Is it sufficient for an AMP to issue an oral decision to applicants?
No. Decisions must be written. However, sending a copy of the minutes in which the decision is recorded can suffice, if they include the factual bases and conclusions relating to the review standards applied to the application. Additionally, boards are advised to not issue oral decisions “on the spot” – rather, to make use of deliberative session and issue a written decision within the requisite 45 days. It would put a board in a tough spot to issue an oral opinion approving a project, only to issue a written decision a month later denying it.
