§ 2-25-30. Purpose.

These guidelines establish county procedures for the initiation, conduct and conclusion of a dispute resolution proceeding under Section 70.51, Florida Statutes, also known as the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act (the "act").

(1)

It is the intent of the county that the dispute resolution process be an informal method for property owners and the county settle land use and environmental permitting and enforcement disputes. To that end, owners and the county should meet face-to-face, in a nonadversarial atmosphere, to attempt to resolve disputes without the need for formal representation.

(2)

Negotiations assisted by a special master will enable an owner and the county to exert more control over the dispute, allowing the parties to attempt to shape a resolution rather than having one imposed. The special master and the parties should exercise flexibility to adapt these guidelines to each particular case, consistent with the requirements of state law and due process.

(Ord. No. 96-32, § 1, 6-4-96)