PORT ANGELES — The city of Port Angeles is working with Platypus Marine to mitigate permitting issues on the company’s new building.
Platypus Marine is constructing a new building at 535 Marine Drive which the company intends to use for manufacturing and repairing of boats, including spray painting. The permitting process led to the company filing a Land Use Petition Act against the city of Port Angeles.
On Aug. 6, Clallam County Superior Court Judge Brent Basden issued a memorandum opinion and order, sending the issue back to the city for reconsideration.
At issue are Platypus Marine’s plan to use spray paint and the city’s codes and standards governing the use of spray paint “inside an enclosed structure,” according to a statement from the city.
“Spray paint is toxic, highly flammable and can cause explosions,” according to the statement. “The city’s approach to this project is guided by those codes and standards — with a concern for the protection of Platypus Marine Inc. employees and the surrounding neighbors.”
When Platypus first applied for permits, the company’s proposed method to address health and safety risks of using spray paint indoors did not meet fire and life safety standards, according to the city’s statement.
Platypus Marine did not respond to requests for comment.
The city proposed three alternative methods which all would meet fire and life safety codes, but Platypus Marine proposed a fourth option instead, according to the city’s statement.
“Under the fourth option, PMI believed its spray-painting operations fell under the definition of ‘Marina/Dry Dock.’ The city thoroughly reviewed this option, including having it examined by the State Building Code Council,” the city’s statement said.
“The city determined that, because the spray paint operations would be ‘inside an enclosed structure’ and ‘Marina/Dry Dock’ is specific to outdoor operations, the fourth method proposed by PMI posed fire and life safety risks and was therefore not appropriate.”
In response to the city’s decision, Platypus appealed to an independent hearing examiner.
On Dec. 20, 2024, after an administrative hearing during which both sides presented evidence and testimony, the hearing examiner dismissed the appeal, concluding that fire and life safety-related precautions were required, according to the city’s statement.
That’s when Platypus filed the Land Use Petition Act with the Clallam County Superior Court, requesting the court reverse the hearing examiner’s decision.
“While the Superior Court largely affirmed the decision of the independent hearing examiner, it ultimately interpreted the term ‘marina’ more broadly than the city,” the city’s statement reads. “The court then ruled that the different interpretation requires the city to reconsider its analysis to be consistent with the court’s findings.”
Since that decision was made, the city has been working with Platypus Marine to ensure the permitting process proceeds quickly and safely, according to the city’s statement.
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Reporter Emily Hanson can be reached by email at emily.hanson@peninsuladailynews.com.
