planning commission opening--why to get involved now!
It was nice to see so many folks at the recent open house events. One of the things I like best about Cedar Hills is when people get involved in large numbers--no matter what their opinion. It seems to happen about every year or so, and it's really cool when it does. My perception is that the most involvement comes when people are concerned that the city leaders may be heading in the wrong direction. It's mostly for course correction...
That's works great for legislative actions, where there's flexibility to decide on a direction following public input.
On quasi-judicial actions, however, the government body acts as a judge of whether the law has been followed. For example, if a resident wants to subdivide their land, they make an application to the city. Preexisting ordinances dictate how and what conditions apply to dividing land. As long as the conditions are followed, the subdivision is approved. If the conditions are not followed, it is rejected. There shouldn't be any discussion whether council members or commissioners like the proposal, only whether the applicable laws have been followed.
This distinction is important because on a quasi-judicial action, it is too late to talk about how we want our community to look like and how is should be. Only whether the applicant met the standards is discussed.
The time to express opinions, receive input, and debate philosophies is when the laws, the standards are set. We have a lot of great people in Cedar Hills that love to get involved. I would like to see more of it in shaping standards and legislation on the front end, when it's still legally up for debate.
This is why I hope people will notice the current planning commission vacancy, and get involved. We've had an opening since September, but haven't had any applicants. Hopefully, people just overlooked it, and will now get involved. Applications will be accepted until January 24 at the city office--contact the city for details.
That's works great for legislative actions, where there's flexibility to decide on a direction following public input.
On quasi-judicial actions, however, the government body acts as a judge of whether the law has been followed. For example, if a resident wants to subdivide their land, they make an application to the city. Preexisting ordinances dictate how and what conditions apply to dividing land. As long as the conditions are followed, the subdivision is approved. If the conditions are not followed, it is rejected. There shouldn't be any discussion whether council members or commissioners like the proposal, only whether the applicable laws have been followed.
This distinction is important because on a quasi-judicial action, it is too late to talk about how we want our community to look like and how is should be. Only whether the applicant met the standards is discussed.
The time to express opinions, receive input, and debate philosophies is when the laws, the standards are set. We have a lot of great people in Cedar Hills that love to get involved. I would like to see more of it in shaping standards and legislation on the front end, when it's still legally up for debate.
This is why I hope people will notice the current planning commission vacancy, and get involved. We've had an opening since September, but haven't had any applicants. Hopefully, people just overlooked it, and will now get involved. Applications will be accepted until January 24 at the city office--contact the city for details.
posted by Eric at 6:16 PM
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