The public is encouraged to attend and participate in these hearings. The role of staff in the review process for Plans of Development, Landscape Plans, and Subdivisions is similar to the process described above. Staff makes a recommendation to the Planning Commission, but then the Planning Commission makes the final decision. Plans of Development, Landscape Plans, and Subdivisions do not generally go the Board of Supervisors for approval. As noted above, you can discuss your concerns with the case planner early on in the process.
Some applicants have community meetings in an attempt to resolve issues before the public hearings.
If you plan to oppose some aspect or all of a proposal, you should make the applicant aware of your concerns as early as possible. There are also at least two public hearings on every rezoning and PUP, one with the Planning Commission, and one with the Board of Supervisors. At the Planning Commission public hearing on rezonings and PUPs, the applicant and all those speaking in opposition have a total of ten minutes to speak on the request. Time spent answering questions by Commission members is not counted towards the total. At the Board of Supervisors public hearing, there is usually no time limit.