Step-by-step instructions - registering and attending public meetings via live-stream (Zoom) (PDF)

There is a difference between a Citizen's (Public) Comment Period and a Public Hearing. Read on to learn more.

Citizen's (public) Comment Periods

This time is provided at every regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors (normally the fourth Monday of each month) for citizens to speak on community issues that are not scheduled for public hearing. Citizen's comments are not taken at work sessions, which normally occur on the second Monday of each month. There may or may not be a Citizen's Comment Period at special called meetings. Speakers are given one opportunity of three minutes and must provide their name and district of residence. Agenda packets for Board of Supervisors meetings are normally available for download from the County website three days in advance of the meeting and will help you determine whether a Citizen's Comment Period is being offered and at what point during the meeting it will occur. Citizens are invited to speak during Citizen's Comment periods whether they attend in person, virtually (online), or are unable to attend. Please complete the Citizen's Comment Submittal and Speak Via Zoom Registration Form below only if you wish to SPEAK VIA ZOOM or if you'd like to submit a written comment. To speak via Zoom, you must register by noon on the day of the meeting so the moderator will know to look for you and allow you to un-mute at the appropriate time. If you do not register with the name and email address under which you will appear online by noon on the day of the meeting, you will not be allowed to un-mute and offer comment.

CITIZEN'S (PUBLIC) COMMENT SUBMITTAL AND SPEAK VIA ZOOM REGISTRATION FORM

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Public Hearings

Public Hearings are scheduled for specific issues on which the Board wishes to receive public comment and as required by statute. Some examples of Public Hearing issues are changes to County Ordinances, Conditional Use Permit applications, Budget Adoption, and the like. They are advertised in advance of the meeting at which they will be considered. Advertisements appear on the County website, are posted to the front door of the County Administration Building, and are run in the County’s newspaper of record – the Tidewater Review. Download the meeting agenda from the County website to see the order in which each issue will be addressed. You may also find information contained in the agenda packet which answers or addresses your questions and concerns. The order of business for Public Hearings is staff presentation, applicant’s presentation (if any, in land use matters), and public comment. Speakers are given one opportunity of three minutes and must provide their name and district of residence. The Board of Supervisors or other public body may modify and/or set other rules governing the conduct of Public Hearings. Please complete the Public Hearing Form below only if you wish to SPEAK VIA ZOOM or if you'd like to submit a written comment. To speak via Zoom, you must register by noon on the day of the Hearing so the moderator will know to look for you and allow you to un-mute at the appropriate time. If you do not register with the name and email address under which you will appear online by noon on the day of the hearing, you will not be allowed to un-mute and offer comment.

*NOTE - Form(s) will only be available when there is a Public Hearing scheduled until Noon on the day of the Hearing. 

Monday, May 8, 2023, Board of Supervisors Work Session Public Hearing

Wednesday, May 17, 2023, Board of Zoning Appeals Public Hearing

DOWNLOAD GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC COMMENT PERIODS & PUBLIC HEARINGS