2. Hold a Meeting in the Neighborhood

Another strategy that can reduce the likelihood of contentious hearings is to request or require an applicant to first meet with abutters and other neighbors. These meetings are usually organized by the applicant, though sometimes neighborhood associations sponsor them.

Some cities and counties require neighborhood meetings on applications that have to go through a public hearing process (not applications that can be approved administratively). As you’ll note in the main article, many planners see the value in neighborhood meetings, especially for larger or controversial projects — but several added cautionary notes.

Online Resources:

• Arvada, Colorado, Neighborhood Meetings (pdf)
• City of Bellingham, Washington Pre-Application Neighborhood Meeting Instructions (pdf)
• City of Portland, Oregon, Neighborhood Contact Requriements
• Oakland Park, Florida, Neighborhood Participation Meeting Program Guide (pdf)

We welcome your comments and/or suggestions for additional resources we might list. Email them to us at: pcjoffice@gmail.com. Also, let us know us if any link is not working.