Prior to making recommendations to the governing body regarding the comprehensive plan, the local planning agency must hold at least ________.

• A. One public hearing, with public notice on the proposed plan or amendment.
• B. Two public hearings with public notice.
• C. No public hearings are required.
• D. A public meeting with no formal notice.

Answer: (A)

Before a local planning agency can forward its recommendations on the comprehensive plan, it must gather public input through a formal process. State law requires at least one public hearing with public notice on the proposed plan or any amendment. This ensures residents and stakeholders have a chance to understand the proposed changes, ask questions, and voice concerns before the agency advises the governing body. Two hearings aren’t required at this stage, and having a meeting with no notice or no hearing would skip the mandated public participation, which is why the minimum is one public hearing with notice.