9. Have Visible Information
With laptop computers and screens or monitors readily available, there’s little reason why maps, photos, charts, and other exhibits shouldn’t be visible to all attending the hearing. There can be nothing as frustrating for a member of the public than not being able to see what an applicant is showing members of the planning commission.
Some communities also require applicants for larger projects to provide 3D models — either actual, physical models or computer simulations.
Online Resources:
- In both O’Fallon, Illinois, and Mesa County, Colorado, review criteria, along with staff recommendations, are clearly visible to those attending the planning commission meeting. First two photos below from Mesa County; third photo from O’Fallon.
- Low Detail 3D Models and Animation as a Planning Tool (used as a planning tool to demonstrate a large mixed use redevelopment project early in the planning stages to the city planning commission in Vancouver, Washington).
- Essex, Vermont, Discovers the Power of 3D Analysis (from ESRI; for additional ESRI case studies on GIS and visualization).
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.
