Chapter 2.40
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Sections:
2.40.020 Director – Appointment and removal.
2.40.030 Powers and duties of the department.
2.40.010 Department created.
(l) There is hereby created a community development department for the purpose of administering city ordinances, development standards and plans which regulate building construction, the use of land, and housing. The mayor shall assign such employees to this department as she deems appropriate.
(2) This department shall be known as the community development department. Any references to “development services,” “planning department,” and “building department” within the Oak Harbor Municipal Code shall be deemed to be references to the community development department. All references to “engineering department” in OHMC Titles 18, 19, 20 and 21 shall fall under the purview of the city’s department of public works. (Ord. 2044 § 2, 2026; Ord. 1256 § 2, 2001).
2.40.020 Director – Appointment and removal.
The community development department shall be headed by a director who shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. The community development director, under direction of the mayor, shall supervise and direct all employees assigned to the community development department and manage and administer activities of the department. The community development director shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor pursuant to an employment contract proposed by the mayor and approved by the city council. All references within the Oak Harbor Municipal Code to the “development services director,” “planning director,” and “director of planning and community development” shall be deemed references to the community development director. (Ord. 2044 § 3, 2026; Ord. 1628 § 5, 2012; Ord. 1256 § 3, 2001).
2.40.030 Powers and duties of the department.
The community development department shall perform the following functions:
(1) Administering and enforcing all city codes, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, concerning the construction of buildings and development of land, including those concerning building ordinances of the city, including, but not limited to, the provisions of the building code, plumbing code, mechanical code, abatement of dangerous buildings code, housing and building maintenance code, zoning code, platting code and SEPA codes;
(2) Ensuring proper processing of applications for construction permits, grading permits, use permits, conditional use permits, variances and other zoning code permits, subdivisions, short subdivisions, condominium plats, site plans, and other land use approvals, including those related to shoreline management;
(3) Conducting reviews of the effects of proposed projects on the environment, as contemplated in the State Environmental Policy Act and city ordinances;
(4) Promoting compliance with permit reform requirements under Chapter 36.70B RCW;
(5) Promoting compliance with the Growth Management Act under Chapter 36.70A RCW;
(6) Maintaining appropriate records regarding property, permits and structures;
(7) Developing and maintaining compliance program for nuisance abatement in the city; and
(8) Discharging such other responsibilities as may be directed by the mayor or by ordinance consistent with the laws of the state of Washington. (Ord. 2044 § 4, 2026; Ord. 1256 § 4, 2001).