Site Plan Review Process

• Prior to submission of a preliminary site plan application, prospective applicants are encouraged to submit a conceptual site plan. Discussion of the conceptual site plan allows applicants to receive guidance from County staff.

• An interdepartmental staff team will complete an early technical review to determine compliance with submission criteria.
• All fees are collected.
• The Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC) Chair appoints a Planning Commissioner to lead the SPRC review.
• Applicants make revisions as needed and prepare an active site plan application.

• County staff begin an interdepartmental review of the active site plan application, establish a project webpage, and post application and background materials.
• A Site Plan Review Committee is formed with membership specific to the application: Planning Commissioners, representatives of other advisory groups and commissions, civic association members, and neighborhood representatives.
• A community engagement schedule is established, posted to the project webpage, and publicized.
• Applicants are encouraged to conduct outreach to affected communities.

Online Engagement 

• Project materials (e.g., videos, documents, virtual walking tour) and a feedback form are posted on the project webpage.
• The feedback form remains open for 10 days and is publicized to the community.
• The project materials and feedback form cover topics such as land use, policy background, architecture, transportation, and open space.

SPRC Meetings

• The SPRC meetings are open to the public and held approximately 90 days after the active site plan application is accepted. SPRC members listen to presentations and discuss agenda topics; public comment is heard at the end of meetings.
• Two SPRC meetings are typical, but the number of meetings can be adjusted on a case-by-case basis to fit the needs of the project.
  • SPRC Meeting #1 – Purpose is to hear brief presentations from staff and the applicant and discuss agenda topics.
  • SPRC Meeting #2 – Purpose is to hear updates from the applicant on refinements to the plan, finish discussions on agenda topics, and provide a project wrap-up.
  • Note: No decisions are made at the level of the SPRC. Its purpose is to review site plans, identify issues, and work to resolve them. Consensus is sought but not required.
• Prior to the meeting, materials are posted on the project webpage. These may include:
  • Microsoft Teams link to access the meeting
  • SPRC staff report and agenda
  • Comment/response matrix (public comments with staff responses) based on online engagement
  • Staff video presentation
  • Applicant video presentation
  • Revised application materials, if applicable
• SPRC members, staff, and the public will be hosted by teleconference/videoconference via Microsoft Teams. Learn more about how to view and participate.
• A recording of the meeting will be posted to the project webpage within two business days.

Preparation for Public Hearings by Planning Commission and County Board

• The SPRC Chair prepares a report for the Planning Commission hearing.
• Staff prepare a draft County Manager’s report that includes a number of recommended conditions for approval of the site plan application.
• Public notices are posted and publicized a minimum of 10 calendar days prior to the Planning Commission and County Board hearings where the site plan application will be considered.
• Depending on the project, the site plan may be reviewed at other commission and advisory board meetings.

Planning Commission Public Hearing

• The Planning Commission considers site plan applications during its monthly public hearings.
• The public can view the hearing and can participate by submitting written comments in advance or signing up to provide verbal testimony at the hearing.
• After hearing presentations and public comment, the Planning Commission discusses proposals and votes.
• The Commission’s final recommendation and the County Manager’s final recommendation are provided to the County Board.

County Board Public Hearing

• The County Board takes the final action on site plan applications and conditions of approval at its monthly public hearings.
• The public can view the hearing and can participate by submitting written comments in advance or signing up to provide verbal testimony at the hearing.
• If the County Board approves a project, the applicant may proceed with the development process and obtain permits.