The Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners hold regular public hearings to make decisions on land use matters, including development applications, rezoning requests, Land Use Code amendments, and long-range plans. The following procedures are specific to “quasi-judicial” hearings on development applications, where the Board or Commission is acting as a judge and final decision-maker on the matter.
Order of Hearing Proceedings:
The Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioner Land Use Hearings follow the procedures outlined below:
- Introduction and overview of process (Board Chair and Staff)
- Staff presentation (includes project description and staff report)
- Clarifying questions (from Commissioners)
- Applicant presentation*
- Clarifying questions (from Commissioners)
- Public testimony (generally limited to 3 minutes per commenter)
- Applicant response (generally limited to 5 minutes)*
- County Staff response to public comments and applicant rebuttal
- Commissioner questions for staff and applicant
- Deliberation and decision**
*Note: To promote efficiency and afford all interested parties a fair opportunity to comment, applicant presentations are generally limited to 10 minutes for more routine applications, with additional time typically allowed for more complex or broad applications. An applicant can request additional time for their presentation and response no later than one week prior to the hearing by reaching out to their case planner. The Board Chair of the meeting has the discretion to grant or deny the request. With respect to time limits, the term “applicant” is intended to include any individuals representing the development application or request, including property owners, consultants, subject matter experts, or other representatives.
**Note: The Land Use Code requires written notice of the decision from staff to the applicant within 10 days, typically in the form of an email. Decisions are then finalized through a Findings & Resolution document, which is presented for approval during a public meeting that occurs after the hearing on the application.
