Joe Iliff
Reformed City Planner
- Messages
- 1,441
- Points
- 29
In most places I've worked, the planning department included in the notice of a public hearing (on a rezoning or site plan or something) a map showing the property involved AND the 200 foot notification buffer around the property. (The buffer defines who is required to be mailed a notice.)
I've had several customers who didn't understand the map, thinking that the buffer defined the property involved, or that properties inside the buffer would be bought by the city or the applicant. I had a customer who thought that because the applicant was a public school district, and their property was within the buffer, their property would be tax-exempt, like the school district's.
I don't know why these planning agencies decided to include the buffer in the notice. It doesn't mean anything to the applicant, even if they understood it. In my opinion, it just adds confusion rather than assisting understanding.
Does your city include the buffer on mailed public hearing notifications?
I've had several customers who didn't understand the map, thinking that the buffer defined the property involved, or that properties inside the buffer would be bought by the city or the applicant. I had a customer who thought that because the applicant was a public school district, and their property was within the buffer, their property would be tax-exempt, like the school district's.
I don't know why these planning agencies decided to include the buffer in the notice. It doesn't mean anything to the applicant, even if they understood it. In my opinion, it just adds confusion rather than assisting understanding.
Does your city include the buffer on mailed public hearing notifications?