Lee County Hearing Examiner

Lee County employs two attorneys that specialize in land use law to serve as Hearing Examiners. It is their responsibility to hear code enforcement cases, appeals from interpretations of the Land Development Code, and applications for variances, special exceptions, and changes in zoning designation. In the case of variances and special exceptions, the Hearing Examiner's decision is final.

In the case of requests to rezone property, the Hearing Examiner issues a recommended action to the Board of County Commissioners. This recommendation typically includes findings of fact and conclusions of law. In the instance of planned development zoning, the Hearing Examiner's recommendation will include suggested conditions of approval. The Board may choose to uphold or overturn any portion of the Hearing Examiner's recommended action.

In the zoning context, it is the Hearing Examiner's responsibility to hear testimony and
evidence. This evidence and testimony is then summarized in the Hearing Examiner's report and recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.

For further discussion of Public Participation in these hearings please refer to the

Public Participation Guide.

2005 Lee County Official Website
County Government Information: (239) 332-2737
www.lee-county.com