Conduct of Hearings

Hearings

Hearings are conducted under the States' Open Meeting Law. Hearing notices are published in advance of the hearing and the hearing is open to the public.
  • The purpose of the hearing is for the gathering of facts so that the Committee's members may make an educated decision.
  • A typical hearing would consist of:
    • The Committee Chairman officially opening the hearing and explaining the conduct of the hearing (i.e., the hearing will be conducted in an orderly manner, all speakers are to identify themselves and limit their statements to facts and the answer any questions directed to them by members of the Committee). If necessary, sworn statements may be taken.
    • Applications are read into the record together with any responses to opinion letters from notified parties.
    • The applicant, or his/her representative is asked to state the reason(s) for the request.
    • Members of the audience in favor of the application are provided the opportunity to present information.
    • Members of the audience not in favor of the application are provided the opportunity to present information.
    • The Committee will then discuss the merits of the application based on the facts presented and then make a decision.
    • The Committee decision may grant all or part of the applicant's request. The Committee may deny the entire request. The Committee also has the option of imposing conditions on the applicant's request as a basis of approval.
  • At the conclusion of all Committee business, the hearing is ended.

Findings & Conclusions

At the conclusion of the hearing, the Committee's decisions are provided in writing and will include sections describing:
  • Findings of fact:
    • Name of the applicant
    • Description of the property
    • The property's current zoning and use
    • The requested relief or change desired
  • The Committee's decision
    • If the application is for a Conditional Use or Special Use Permit the Committee may attach conditions to the decision. The Committee may also attach conditions to requests for zone district changes.
  • Notice of appeal rights: The Committee's decision may be appealed by the filing of an "administrative appeal" to the Sawyer County Board of Appeals within 30 days of the Committee's decision.