Hernando County planning staff to pilot QR codes and streamlined online links on project signs

Hernando County planning staff told the Planning & Zoning Commission they are working on a pilot to change how development notices are posted and how residents access hearing information. Development Services Director Omar DePaulo said staff has created a planning web page that links directly to upcoming P&Z items and that the county is testing a simplified sign design with a QR code that will point residents to a project page.

"We have created under the planning site a link that takes you straight to the P&Z items," DePaulo said, describing a one‑page summary that lists hearing details and a short staff description. He told commissioners the county hopes to place a small, permanent sign with only the county seal, a QR code and a URL instead of the large, handwritten or heavily worded yellow signs used previously. The proposed change would be reversible for legal review; staff said legal is reviewing the approach to ensure compliance with state advertising requirements.

DePaulo said the QR signs could reduce signage costs and improve safety by letting motorists scan or photograph the sign and review the project page off‑site. He said the county is also looking at requiring applicants to return signs after the hearing (with penalties if signs are not returned) to limit long‑term sign clutter.

Commissioners and staff also discussed broader access to P&Z meetings. Several commissioners urged exploring simultaneous streaming to platforms such as YouTube in addition to the county's Granicus system to improve mobile viewing.

Why it matters: The sign and web changes are designed to make public‑notice information easier and faster for residents to find, reduce staff time and sign costs, and improve safety for those who would otherwise stop on busy roads to read development notices.