A public hearing is held for the express purpose of gathering information from the public regarding a pending application, petition or policy proposal.  The plan commission may be required to hold a public hearing when developing recommendations on the adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan or ordinance or when considering an application for a development permit.

Preparing for a Public Hearing

Prior to meeting

• Arrange for alternates due to anticipated absence or conflict of interest.
• Send the agenda, proposal, and staff reports to commission members.
• Comply with open meeting law and public hearing notice requirements.
• Arrange for a tape recording of the hearing or a court reporter.

Preliminary matters at meeting

• Distribute and collect hearing appearance slips. (see example on page 22). [chair]
• Call the meeting to order. [chair]
• Take roll and confirm that a quorum is present. [secretary]
• Confirm compliance with open meetings law and public notice requirements. [commission]
• Read the agenda and amend as necessary (reorder hearings). [chair and commission]
• Inform the public in attendance of hearing procedures (see script on page 23). [chair]

For Legislative Proceedings: (i.e. plan or ordinance adoption or amendment)

Conducting a Public Hearing

• Open the public hearing. [chair]
• Provide a summary and rationale for the proposal. [commission or staff]
• Allow time for group and individual questions and answers. [commission, staff, public]
• Request formal statements from the public. [chair]
• Close the record and the hearing. [chair]