Larimer County staff proposes standardized hearing procedures; commissioners ask for clearer guidance on videos, time limits and decorum

Larimer County staff presented a revised draft of hearing procedures for land-use hearings on Jan. 6, asking the Board of County Commissioners to provide direction on several specifics including time limits, handling of presentations and decorum at hearings.

Rebecca Everett, community development director, said staff revised a prior draft to align the written procedures with the county’s land-use code and to create predictability for applicants, commenters and the board. The draft sets a general three-minute limit for public commenters, allows an applicant presentation with a general time note (with applicant response limited to five minutes) and clarifies that the chair has discretion to adjust times based on community interest. "The code outlines the order of proceedings for a hearing. We have added a…