Donna Marie Collins, Chief Hearing Examiner |
The Hearing Examiner is an
independent reviewer of zoning applications and code violations in unincorporated Lee County.
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 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.
Helpful PowerPoint Presentations:
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.
The public may participate in zoning hearings before the Hearing Examiner. Read more about
Public Participation and view the Public Participation Guide.
Lee County regulations prohibit ex parte communications with the Hearing Examiners or their staff on pending zoning matters.