The Civic Library
Everything we've published, in one place.
Browse by kind or topic. Reading status is kept on this device only.
38 publications
Handbooks
CRS-H-001
Public Hearing Handbook
How a hearing actually works, and how to be heard.
22 min · Moderate
CRS-H-002
Hearing Survival Card
Three minutes that count, folded in your pocket.
4 min · Easy
CRS-H-003
Rezoning Handbook
From posted sign to second reading.
30 min · Detailed
CRS-H-004
Public Records Handbook
Ask the right office, in the right words.
18 min · Moderate
CRS-H-005
Research a Project
Build a file before the file builds you.
28 min · Detailed
CRS-H-006
Easement Handbook
What strangers can do on your land, and why.
20 min · Moderate
CRS-H-007
Understanding Local Government
Who decides what, and why it matters.
16 min · Moderate
CRS-H-008
Understanding Permits
Reading a permit without a lawyer at the table.
20 min · Moderate
CRS-H-009
Noise & Construction Handbook
Documenting impact week by week.
14 min · Moderate
CRS-H-010
Water & Wetlands Handbook
Watershed, runoff, and what the ordinance protects.
18 min · Detailed
CRS-H-011
Wildlife Handbook
Habitat, buffers, and the species ordinance you didn't know you had.
16 min · Moderate
CRS-H-012
Permits Glossary
Permit words, in plain language.
6 min · Easy
Packets
Field Guides
CRS-FG-001
Attending Your First Hearing
Where to sit, when to sign up, how to leave with notes.
5 min · Easy
CRS-FG-002
Understanding Rezoning Signs
The yellow sign on the parcel — what it actually says.
4 min · Easy
CRS-FG-003
Reading a Staff Report
The first three pages tell you almost everything.
8 min · Moderate
CRS-FG-004
Taking Good Evidence Photos
What the record will accept; what it will dismiss.
5 min · Easy
CRS-FG-005
Talking to Neighbors
A short conversation, repeated, builds the record.
4 min · Easy
Field Reports
CRS-F-001
A 14-acre rezoning gained a 75-foot buffer after one porch meeting.
Conditions added: tree buffer, drainage study, evening lighting cap.
8 min · Moderate
CRS-F-002
A FOIA request surfaced a missing noise study before the data-center hearing.
Nightly noise limits became a condition of approval after the study was produced.
8 min · Moderate
CRS-F-003
A logistics warehouse was withdrawn after the applicant's traffic study was challenged.
Application pulled before the planning commission vote.
8 min · Moderate
CRS-F-004
A first-time speaker stood up and finished her three minutes.
She wasn't intimidated. She finished the time. The board listened.
8 min · Moderate
CRS-F-005
A transmission easement crossed the parcel before anyone read the deed.
Construction began on the easement before neighbours understood the right.
8 min · Moderate
CRS-F-006
A nearby rezoning passed because no one signed up to speak.
The application passed on consent. No conditions were added.
8 min · Moderate
Collections
CRS-V-001
Most Important
If you only read five things, read these.
2 min · Easy
CRS-V-002
Beginner
Your first month on a neighbourhood issue.
2 min · Easy
CRS-V-003
Neighborhood Starter Kit
Everything a new neighbour group needs in their first binder.
2 min · Easy
CRS-V-004
Court Preparation
When the public process moves into a formal venue.
2 min · Easy
Citations
Stormwater & Impervious Surfaces
§ 14.6.2
1 min · Expert reference
Rezoning — Notice & Public Hearing
§ 15.3.1
1 min · Expert reference
Data Center — Cooling & Noise Limits
§ 22.4
1 min · Expert reference
Planning Commission — Minutes
Planning Commission Minutes, March 14, 2026, pp. 4–7
1 min · Expert reference
Staff Report — Rezoning Application RZ-2026-014
Planning Staff Report, March 2026
1 min · Expert reference
Future Land Use Map
Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Map, adopted 2025
1 min · Expert reference
State Freedom of Information Act
State FOIA, public-records provisions
1 min · Expert reference
Public Comment — Three-Minute Limit
Board of Supervisors Rules of Procedure
1 min · Expert reference