Petition to Rezone and Conditional Use Impact Statement

Changes in use of property associated with rezones and conditional use permits can have impacts on adjoining and nearby properties which can be difficult to anticipate.  Sometimes these impacts may seem unperceivable to the applicant, but they may be profound on neighboring properties.   

1. Prepare an outline of your proposal, something similar to a “business plan,” detailing for the Planning, Resources and Development Committee (PRD) your proposal.

2. Include any other documentation you feel necessary as part of your presentation in defining your proposal for the PRD and county board.  If vital to your application, consult with professionals you feel may be able to assist with your application (i.e; surveyor, attorney, engineer, etc…)

3. Describe the frequency and/or intensity of any characteristic associated with your proposed use of property that may impact yours or neighboring property and strategies to minimize potentially adverse impacts.  Anticipate possible future growth or expansion.  The following list of potential impacts is not all-inclusive; if your proposed use of property involves a characteristic not listed, include it in your presentation. 

• Traffic count; current & anticipated, type of traffic (i.e. cars, delivery trucks, etc…), off-street parking

• Lighting/glare

• Noise

• Signage/Advertising

• Number of employees

• Anticipated number of customers and customer type (i.e., general public, distributors, etc…)

• Hours of operation, days open

• Building(s) used, location of use within building, new buildings proposed

• Products involved:  Retail, wholesale, and/or assembly on site

• Refuse/waste/by-products generated and  method of treatment

• Smoke, odor, dust or other emissions created

• Aesthetics, changes to structures, changes in landscape appearance, ground cover or tree removal

• Potential changes relating to health and/or safety of landowner and public

• Items stored in conjunction with proposed land use, location of outside storage

• Access to site, i.e.:  sight distance, slope degree, shared access, easements, ingress/egress, driveway permit requirements (town, county or State Department of Transportation).

• Any covenants or deed restrictions that may apply to your lot or within your subdivision.

Be prepared to give a professional and detailed presentation when called upon at the public hearing before the PRD Committee.  Contact the town where you are located prior to the public hearing, if possible, for any town review and tentative approvals or permits that may be required.  Review town and county land use plans to make sure your proposal is consistent with these plans.  If not consistent, discuss amending the plan with the town and/or county planning agency prior to application.  County staff will recommend denial if a proposal conflicts with the town or county land use plan.

DON’T RUSH YOUR APPLICATION.  It is better to give yourself another 30 days to ensure that all impacts associated with your proposal are detailed completely and you are prepared to give a proper presentation than to hurry and have your petition denied because it is not complete.  Incomplete applications will not be placed on the public hearing agenda.  It is also highly advisable to discuss your proposal with neighboring property owners prior to application.  The application fee is not refundable if your application is denied and you will not be eligible to re-apply until after 12 months from the date of denial by county board.  Please be advised that paying the fee and following this guidance sheet does not guarantee approval.