Planning Commission Public Hearings
Planning Commission public hearings are meetings held for the purpose of informing the public about proposed changes to land use and zoning regulations, and to receive input from the public on these changes. The Planning Commission is a group of appointed citizens who are responsible for making recommendations to the Town Council on these matters. The Planning Commission will also make a recommendation for approval or denial. Furthermore, the Commission may hold public hearings and issue findings and recommendations on ordinance text amendments and map amendments; hear requests for variances; approve development plans, major subdivisions and non residential site plans; and review federal grant applications.
Public hearings are required by law for certain types of land use changes. These hearings provide an opportunity for residents to learn about the proposed changes and to express their opinions to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission will consider all of the input received at the public hearing before making its recommendations to the Town Council.
How to Participate in a Public Hearing
Public hearings are open to the public. Anyone who is interested in a proposed land use change is encouraged to attend the public hearing and to speak to the Planning Commission. If you wish to speak at the meeting, you should sign in when you arrive, or you may send comments via e-mail prior to the meeting for inclusion in the public record at the e-mail address provided on the notice of this hearing. If you are unable to attend the public hearing, you can submit written comments to the Planning Commission. Written comments should be submitted to the Planning Department at least 24 hours prior to the public hearing.
What to Expect at a Public Hearing
At the public hearing, the Planning Commission will present information about the proposed land use change. The applicant will also have an opportunity to present information about the project. After the presentation, the public will have an opportunity to ask questions and to express their opinions about the project.
Public speaking is an essential part of a public hearing using proper decorum. Speakers should address the Chairman, Commissioners, and staff in a presentation manner. Speakers are encouraged not to read directly from prepared statements but to be conversational.
The Planning Commission will consider all of the input received at the public hearing before making its recommendations to the Town Council. The Town Council will then make the final decision on whether to approve the proposed land use change.