City of Bellingham Hearing Examiner

This vehicle impound appeal hearing examined whether the City of Bellingham properly impounded a 2019 Toyota Camry belonging to Nancy Witter on November 14, 2025. The hearing centered on a family using their niece's car while she cared for her mother in California, parking it in front of the niece's residence at 1116 Inverness Lane. A neighbor complained after observing the vehicle unmoved for 10 consecutive days, triggering the city's 72-hour parking ordinance enforcement. The city's parking compliance officer issued a 72-hour notice on November 10, followed by impoundment on November 14 when the vehicle remained in the same position. The critical issue became the timing of postal notification – the courtesy mailer was postmarked November 12 but not delivered until November 14, the same day the vehicle was towed. The appellants argued they never received adequate notice to move the vehicle before impoundment, while the city maintained the window sticker alone satisfied legal requirements. Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice will issue a written decision by December 29, 2025, determining whether the impoundment and $600 in towing and storage fees were justified under Bellingham Municipal Code 11.30.60(A)(25). #