If the ZBA believes it can deny the comprehensive permit because the community meets one of the statutory minima or qualifies under one of the other “safe harbor” provisions, it makes sense to pro-vide written notice to the developer the first night of the public hearing. The notice must be given within 15 days of opening the public hearing, and usually the ZBA knows before the hearing begins whether the community is in a position to exercise the safe harbor option.
Some other seemingly minor tasks help the ZBA and staff manage the hearing process and maintain records of the proceedings. For example, there should always be a sign-in sheet near the entrance to the meeting room. Having a written record of names and addresses helps the ZBA’s administrative assistant prepare accurate minutes.