Item C1 5.0 Public Participation & Comment Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
5.0 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND COMMENT
These public participation procedures are developed to meet the requirements of Chapter
163.3181, Florida Statutes, as amended. This section of State law requires adoption of public
participation procedures designed to provide effective public participation in the comprehensive
planning process and providing real property owners with notice of all official actions that will
regulate the use of their property. The following public participation procedures, in addition to
any other procedures required by statute, may be followed when an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan (the Plan) is proposed:
• Assure advertisements are placed in local newspapers and other media in accordance with
State law;
• Provide flyers at the Government Centers and other prominent public locations:,
• Provide sign -up sheets at meetings to create a database of meeting attendees for future
email communication;
• Provide opportunities for written comments from citizens and other interested parties;
• Prepare newspaper articles and press releases:
• Post information through social media
• Assure draft documents are made available at the Government Centers and on the County
website:
• Facilitate public meetings to discuss Plan amendments.
Location of Documents and Maps
All comprehensive planning and related documents, reports, studies, and agendas shall be made
readily available for public viewing pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and other
applicable laws. All draft and final Plan amendments or support documents scheduled for
discussion or presentation at public workshops, public work sessions, public meetings, or public
hearings will be available in the Growth Management Division for viewing and be available on
the applicable agenda (agenda item) on the County website.
Public Hearings
All public hearings shall be advertised and conducted as required by State law including, but not
limited to, applicable sections of Part II, Chapters 163 and 125.66, Florida Statutes. Additional
advertisements may be published, although not legally required, when it is determined by the
Growth Management Director that such additional advertisements would likely enhance public
participation or otherwise significantly benefit the public. The applicant shall be responsible for
all advertising costs associated with a plan amendment application.
Each public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) shall be conducted in a
manner so as to constitute a presentation of the proposals and recommendations being considered
Public Participation and Comment 1 Keith and Schnars, P.A.
Comprehensive Plan: July 2014
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
in the Plan amendment process. The opportunity for public comment at any workshop or work
session of the BOCC is at the discretion of the BOCC.
Public Inquiries and Comment
The public may contact the Growth Management Division staff, as well as other appropriate
County personnel, to answer inquiries and provide information relating to comprehensive
planning and related matters.
During the Plan amendment process, any person representing himself, a property owner. or an
organization in Monroe County may present comments, requests, or inquiries.
Requirements for Public Notice
Public notice for all public hearings, meetings, workshops, or work sessions of all boards,
commissions, and committees shall be posted on the Monroe County website. The notices shall
contain, at a minimum, the date, time, place, and general subject matter of the meeting. Unless
otherwise provided by law, failure to post such notices shall not affect the validity of any actions
taken at a public hearing, meeting, workshop, or work session.
Public Hearings and Optional Workshops
(1) Local Planning Agency:
a) An optional workshop for the consideration of any Plan amendment.
b) At least one (1) public hearing pursuant to Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, for any Plan
amendment.
(2) Board of County Commissioners:
a) An optional work session for the consideration of any Plan amendment.
b) At least one transmittal public hearing for any Plan amendment pursuant to the
requirements of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes.
c) At least one adoption public hearing for any Plan amendment pursuant to the
requirements of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes.
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Public Participation and Comment 2 Keith and Schnars, P.A.
Comprehensive Plan: July 2014