Bookstore
You Be The Judge: A Handbook for the
Land Use Decisionmaker
The purpose of this handbook is to help local officials understand the elements of procedural due process required in a land use hearing. It is intended to assist decisionmakers in understanding the basic concepts of due process and in reaching decisions that are fair and equitable, and that will survive legal review by the courts.
The handbook contains a brief discussion of each element of procedural due process, a checklist to help the decisionmaker comply with each element of procedural due process, and examples of common problems with some suggested solutions.
While no handbook or treatise can offer a guarantee from lawsuits, this handbook provides guidelines and suggestions that should reduce liability. A reduction of liability is extremely important as many state and federal courts have held decisionmakers personally liable for failure to properly abide by procedural due process principles. The handbook will give the local decisionmaker a better understanding of what courts will consider if a local decision is appealed.
The burden on local officials when making land use decisions is a heavy one. The men and women serving as local officials are charged with balancing competing interests in a highly charged atmosphere in which the threat of a lawsuit is always present. If we are able to lighten that burden even slightly by the suggestions in this handbook, our efforts will have been successful.
Washington Land Use Case Law Digest
This digest of Washington Land Use cases is a summary of all important cases governing land use law for cities and counties in Washington State. It is an essential tool for the lawyer, planner, elected official or administrator involved in land use. Case summaries are included for every type of land use application, as well as caselaw on procedural due process, statutory interpretation and the Land Use Petition Act.
Those involved in land use in Washington State will find this digest an invaluable educational document. It will also save hours of time when looking for what the courts have to say about the land use issue you are trying to decide. You may purchase either a digital version that is searchable or a hard copy that will be mailed to you. It comes with a money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied for any reason, just let us know and your purchase price will be refunded to you.