Planning staff outlines updated rules of procedure; tie vote codified as denial

Planning staff presented proposed amendments to the Planning Board’s rules of procedure on March 5 to align advisory‑board policies with updates adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. The draft clarifies definitions of excused versus unexcused absences (with emphasis on advance communication), codifies remote participation rules previously discussed by the board, and specifies that a tie vote on the planning board will be considered a denial.

Staff noted that excused absences generally include circumstances beyond a member’s control (illness, work conflicts, hazardous conditions) and that repeated no‑call/no‑show behavior could be classified as unexcused. A board member asked whether unexcused‑absence counts include agenda review briefings as well as regular meetings; staff confirmed they do.

The draft will return to the planning board for adoption in May and then be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final adoption. Staff said no recent planning board member removals for unexcused absences were known, but county staff and legal were available to answer procedural questions.

No vote was taken; the board was asked to provide feedback to staff ahead of the May adoption date.