Lake County Board updates development notice procedures to improve public awareness

The Lake County Planning and Zoning Board convened on March 5, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including updates to public notice procedures for development applications and public comments regarding these changes.

The meeting began with a motion to defer Tab 1 and Tab 3 to the regular agenda, allowing for a full presentation on the rezoning case associated with Tab 1. The board unanimously agreed to this motion. Following this, the board approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on February 5, 2025, with one member abstaining due to absence.

During the public comment period, no attendees spoke on non-agenda items. The board then moved to the consent agenda, approving all items except for Tabs 1 and 3.

Tab 1 focused on an ordinance to amend Section 14.0005 of the Lake County Code regarding notice procedures for public hearings related to development applications. The proposed changes aim to enhance the clarity and accessibility of public notices. Key updates include a requirement for public notices to be advertised in the newspaper at least seven days before each public hearing, with a 300-foot notification buffer for mailing notices. The ordinance also introduces the use of QR codes on signage to direct the public to additional information online.

Board members raised questions regarding the changes, particularly about the adequacy of the notice period and the information provided. Staff clarified that the updates consolidate existing provisions and that the QR codes would facilitate access to detailed information about public hearings.

Public comments were then invited, with Jane Hepting, president of the Lake County Conservation Council, advocating for longer notice periods. She suggested extending the notification to 30 days and increasing the notification radius to 1,000 feet to ensure that residents have ample time to engage with the development process. Kathleen Farner echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive notification to allow property owners sufficient time to respond to proposed developments.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the importance of public engagement in the development process and the need for the board to consider the feedback received during public comments. The board will continue to deliberate on the proposed ordinance and its implications for community involvement in future development decisions.