​Donna Marie Collins, Chief Hearing Examiner

The Hearing Examiner is an independent reviewer of zoning applications and code violations in unincorporated Lee County.

Rezonings and Land Use Applications

Rezonings:

• The Hearing Examiner provides a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners on applications to rezone property.  The Board conducts a second hearing to make the final decision.
• The Hearing Examiner has final decision-making authority on Board-initiated applications to rezone property to the Environmentally Critical district.

Land Use Requests:

• The Hearing Examiner has final decision-making authority on applications for special exceptions, variances and administrative appeals.
• The Hearing Examiner does not hear cases relating to future land use changes under the Lee Plan.

Code Enforcement

The Hearing Examiner serves as a special magistrate. The Hearing Examiner conducts code enforcement hearings and renders decisions on whether a violation exists, how to correct the violation, and establishes the fine if a violation is not timely corrected.

Quasi-judicial Hearings

Hearings before the Hearing Examiner are quasi-judicial. This means the hearings are court-like. The County Land Development code prohibits the Hearing Examiner from discussing cases outside a public hearing.

Public Participation in the Zoning Process

The public may participate in zoning hearings before the Hearing Examiner.  Read more about Public Participation and view the Public Participation Guide.