The Development Review Process is designed to provide feedback to applicants to ensure consistency with the City of Alachua Comprehensive Plan and compliance with the City of Alachua Land Development Regulations (LDRs) regarding proposed development. Development review procedures are established by Article 2 of the City of Alachua LDRs, and provide multiple opportunities for citizen involvement, in addition to City staff review and recommendation/approval by the Planning and Zoning Board, Board of Adjustment and City Commission. This procedure is in place for anyone seeking an application for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Site Plan Approval, Subdivision (Preliminary/Final Plat), Special Exception Permit or Variance Permit. The following five-steps outline the process:Step 1. Pre-Application Conference
The purpose of a Pre-Application Conference is to familiarize the applicant and Staff with the applicable provisions of the Land Development Regulations (LDRs) applicable to the proposed development and to inform the applicant about application preparation and submission. See Pre-Application Conference or LDRs for more information.
Step 2. Neighborhood Meeting
Informal citizen input begins with the Neighborhood Meeting, which is an informal meeting between the applicant and any interested citizens. Property owners within 400 feet of a development are notified by mail. In addition, a notice of the meeting is published in a newspaper of general circulation. Neighborhood Meetings are encouraged as opportunities for informal communication between owners and occupants of nearby lands, applicants, and other residents who may be affected by development proposals. Although all issues may not be resolved, the Neighborhood Meeting allows for early citizen input and discussion. See Neighborhood Meeting for more information.
Step 3. Application Submission
Applicant submits completed application for staff review.
Step 4. Staff Review
After an application has been submitted, applications are reviewed by the Planning and Community Development Department to determine an application’s consistency with the LDRs and the Comprehensive Plan. In most cases, Staff will prepare a Staff Report detailing their findings. Staff will prepare a recommendation to approve, approve with conditions, or deny an application based on its consistency with the LDRs and the Comprehensive Plan.
During the Staff Review process, Staff will notify the public of the application and the dates of related public hearings. Individual property owners within 400 feet of a development are notified by mail. This notice will include a general description of the application, the public hearing date, and methods to obtain additional information. The public at large is notified through newspaper ads and blue signs posted on the property. During Staff Review citizens are able to provide input by contacting City Staff if they wish to review or discuss an application. Citizens may submit written comments, which will be included as part of the packets sent to each member of the reviewing board(s).
Step 5. Public Hearing by Reviewing Board(s)
At public hearings, City Staff, the applicant, and the general public give formal comments and evidence to support their position on the proposed project. Depending upon the type of application, an application may be presented before the Planning and Zoning Board, the City Commission, and/or the Board of Adjustment. Table 2.2-1 of the LDRs identifies which reviewing board will hold a public hearing for an application.
— Planning & Zoning Board, and/or
A six member board appointed by the City Commission. Five members are voting members; one is a non-voting member representing the Alachua County School Board. The decision of the Planning & Zoning Board may be appealed by any person aggrieved or affected by the decision of the Board for up to 30 days following the Board’s decision
— City Commission, and/or
A five member board elected by the public
— Board of Adjustment
Reviews Zoning Variance Permits and appeals for certain applications. The five members of the City Commission are authorized by the Land Development Regulations (LDRs) to act as the Board of Adjustment.
