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Dozens of Mortonites come before village governmental bodies every year. Some petition the Plan Commission for re-zoning or special use permits for residential and business property, while others seek variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals for building setbacks, sign sizes and locations, or other variances from the ordinances. Many come before the Village Board to support or oppose issues, to seek funding for civic events, or to make their cases for special needs or concerns.
Some recent examples remind me of the importance of good presentations in achieving the desired outcome. You needn’t be a lawyer or professor, or an accomplished public speaker, but a few guidelines and tools will help make your case.
First, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to do, and why. That may sound silly, but more than one request has been denied because the petitioner was unable to clearly state what he or she wanted to accomplish and support the argument. Also, you need to make sure you understand the issues you are opposing or supporting, or the ordinances relating to your argument. Village ordinances are available on the Village website and at the library. If you have questions, Village staff can help with required forms and procedures.
• Once ready to make your case, keep it short and to the point (Village Board observes a five-minute limit on presentations), and support your argument with facts. Two or three main points are better than a long list, and are more convincing. Make sure your points are accurate, relevant, and appropriate to the body you are addressing. If you are testifying on an issue, avoid repeating points that someone else has already made.
• Use visual aids where appropriate. For example, cases related to property questions, signs, and related matters are better presented with photos or drawings. Presentations should include any technical information that might apply.
• Be prepared to answer questions. Trustees, Plan Commissioners, and Zoning Board of Appeals members will often ask probing questions, and folks may show up to testify for or against your position. Think about the questions or challenges you might face and how you would answer them.
• Keep in mind that trustees and the appointed boards can only act on the legal aspects of their responsibilities. For example, the Plan Commission and ZBA may only address land use and zoning issues.
• For Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals cases, guidelines on presentations are available from Village Hall.
You may or may not win your case, but a little preparation substantially increases the chances of making your point, approving your plan, or granting your variance.
Stephen Newhouse is a Morton Village Board trustee with planning and zoning responsibilities. He agreed to write a column for the Morton Times-News to offer his perspective about village happenings.
Dozens of Mortonites come before village governmental bodies every year. Some petition the Plan Commission for re-zoning or special use permits for residential and business property, while others seek variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals for building setbacks, sign sizes and locations, or other variances from the ordinances. Many come before the Village Board to support or oppose issues, to seek funding for civic events, or to make their cases for special needs or concerns.
Some recent examples remind me of the importance of good presentations in achieving the desired outcome. You needn’t be a lawyer or professor, or an accomplished public speaker, but a few guidelines and tools will help make your case.
First, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to do, and why. That may sound silly, but more than one request has been denied because the petitioner was unable to clearly state what he or she wanted to accomplish and support the argument. Also, you need to make sure you understand the issues you are opposing or supporting, or the ordinances relating to your argument. Village ordinances are available on the Village website and at the library. If you have questions, Village staff can help with required forms and procedures.
• Once ready to make your case, keep it short and to the point (Village Board observes a five-minute limit on presentations), and support your argument with facts. Two or three main points are better than a long list, and are more convincing. Make sure your points are accurate, relevant, and appropriate to the body you are addressing. If you are testifying on an issue, avoid repeating points that someone else has already made.
• Use visual aids where appropriate. For example, cases related to property questions, signs, and related matters are better presented with photos or drawings. Presentations should include any technical information that might apply.
• Be prepared to answer questions. Trustees, Plan Commissioners, and Zoning Board of Appeals members will often ask probing questions, and folks may show up to testify for or against your position. Think about the questions or challenges you might face and how you would answer them.
• Keep in mind that trustees and the appointed boards can only act on the legal aspects of their responsibilities. For example, the Plan Commission and ZBA may only address land use and zoning issues.
• For Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals cases, guidelines on presentations are available from Village Hall.
You may or may not win your case, but a little preparation substantially increases the chances of making your point, approving your plan, or granting your variance.
Stephen Newhouse is a Morton Village Board trustee with planning and zoning responsibilities. He agreed to write a column for the Morton Times-News to offer his perspective about village happenings.
