During a Planning Commission meeting, the applicant makes a presentation first. Next, staff give a presentation analyzing the project.
Members of the public are then invited to provide input during a public hearing. Speakers are asked to provide their name and address for the public record. Depending on the number of people who want to speak on a particular item, the chairman may limit the length of comments.
Public hearings are required for rezoning and special use permit applications, but not other items. The chairman will typically still allow public comment for items that don’t require a public hearing.
Members of the public can also submit written comments via letter or email regarding any item considered by the Planning Commission, even on items that don’t have a public hearing. These are entered into the Planning Commission packet if received in time or distributed to commissioners at the meeting or the day of the meeting.
After closing the public hearing, the Planning Commission will discuss the proposal. They may ask additional questions of the applicant and/or City staff.
One of the commissioners will make a motion, and another will second the motion. The chairman will call for a vote, which is usually a voice vote by affirmation. The Commission isn’t voting to approve or deny the applications – they’re voting on a recommendation to send to the City Council.
The Planning Commission typically meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month in the Community Forum at Lenexa City Hall.