Clarence Jensen

The many integral parts local government plays when a person initiates a new development. I have always been fascinated at the importance of the many players at property rezonings. Generally, most people think that a person applies for rezoning and it is up to the public to state their views to either support or deny the application at public hearings. That is a long way from the truth. Are you aware of the value we get from our tax dollars?

The rezoning process starts with an application to make a change in zoning from its current use into the zoning that fits the new development. To accompany the application there is a fee required to start the process. Next, there is the internal circulation of the proposal to meet their specific requirements. The planning department, parks and recreation, fire department, police department, Health and others may have a response to the new proposal. Why, because it affects them and the area they are responsible for.

The next step is obtaining first reading by the City Council. Once this obtained then both parties, the developer and City staff work toward getting the project formed. The developer can have a local area meeting to advise all the affected residences of the area change. On the City side, the staff gathers all inputs into the project. The latter may take some time before the later public hearing. Do you have any thoughts on this process? One should take the view that there will be an objective look at the community change.