Hearing Examiner

The City of Bellingham Hearing Examiner conducted a vehicle impound appeal hearing regarding a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLC that was towed during Memorial Day Parade preparations on May 24, 2025. Zachary and Sloan Coleman challenged the validity of the impound and $710.14 in towing and storage fees, arguing that no parking signs were not posted when they parked for a yoga class at 10 AM. The hearing centered on conflicting accounts of whether temporary no parking signs were properly posted before the vehicle was impounded. City parking enforcement officer Stephanie Mays testified that signs were installed May 20th and checked daily, with the vehicle found in violation at 10:19 AM on the parade route. The Colemans contended no signs were visible when they parked and paid for parking through the city's pay-by-phone app. Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice, an independent contractor serving multiple jurisdictions, heard testimony from city parking enforcement, Heston Towing operator Chris Heston, and the appellants. The case highlights tensions between special event parking restrictions and regular paid parking operations, with the decision deadline set for June 27, 2025.