County staff warns planning commissioners against ex parte contacts and documents procedures for harassment reporting

County staff used the meeting’s "other business" segment on Feb. 18 to warn planning commissioners about ex parte contacts, harassment and the proper channel for receiving material related to items before the commission.

Staff instructed commissioners that when a matter is quasi‑judicial (for example, conditional use permits or permit extensions where the commission is the final decision‑maker) one‑on‑one contacts with applicants or opponents must be avoided. Commissioners were told to forward any written or verbal contact about agenda items to the Community Development office so staff can log and distribute the material to all parties and place it into the public record.

Staff also said the county will respond if commissioners receive threats or harassment, and that the conduct of anyone who threatens to reveal personal information or otherwise coerce commissioners is potentially unlawful and will be prosecuted. Commissioners were advised against using personal government‑issued phones for this purpose and to route public submissions through staff so all parties can see the same materials.

The commission discussed practicalities of outreach and public comment. Staff noted the planning commission does not currently include general public comment for every meeting but that members of the public may request items through staff or address topics during public‑hearing items; staff said they will make it clearer how to submit material to the commission and that the planning commission will be included in upcoming general‑plan outreach and training sessions.