Filing a Complaint

Our agency accepts complaints against licensed Professional Engineers (PE), Professional Land Surveyors (PLS) and On-Site Wastewater Designers (OS), registrants and unlicensed practice of Professional Engineering, Professional Land Surveying and On-Site Wastewater Designing.

We do not accept anonymous complaints.

You can file a complaint online or by email. All documents are considered a public record and may be subject to public disclosure under Washingtons Public Records Disclosure Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW.


What You'll Need

  • Supporting documentation that relates to the complaint
  • A detailed explanation of your complaint, including dates, other parties involved, and a summary of any efforts you've already made to resolve the problem. Describe events in the order they occurred.


How to File


What Happens After You Submit Your Complaint

  1.  We determine if the complaint falls within our legal authority.
    • If it isn't covered by our laws, we'll notify you.
    • If it appears to fall within our authority, we may investigate.
    • Our investigator will act as an impartial, fact-finding third party; the agency does not represent you (complainant) or whom the complaint is against (respondent).
       
  2. During the investigation
    • The respondent will be notified and provided a copy of the complaint.
    • The investigator may contact you and other parties involved.
    • The length of time an investigation takes depends on current caseload and the complexity of the case.
       
  3. After all the facts have been gathered and a decision has been made
    • If the evidence doesn't show a violation of the laws, we'll dismiss the case.
    • If a violation has occurred, we may recommend a disciplinary action.
       
  4. If disciplinary action is pursued
    • The person you filed the complaint against may request a hearing to dispute the decision.
    • We don't have the authority to recover funds, award damages, or make judicial determinations. To pursue these types of remedies, seek legal advice.
       
  5. You will be notified of the outcome of your complaint.