BACKGROUND:

After reviewing a proposed policy at the November 2^nd Board meeting and considering a revised policy at the November 9^th Board meeting, staff was directed to meet with the community on possible issues related to this policy.  Staff met with the community on November 16^th and 17^th to discuss possible issues.  

STRATEGIC PLAN:

Provide Effective and Efficient County Service to the public in a courteous and equitable manner. 

DISCUSSION:

The meetings were primarily with members of the development community.  The following bullets summarize the comments:

·         In principle, the policy is fine but many felt it should be considered as part of the overall improvements to the legislative review process rather than in advance of consideration of other changes.    

·         Most felt they could accept this change if County staff could commit to a two week turnaround of plans and proffers between the Planning Commission meeting and Board meeting.  Mr. Graham indicated staff could make this commitment if the changes were limited to the specific issues identified at the Planning Commission meeting and those changes did not result in substantive changes to other parts of the plans and proffers.  Mr. Graham offered this would be the goal, but not a commitment when extensive plan and proffer changes were made requiring total review of all of the submittals.  Mr. Graham committed to constructive comments that offer at least one solution staff would consider acceptable.

·         Applicants would like the policy to require final proffers, but not necessarily signed proffers at the time of advertisement, but indicated they would be willing to commit to provide signed proffers a minimum of nine days before the public hearing.  That timing would allow staff sufficient time to review the proffers to assure that they conform to the final proffers previously reviewed by staff and to place the signed proffers in the Board agenda packets. 

·         Applicants would like a commitment from the County to complete a total review of the legislative process. Mr. Graham indicated staff has been working on this internally and plans to schedule public discussions on alternatives at the beginning of next year.    

BUDGET IMPACT:

Budget impacts were discussed in the November 2^nd Executive Summary, which is attached to this report.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Staff recommends that the Board approve the attached revised policy for the submission of materials for zoning applications.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A - November 2^nd Executive Summary

Attachment B - November 9^th Policy Recommendation

Attachment C - Revised policy that incorporates comments

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