Before you leave home

• Agenda printed
• Staff report read
• Two copies of your remarks
• Notebook + pen
• Phone with camera
• Arrive with time to follow the local sign-up procedure

Adaptable speaking outline

Speaking limits and sign-up procedures are set locally. Check the agenda or ask the clerk, prepare a brief version, and be ready to stop promptly.

1. Identify yourself briefly — brief
2. State the requested outcome — short
3. Use most of the time on specific evidence — main
4. State the written condition requested — short
5. Close promptly — brief

Questions worth asking

• What conditions of approval are proposed?
• What were the staff recommendations?
• Where is the stormwater discharged?
• Is there a wetland or floodplain on the site?
• What is the next decision date?

If you hear these words

• Continued — The hearing is not finished and will resume on a later date.
• Tabled — Set aside for now without a scheduled return.
• Approved with conditions — Granted subject to limits or requirements attached to the approval.
• Denied — The body rejected the request before it.

After the meeting

• Confirm how written remarks are accepted
• Note the case / item number
• Send any permitted follow-up promptly