DRB Changes – Based on 2004 DRB Evaluation & Recommendations

These changes stem from work sessions held on September 21, October 19, and December 7, 2004.  They were developed by the DRB after taking public comment on Hinesburg’s development review process, and after reviewing a report from an independent planning consultant (Mike Munson).  See the meeting minutes from the above meetings for an overview of the discussion, and contact the Planning/Zoning office for more information.

 

Procedural changes:

1.      Formalize some aspects of DRB meetings to improve efficiency/timing and predictability.

2.      Empower the DRB chairperson to place time limits on the discussion, limit repetitive commentary, and stick to a sequence or process during the meeting (e.g., applicant presentation, review of issues from staff report, questions from Board, comments from audience, DRB discussion with the Applicant about the suggested conditions).

3.      Revise adjoining landowner notification letters to explain the development review process – i.e., how and when their comments and concerns can be shared.

4.      Have staff propose specific suggested conditions of approval in the staff report to bring applications into compliance with the regulations (where possible) to help expedite the review process and fully inform applicants of likely conditions.

5.      Revise application forms and application check lists to help applicants clearly understand what materials must be submitted with each type of application (e.g., subdivision, conditional use, site plan, etc.).

 

Staffing & Other Changes:

1.      Record all DRB meetings

2.      Increase staff support by approximately 20 hrs/week - 3 hrs/wk (approx.) for a Recording Secretary, 16 hrs/wk for professional development review support; additional staff support needed for:

·        Hire a Recording Secretary (i.e., taking meeting minutes)

·        Ensure staff reports are referenced in minutes or become an attachment to the minutes

·        Ensure staff persons preparing reports & draft decisions attend DRB meetings

·        Ensure staff provides reports to applicants earlier (~2 wks ahead of meeting)

·        Encourage more pre-application meetings between staff and applicants to smooth and “front load” the process.

·        Continue to standardize staff review of projects to ensure appropriate regulatory standards are addressed, and to make DRB review as predictable as possible.