Virtually all PUD regulations involve some kind of site plan review. In fact, it is the element of the application process that distinguishes PUDs from conventional developments. It is here that development flexibility, negotiation, and discretionary application of standards come into play. It is also in site plan review that special care must be taken to insure fairness in the decision making process. Care must be taken to involve developers, public officials, and the general public in the PUD process and to assure that all receive a fair opportunity to participate in the process without abusing the interests of others.
Time is critical because it means money to both the developer and the public.
Therefore, the review process should be efficient, and complex procedures or excessive steps avoided. The PUD ordinance should clearly spell out the review process, including the appropriate roles for various public and private parties, and should include procedural guidelines. The most important characteristic of the PUD review process is negotiation between the public and the developer. At the pre-application conference, the developer consults with members of the planning staff and heads of departments to resolve any questions regarding ordinance interpretation, to clarify steps, etc. The developer will also want to obtain staff views on what the decision making body is likely to approve.