Hearing Examiner Services
Land use decisions have a significant impact on a community. Many state and local laws require a hearing prior to making a final land use decision. These hearings can be controversial. Hearings must comply with the requirements of procedural due process to be fair and to avoid liability for the municipality that sponsors the hearing and for the individuals who hold the hearing.
Federal and state courts have found that failure to comply with the requirements of procedural due process will result in liability for the municipality and for the individuals involved. We can help you avoid this liability and, at the same time, ensure a fair land use decision-making process.
Our hearing services are available for difficult public hearings wherever they may be held. We are well-versed in the techniques for holding a fair public hearing no matter how many attend or how controversial the land use proposal. We are experienced in holding hearings on major shopping centers, prisons, port expansion, highway projects, large subdivisions and many other types of land use developments that can have a significant impact on a community.
Our hearing services help ensure compliance with the requirements of procedural due process and provide a fair hearing for all involved. We also understand the need for a record of the hearing. We know the rules of evidence and provide a complete and reliable record of the hearing consistent with the requirements of the local jurisdiction.