Selma law team trains boards on quasi‑judicial rules: disclosures, evidence and appeal risks

The Town of Selma's law team conducted a training session April 20 for the Town of Selma Board of Adjustment and the Appearance Commission on how to conduct quasi‑judicial hearings, emphasizing impartiality, evidence standards and the risk of appeals if procedures are not followed.

Megan, a member of the town law team, told the boards that quasi‑judicial hearings require members to apply local development regulations to facts in a manner similar to a court proceeding and that the boards act in an adjudicatory role. "This is a decision that's made by a local board," Megan said, and noted the Board of Adjustment handles appeals and variances while the Appearance Commission handles certificates of appropriateness.

The training focused on several recurring topics: avoiding ex parte communications and disclosure requirements; when board members should recuse themselves; the difference between lay and expert witnesses and how to qualify the latter; what evidence is admissible; and the mechanics of findings of fact and appeals.

Chip, the other member of the town law team,…