four days storage at $101/day) **Q:** Where are residential parking stickers supposed to be placed? **A:** On the rear bumper (left side) or lower left corner of rear window - NOT in the windshield. **Q:** How many parking tickets were issued in this area since January 2025? **A:** 178 tickets on just three blocks of Cedar Street and North Forest. **Q:** What is the 72-hour rule? **A:** Vehicles must move every 72 hours or can be impounded as abandoned, even with valid permits. **Q:** When was Hannah's license plate changed from Utah to Washington? **A:** January 27, 2025, according to DOL records. **Q:** What is a "posted tow-away zone"? **A:** Area where vehicles can be impounded immediately without warning tickets if proper signs are posted. **Q:** How does the city's digital permit system work? **A:** Officers scan license plates to check for valid permits - physical stickers no longer required. **Q:** Who bears the burden of proof in impound appeals? **A:** The appellant (person appealing) must prove their case. **Q:** When will the hearing decision be issued? **A:** Within 10 business days (by June 11, 2025) in writing via email. **Q:** What dates was Hannah on vacation? **A:** April 26 through May 11, 2025 **Q:** When was the vehicle first ticketed? **A:** April 28, 2025 (ticket was still on windshield when impounded May 8) **Q:** What is Stephanie Mays' role? **A:** Code Compliance Officer 2 with the City of Bellingham, handles parking enforcement. **Q:** What company towed the vehicle? **A:** Heston Hauling and Heston Towing, owned by Chris Heston. **Q:** Why was finance department contacted before impound? **A:** License plate scan showed no valid permit, but sticker was visible (in wrong location). **Q:** What exempted the vehicle from citation on May 20? **A:** Visitor pass hanging from windshield mirror (handicap placard style). **Q:** What are the case file numbers? **A:** HE-25-VI-010 and 25-PW-00599 **Q:** How much were the parking tickets? **A:** $60 total ($30 each for April 28 and May 8 violations) ---