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 Monroe County
 Comprehensive Plan

  § 5.0. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND COMMENT  

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  • These public participation procedures are developed to meet the requirements of Chapter 163.3181, Florida Statutes, as amended. This section of State law requires adoption of public participation procedures designed to provide effective public participation in the comprehensive planning process and providing real property owners with notice of all official actions that will regulate the use of their property. The following public participation procedures, in addition to any other procedures required by statute, may be followed when an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan (the Plan) is proposed:

    •  Assure advertisements are placed in local newspapers and other media in accordance with State law;

    •  Provide flyers at the Government Centers and other prominent public locations;

    •  Provide sign-up sheets at meetings to create a database of meeting attendees for future email communication;

    •  Provide opportunities for written comments from citizens and other interested parties;

    •  Prepare newspaper articles and press releases;

    •  Post information through social media;

    •  Assure draft documents are made available at the Government Centers and on the County website;

    •  Post applications on the County website; and

    •  Facilitate public meetings to discuss Plan amendments.

    Location of Documents and Maps

    All comprehensive planning and related documents, reports, studies, and agendas shall be made readily available for public viewing pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and other applicable laws. All draft and final Plan amendments or support documents scheduled for discussion or presentation at public workshops, public work sessions, public meetings, or public hearings will be available in the Planning & Environmental Resources Department for viewing and be available on the applicable agenda (agenda item) on the County website.

    Public Hearings

    All public hearings shall be advertised and conducted as required by State law including, but not limited to, applicable sections of Part II, Chapters 163 and 125.66, Florida Statutes. Additional advertisements may be published, although not legally required, when it is determined by the Planning Director that such additional advertisements would likely enhance public participation or otherwise significantly benefit the public. The applicant shall be responsible for all advertising costs associated with a plan amendment application.

    Each public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) shall be conducted in a manner so as to constitute a presentation of the proposals and recommendations being considered in the Plan amendment process. The opportunity for public comment at any workshop or work session of the BOCC is at the discretion of the BOCC.

    Public Inquiries and Comment

    The public may contact the Planning & Environmental Resources Department staff, as well as other appropriate County personnel, to answer inquiries and provide information relating to comprehensive planning and related matters.

    During the Plan amendment process, any person representing himself, a property owner, or an organization in Monroe County may present comments, requests, or inquiries.

    Requirements for Public Notice

    Public notice for all public hearings, meetings, workshops, or work sessions of all boards, commissions, and committees shall be posted on the Monroe County website. The notices shall contain, at a minimum, the date, time, place, and general subject matter of the meeting. Unless otherwise provided by law, failure to post such notices shall not affect the validity of any actions taken at a public hearing, meeting, workshop, or work session.

    Public Hearings and Optional Workshops

    (1)

    Local Planning Agency:

    a)

    An optional workshop for the consideration of any Plan amendment.

    b)

    At least one (1) public hearing pursuant to Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, for any Plan amendment.

    (2)

    Board of County Commissioners:

    a)

    An optional work session for the consideration of any Plan amendment.

    b)

    At least one transmittal public hearing for any Plan amendment pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes.

    c)

    At least one adoption public hearing for any Plan amendment pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes.