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A Citizen's Guide: Community Decision -Making Basics <br />Below is an example of the typical community development process works. It is designed to provide you with a <br />background on a typical community planning process; it is not meant as an authoritative guide: <br />i <br />Project proposer <br />selects the site <br />location <br />Initial meeting with <br />local government <br />staff <br />1h44,0" \ I <br />r <br />The permits are <br />approved and <br />construction <br />begins/continues J <br />Project proposer <br />completes other E— <br />permit applications <br />Project proposer <br />submits an <br />application <br />Council/Board <br />reviews project plans <br />and makes a decision <br />Community development procedures <br />Planning department <br />reviews project plans <br />r <br />Planning commission <br />reviews project plans <br />l <br />i <br />Environmental review must be completed before any project approvals can be given or permits issued. If a project is <br />large enough to require mandatory environmental review then local government planning staff will inform the developer <br />of these requirements during the initial staff meeting. If a citizen petition is filed and the project has proceeded through <br />some of the community's approval steps, the approval process is suspended until all requirements of the environmental <br />review program have been met. In many local governments the environmental review decisions are made by the <br />organizations governing authority, such as the council or board. <br />Who is involved <br />The following list provides a brief description of common local government positions, however it is recommended that <br />individuals contact their local government or review its website to learn more about its normal staffing and operating <br />procedures. <br />Local government position <br />Description <br />Council/Board members <br />• Council= city council <br />• Board= township or county board <br />• Generally made up by 5-7 members elected by local residents <br />• Responsibilities vary between each entity, but generally they: <br />• Pass ordinances <br />• Set administrative policy <br />• Vote on major proposals and activities <br />• Order an EAW <br />• Deny a petition <br />• Require an EIS <br />3 <br />