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Commissioners debate applicant attendance and plan to advertise subdivision-ordinance amendment
Summary
Commissioners discussed whether applicants should be required to attend hearings and asked staff to advertise an amendment to the subdivision ordinance to comply with recent General Assembly changes on review times; commissioners said applicants' presence improves preparedness and outcomes.
Commissioners used their closing comments to question how often applicants fail to appear at hearings and whether the commission should take steps to encourage or require in-person representation. Multiple commissioners said cases are better handled when applicants are present to answer technical questions; one commissioner said, "If they don't come, it's not good results," (Commissioner (Speaker 8)) and urged that the lack of attendance be a disciplining factor.
Staff told the commission it will advertise an amendment to the subdivision ordinance to align review times with new Virginia Code language adopted by the General Assembly and that a draft ordinance amendment will be considered at the September meeting. Commissioners asked staff to ensure clear pre-application communication so applicants understand meeting dates and attendance expectations.
