REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
LAND USE ATTORNEY SERVICES
The City of Airway Heights (“City”) is seeking a qualified person or firm to contract for Legal Services related to land use decisions. The deadline for submittals is 4:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
DESCRIPTION OF REQUESTED SERVICES
The land use attorney provides legal advice, counsel, services, consultation, and opinions on issues related to land use to the City Council, City Manager, Planning Commission and other City Staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Washington with the training and experience necessary to perform the duties described.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment when applying law to specific
- Thorough knowledge of zoning laws, environmental laws, and comprehensive plans, including their formation, process of adoption, implementation and enforcement; extensive knowledge of planning programs and processes; demonstrated knowledge of, or experience with, community design.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with superiors, subordinates, the public and professionals in government agencies and the private sector; ability to establish effective working relationships.
- Working knowledge of Washington State codes relevant to land use planning and practices, particularly the Washington State Growth Management Act, the Washington State Environmental Policy Act, the Washington State Subdivision Act and respective Washington State Administrative Codes
GENERAL STATEMENT OF SCOPE OF SERVICES
- Furnishes legal representation at City Council meetings, Planning Commission meetings, and at other meetings when requested.
- Appears before courts and administrative agencies to represent the City’s interests when requested.
- Reviews ordinances and resolutions, and other documents for legal correctness and acceptability when requested.
- Prepares legal opinions and memoranda related to land use issues at the request of the City or the Council.
- Provides the City Council and City Staff a legal perspective and advice on various land use issues.
- Performs other legal services and tasks, as assigned by the City Manager or
- Reviewing and providing legal guidance on Voluntary Correction Agreements (VCAs), including drafting, revisions, enforcement options, and compliance timelines.
- Drafting, reviewing, and interpreting proposed amendments to the Airway Heights Municipal Code and related ordinances affecting code enforcement, nuisance abatement, land use, and public safety.
- Reviewing and approving Notices of Violation, Stop Work Orders, Emergency Orders, civil enforcement actions, and other enforcement documents to ensure legal sufficiency and consistency.
- Advising staff on enforcement authority, due process requirements, constitutional considerations, and administrative procedures.
- Providing legal guidance regarding property rights, warrant requirements, inspections, and access issues.
- Assisting with nuisance abatement actions, cost recovery, liens, and special assessment procedures when authorized by law.
- Representing or advising the City during administrative appeal hearings before the Hearing Examiner, City Council, or other designated appeal bodies, including preparing legal arguments and reviewing hearing records.
- Reviewing settlement agreements, compliance agreements, and enforcement resolutions.
- Advising on enforcement involving dangerous buildings, vacant properties, health and safety hazards, and emergency conditions.
- Assisting with interpretation and enforcement of zoning, land use, building, property maintenance, and related municipal regulations when code compliance issues overlap with other City departments.
- Providing guidance on public records requests, litigation holds, and records retention related to code enforcement matters.
- Reviewing policies, procedures, and standard operating practices to ensure compliance with current laws and best practices.
- Providing legal support during negotiations with property owners, contractors, businesses, and their legal representatives.
- Defending or advising the City regarding claims or litigation arising from code enforcement activities.
Please use the below link to view the full RFQ:
Land Use Attorney Services Request for Qualifications
If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Department at 509-244-2552 or [email protected]