§ 17-44. Public hearing—Local planning agency.

(a)

Prior to board of county commissioners approval, adoption and/or enactment as appropriate, of any matter listed in section 17-41(b)(3), the local planning agency (the planning and zoning commission) shall hold at least one public hearing in conformance with the notice requirements described in section 17-43. The hearing may be continued to an announced time certain upon a majority vote. An agenda for the hearing shall be posted in or near the meeting room.

(b)

The local planning agency public hearing shall afford members of the public reasonable opportunity to present their views on any matter under consideration. The chairman may, at his discretion, rule out-of-order public comments he deems repetitious or not germaine to the matter under discussion.

(c)

The sequence of activities regarding the matters under consideration shall be as follows:

(1)

Announcement of the matter for consideration by the chairman. Evidence that the requirements of section 17-44(3) have been met will be supplied prior to continuing this matter.

(2)

Presentation by the applicant or principal proponent of the matter.

(3)

Presentation of staff reports/comments, if any, whether written or verbal. Written staff reports, if prepared, shall be provided to the local planning agency, applicable agencies, proponents and any group registered pursuant to section 17-43(e) at least seven days prior to consideration.

(4)

Comments from the proponents and opponents of the matter in as nearly equal proportions as possible. All speakers will be required to fill out address cards prior to commencement of public hearings so that an accurate record of participants can be maintained.

(5)

Close public input except for direct questions as may be initiated by the members of the local planning agency.

(6)

Local planning agency discussion, debate and recommendation by majority vote prior to considering the next matter or adjournment.

(d)

The local planning agency through the planning department shall transmit its recommendation on each matter decided to the county commission at the public hearing held for each matter by the county commission. Included in this recommendation shall be a response to the pertinent public comments received during consideration of the matter.

(e)

All applicants shall be encouraged to present their proposed project plans to the neighborhood organization(s), if any, adjacent to their proposed project at least seven days prior to the public hearing at which time the matter will be considered.

(f)

The local planning agency shall conclude consideration of the agenda no later than 11:00 p.m. No agenda item may be initiated after 10:30 p.m. unless a majority vote agrees to do so. Agenda items not considered at this date will be tabled for a time certain.

(Ord. No. 87-38, § 4, 7-21-87)