HEARING FORMAT
Unless amended by the Planning Commission, the formal agenda is followed. Presentations are generally conducted in the following manner:

1. Staff introduces the agenda item, you and or the owners (if present), and identifies the purpose of the agenda item, e.g. "the applicant is requesting a use permit for a reduction in setback standards". Next, staff will state the findings that were used as criteria for evaluating the project followed by aspects of the project relevant to those findings. Staff will then make a recommendation either supporting approval or denial of the project.

2. You will then be invited by the Planning Commission to make a statement and/or comment on the referenced project.

3. The public is allowed to comment on the project after staff's and your presentations. Typically, individuals in support of the project are requested to speak first, followed by individuals opposed to the project.

4. The Planning Commission, after hearing all testimony from staff, you, and the public, deliberates and then makes a decision to

   1. Approve the project via resolution as presented;
   2. Approve the project via resolution with additional conditions;
   3. Deny approval of the project; or
   4. Instruct staff to schedule the item for a future hearing date to continue their deliberation and/or presentation of evidence and testimony.

GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS
These guidelines are intended to assist you, the applicant, in presenting a clear, concise presentation that will communicate the intent of the project and address concerns raised during the staff and public review process. Although it is not mandatory to follow the format given below, it is recommended. In conducting a presentation to the Planning Commission, you should:

1. Greet the Planning Commission, e.g. "Good evening Commissioners", and Introduce themselves, stating for the record their names and addresses.

2. Briefly provide an overview of the project and history of the establishment (if applicable). It is not necessary to reiterate the findings necessary for approval, unless you do not agree with a finding made by staff.

3. Succinctly present additional merits of the project or rebuttals to staff's findings at this time and conclude the presentation.

Additional Suggestions:

• Be on time. Typically, the formal agenda is followed in order of the items places on the agenda. However, the Commission may alter the placement of items on the agenda during the meeting, so it behooves You to be present when the hearing begins. Tardiness may result in a postponed hearing date delaying your project.

• Be prepared. You should be prepared to speak and answer questions regarding the project. This preparation should include reading the staff report that accompanies the agenda item and being knowledgeable of the findings necessary to evaluate the project. Staff will send a copy of the agenda and staff report to you prior to the hearing date, but it is the You's responsibility to contact staff if they do not receive the staff report.

• Be organized. Know what issues/concerns involve your project so that your comments and responses are directed toward responding to those issues. Have copies of plans and applicable support materials available in the event questions are asked or clarification is needed regarding the project.

• Be concise. Identify the merits of the project that are relevant to approval of the project. Provide focused responses only to those issues raised or discussed. The Planning Commission meetings are public hearings. Being concise demonstrates a respect for the public hearing process in that it allows others adequate time to speak.