When are public hearings required? What are the procedures for formal input or protest?
Public hearings are required for rezoning, special use permit and vacation applications. The applicant is required to send out public notices at least twenty (20) days prior to the hearing to all owners of record of lands located within at least two hundred (200) feet of the area proposed to be altered. Such mailed notice shall be given by certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall be in letter form stating the time and place of the hearing, a general description of the proposal, the legal description and general street location of the property subject to the proposed change, and a statement explaining that the public may be heard at the public hearing. Public hearings are held at the Planning Commission meeting. Staff gives a presentation to the Planning Commission describing the proposed project. The applicant is given seven minutes to speak in favor of the project. Each additional person speaking in favor receives three minutes. Next, the first person to speak in opposition
