§ 24-23. Public participation.

As required by F.S. § 163.3181 and F.A.C. Rule 9J5.004, the procedures in this section are adopted to guide and assist the town council, town staff and the public during the preparation, public hearings, and other required steps in the development of the town's comprehensive plan.

(1)

A copy of the plan and current drafts of the plan and any proposed amendments to the plan shall always be available at the town clerk's office during regular office hours for inspection by the public. Copies of any portions thereof may be purchased from the clerk.

(2)

The news media will be assisted in the dissemination of material about the plan.

(3)

The real property owners within the town will be provided notices of impending actions by advertisements describing the required public hearing. Two advertisements will be provided about 14 and five days prior to any hearings before the land planning agency (town council) which concern changes to the plan. One advertisement about seven days prior to the transmittal hearing will be provided. One advertisement about five days prior to the adoption hearing will be provided.

(4)

At least three public hearings will be conducted prior to any change in the plan:

a.

As the land planning agency, the town council shall consider any proposed changes at a public hearing.

b.

The town council shall hold a transmittal hearing prior to submission of any change to the state department of economic opportunity, community planning and development.

c.

Upon receipt of the state department of economic opportunity, community planning and development's comments, the town council shall hold a final hearing and decide to adopt, adopt with changes or not to adopt the proposed changes.

d.

Any action by the town council in conjunction with the above public hearings requires an affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the total membership of the town council.

(5)

The public is encouraged to submit to the town clerk any written comments about the plan or suggestions for improvements of the plan.

(6)

The town planner shall respond to any written comments or suggestions at one of the public hearings listed in subsection (4) of this section. The town council shall respond to any comments or suggestions made to it at the public hearings.

(Code 1991, § 7-28; Ord. No. 4-88, 6-14-1988)