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Assistant city attorney gives refresher on Sunshine Law, public records and ethics to planning board
Summary
Assistant City Attorney Grant Day reviewed Sunshine Law rules, public records practices, conflict-of-interest procedures and quasi‑judicial evidence standards with Planning & Zoning Board members and answered questions about planning vs. zoning roles and upcoming land‑development amendments.
Grant Day, the city’s new assistant city attorney, led a refresher session for the Planning & Zoning Board on Nov. 4 covering the Sunshine Law, public records obligations, ethics rules and what constitutes competent substantial evidence in quasi‑judicial hearings.
Day emphasized that board members must avoid discussions about matters that could come before the board outside of public hearings, use microphones for the record, and forward any public‑records requests to the city clerk. He underscored that quasi‑judicial decisions must be based only on evidence presented during the hearing and on the record: "It's only evidence that's presented to you in this room during the hearing," Day told the board.
Members asked questions about the board’s combined planning and zoning role, the opportunity to provide planning‑level input on future LDR amendments and whether landscaping rules and PUD amendments could be used to shape neighborhood character. Staff said landscaping regulation changes will be forthcoming and that the training materials will be emailed to members.
The refresher closed with reminders on conflict disclosure and recusal procedures for members who have a personal or financial interest in agenda items; Day offered to meet one‑on‑one with members who wanted additional guidance.
