How to Speak at a Quasi-Judicial Hearing

Focus on competent, substantial evidence tied to adopted standards (code and comprehensive plan). Avoid general opinions or popularity arguments.

Effective points (helpful):

• Traffic operations & safety: specific intersections, queues, school pick-up/drop-off; cite observed counts or staff reports.
• Infrastructure capacity: roadway LOS, turn lanes needed, stormwater/flood routing; on-site retention adequacy.
• Compatibility: building massing, noise, lighting, hours vs. surrounding RR/R-A; buffering, setbacks, screening.
• Environmental constraints: wetlands, habitat, tree canopy removal; compliance with county environmental policies.
• Public services: school traffic coordination, emergency access, sight distance at driveways.

Less effective (often ignored):

• “We don’t like change” / popularity counts
• Property value speculation
• General wildlife sympathy (cite protected species/habitat instead)
• Non–land-use issues
• Personal attacks

Be polite, stick to standards, and thank the board. If you have exhibits (photos, measurements), bring printed copies to enter into the record.