TA23-02 - Community Meeting Text Amendment - PB Draft2023-03 Public Comment Draft
10.2.3. COMMUNITY INFORMATION MEETING
A. Purpose
The purpose of a community information meeting is to provide an in-person or digital forum so
the applicant can inform owners and residents of nearby lands and other stakeholders about a
proposed development application, to allow the applicant to explain the review process and site
plan if applicable; solicit comments and to provide the applicant an opportunity to hear and
address questions, comments and concerns about the development proposal as a means of
resolving so they are able to resolve conflicts and outstanding issues through discussion and
modifications to the proposal, where possible.
B. Applicability
1. Unless a report is submitted in accordance with subsection 2 below, a At least one
community information meeting that complies with the requirements in this section is
required to be held prior to submittal of any of the following applications:
a. Conditional rezonings;
b. Planned developments; and
c. Special use permits for uses classified as intensive industry.
2. An applicant may submit an application identified in subsection 1 above without first
holding a community information meeting if the applicant submits with the application
a report documenting efforts that were made to arrange such a meeting and stating the
reasons such a meeting was not held. Scheduled meetings that are unable to be held
due to technical issues beyond the control of the applicant or isolated storm events may
take place after the application submittal deadline as long as the required community
information meeting report is submitted within three business days of the application
deadline.
3. The adequacy of a meeting held or report submitted shall be considered by the Planning
Board and Board of Commissioners, as appropriate, in their decisions, but shall not be
subject to judicial review.
4. For applications other than those identified in subsection 1 above, a community
information meeting may be held in accordance with this section at the option of the
applicant.
C. Procedure
If a community information meeting is conducted, the applicant shall comply with the
requirements in subsections 1 and 2 below.
1. Notification
a. The applicant shall provide send written notice by first class mail and/or
personal delivery or other agreed upon measure at least ten days prior to the
date of the community information meeting. Notice shall be provided to the
Planning Department and to each owner of record of land within 500 feet of
and on the property tax parcel or leased site, if applicable, subject to the
2023-03 Public Comment Draft
application. Notice shall be provided to the Planning Department as outlined
by administrative procedures.
b. The County shall provide notice of the community information meeting by e-
mail to the Sunshine List upon receipt of the applicant’s notification.
2. Conduct of Meeting and Written Summary
a. The community information meeting shall be open to the public. At the
meeting, the applicant shall explain the development proposal and
application, inform attendees about the application review process, respond
to questions or concerns neighbors raise about the proposed application, and
discuss ways to resolve any conflicts or concerns.
b. The applicant shall prepare a written summary of the meeting. The summary
shall be included with the application materials and contain the following
information:
1. Date, time, and location of the meeting;
2. List of invitees and copies of any returned mailings received as of the
date of application;
3. List of meeting attendees;
4. Summary of issues discussed;
5. Description of any changes or adjustments made to the proposal as a
result of the comments and concerns received by the applicant; and
6. Any other information the applicant deems appropriate.
c. The Planning Director may develop administrative requirements for
communicating and holding community meetings that fulfill the meeting
requirements of this section, as approved by the New Hanover County Board
of Commissioners, with subsequent amendments approved by the County
Manager.