My city requires that developers hold a public open house (with staff in attendance as observers) for certain types of applications. In Alberta, between the Municipal Development Plan (Comp Plan/General Plan) adoption and a rezoning or subdivision, we have an intermediate planning stage known as the Area Structure Plan. This is the major planning stage for the nitty gritty details, such as road configuration, open space, specific land uses (densities, etc).
So whenever a new ASP is proposed or an amendment is proposed, the developer needs to have an open house. Same goes with Redevelopment Plans.
Otherwise, Rezoning, Subdivisions, Development Permits, and other applications do not need additional consultation.