§ 110-3. Pre-Application Conference and Community Participation Meetings.

(a)

Pre-Application Conference.  

(1)

An applicant for development approval may request a pre-application conference with Planning and Environmental Resources Department staff by submitting an application and the applicable fee to the department. Prior to the conference, the applicant shall provide to the department: a written description of existing development on the property and the proposed development including its character, location and magnitude. The purpose of this conference is to acquaint the participants with the requirements of the land development code, applicable comprehensive plan policies and the views and concerns of the county.

(2)

If the applicant requests so and pays the applicable fee, the substance of the pre-application conference shall be recorded in a letter of understanding (LOU) prepared by department staff and signed by the Planning Director. The LOU shall be mailed to the applicant generally within 30—45 days after the conference, except under those circumstances where additional information is required by department staff following the conference. In those situations, the Planning Director cannot issue a letter until all required information is submitted and reviewed. The letter shall set forth the subjects discussed at the conference and the county's position in regard to the subject matters discussed.

(3)

The applicant shall be entitled to rely upon representation made at the conference only to the extent such representations are set forth in the LOU. An LOU shall not provide any vesting to requirements, code and the comprehensive plan. The development shall be required to be consistent with all regulations and policies at the time of development approval. The Planning Director acknowledges that all items required as a part of the application for development approval may not have been addressed at the conference, and consequently reserves the right for additional comment.

(b)

Community Participation Meeting. Applicants requesting a Major Conditional Use Permit pursuant to Article III of this chapter, or a Development Agreement pursuant to Article V of this chapter shall provide for public participation through a community meeting.

(1)

Scheduling. The applicant will coordinate with the Planning Director regarding the date, time and location of the proposed community meeting; however, all meetings are to be held on a weekday evening at a location close to the project site, between 45 and 120 days prior to the first of any public hearings required for development approval.

(2)

Notice of Meeting. The community meeting shall be noticed at least 15 days prior to the meeting date by advertisement in a Monroe County newspaper of general circulation, mailing of notice to surrounding property owners, and posting of the subject property, in accordance with Section 110-5.

(3)

Noticing and Advertising Costs. The applicant shall pay the cost of the public notice and advertising for the community meeting and provide proof of proper notice to the Planning Director.

(4)

The community meeting shall be facilitated by a representative from the Monroe County Planning & Environmental Resources Department and the applicant shall be present at the meeting.

( Ord. No. 006-2016 , § 1(Exh. 1), 4-13-2016)