BY PEPPER FISHER
Port Angeles – What qualifies as a “marina”? That was the ultimate question in a case taken up in Clallam County Superior Court this summer in Platypus Marine’s effort to get the permits it needs to expand its operations as they construct a new boat manufacturing and repair facility on Marine Drive.
During the original permit application process, Platypus proposed a method to address the health and safety risks associated with spray painting indoors by putting large tents around boats inside their new building. The City Fire Marshal and Building Official concluded that the method proposed did not meet fire and life safety standards.
City officials said their decision was guided by the codes and standards designed to protect Platypus employees and the surrounding neighbors from potential fires or explosions from flammable paint.
Platypus responded by saying its spray-painting in the new facility fell under the definition of “Marina/Dry Dock”, which would have made the City’s determination incorrect. The City reviewed that claim, and went so far as to have it examined by the State Building Code Council.
They ultimately determined that painting inside a building is not the same as painting on a marina/dry dock, which the City says is specific to outdoor operations. Platypus appealed the City’s determination to an independent Hearing Examiner, who eventually dismissed the appeal, agreeing with the City.
After that decision, Platypus filed a Land Use Petition Act with the Clallam County Superior Court, requesting that the court reverse the decision of the Hearing Examiner. In August of this year, Judge Brent Basden interpreted the term “marina,” more broadly than the City, and ruled that the different interpretation requires the City to reconsider its analysis to be consistent with the Court’s findings.
A statement submitted to KONP from the City reads in part,
“The City respects the Court’s decision and remains committed to working collaboratively with PMI to ensure their operations can expand safely and successfully. From the beginning of this project, the City has prioritized clear communication with PMI, even appointing a dedicated City liaison to keep all parties informed and up to date. Today, we continue to engage proactively to ensure the permitting process moves forward quickly.
As an important update to this project, we are pleased to share that the City received all necessary documents for PMI’s…Permit applications late last week. Staff are working to expedite the review process for those applications.
We look forward to continuing this work to support PMI’s long-term success in our community. PMI has demonstrated years of dedication to Port Angeles, and we are excited that they are making this additional investment to grow and enhance employment opportunities within the city.”
Platypus company officials elected not to contribute to this story.
(Photo courtesy of Platypus Marine Facebook page)