What is the typical sequence of the development review process?

• A. Pre-application, site plan/rezoning/petitions, staff reports, public hearings, and council or board decisions.
• B. Public hearings, staff reports, then pre-application.
• C. Council vote, site plan, then pre-application.
• D. Site plan, hearings, then staff reports.

Answer: (A)

The development review process is a stepwise path from early planning to final approval. It starts with a pre-application stage where the applicant and staff discuss the project, requirements, and potential issues. After that, formal applications are submitted—such as site plan reviews, rezoning petitions, or related requests—triggering a thorough staff review. Staff then prepares reports evaluating the proposal, outlining conditions, findings, and implications to help decision-makers. Public hearings follow so neighbors and stakeholders can provide input in a transparent process. The final step is a decision by the council or board, often with conditions attached. This order ensures all necessary information is available before the hearing and that the decision is based on a complete review. Other sequences place hearings or decisions prematurely or skip the essential pre-application and staff-review steps, which would undermine the process.