Why not flip the planning department appeals process?
As zoning changes are requested from the Fresno County Public Works and Planning Department, they send out a form letter to those affected by the change stating that those affected can object to the change by writing them with their objections. If they still approve the change, those affected can pay a fee for a hearing to appeal the decision. Many are unable to do this for various reasons.
It is assumed and has been the norm that once the form letter has been sent the proposed change will be approved anyway. The zoning in the county was put into place for good reason unless the change is approved by those affected.
Why not change the form letter stating that the proposed change will not be approved unless they receive letters with good reasons to approve the change, or the requested party can pay the appeal hearing fee.
Dan Haines, Fresno
This story was originally published August 4, 2016 at 12:32 PM with the headline "Why not flip the planning department appeals process?."