Affected persons must be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard. Parties can present evidence and arguments, and question and rebut evidence and arguments offered against them. The body's decision must be based on existing standards such as statutes and ordinances, and evidence in the record. Thus, information gathered by a decision making body from an on-site inspection cannot be considered unless the information is introduced as evidence at the hearing. The decision must be communicated to the parties along with an explanation.
Aggrieved persons have the right to appeal the decision to a higher local body or court.
Appeal rights should be specified in the decision. Ex parte Contacts. If they do, they should disclose the conversation or make the information part of the record so that the problem can be cured. In some cases recusal may be necessary. Thus, the requirement of an impartial decision-maker does not apply to legislative zoning acts.