PL PACKET 06212005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

information-for applications in particular parts of the City -that involve, for , example, wetlands, lakeshore, or more densely developed areas. Similarly, more ' information may be needed for larger projects. The City may wish to suggest that applicants arrange a pre-application meeting with the City's staff. This will enable the City.to work with the applicant to assure that all needed information will be submitted, and gives the City the opportunity to waive information requirements not needed for a particular application. 2. Prepare a Log to Monitor the Timelines. Cities should devise a system to monitor thetimeline to assure that deadlines are not missed. The City should prepare a log to record when applications are received and to record the statutory deadlines. As soon as an application is received, staff Should calculate when the ten-day period will run, and when the 60-day period will run. These dates should be entered on the City's log. If the review period is extended, the new deadline should be recorded on the log as well. Staff should check the schedule to determine when planning commission and City Council meetings are scheduled to assure that the deadline can be met for each -application. A sample log to help cities monitor the time requirements is attached (See Attachment B.) 3. Prepare Three Key Form Letters. In addition to preparing and utilizing a log, cities should prepare three form letters. One form letter should notify the applicant that required information was missing from the application. The notice must specify what information is missing. Sending such a notice within ten business days of the application restarts the statutory time clock. (See Attachment C.) The City should also prepare a second form letter notifying the applicant that the City is invoking the statutory provision that allows it to extend the 60-day period. The new law allows cities to extend the 60-day limit for an additional 60 days. To do so,cities must give the applicant written notice of the extension before the initial 60-day period runs. The written notice must indicate two things: the reason for the extension'and the length of the extension (up to an additional 60 days). Reasons for an extension may include, for example, the need for additional staff review of complex issues or the need for additional public meetings or planning commission review. A Minnesota case has determined that cities may not notify applicants that the time period will be extended on the application form itself.3 Notice of the extension must be given after the application is submitted. Notice of an extension must be given in writing,not verbal y The written notice must state the reasons for the extension and its anticipated length. The City should think through the reasons it will use to extend the timeline and should incorporate those reasons in its extension letter.' (See Attachment D.) Lastly, the City should prepare a waiver form. Applicants may agree to waive the time limit set by the new law. The City should obtain any such waivers in writing. (See Attachment E.) Karen R Cole Kennedy&Graven