Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/329100
of receipt of the Request for Relief, "a Special Magistrate conducts a hearing." That session is designed to be informal and open to the public, the memo points out. The Special Magistrate first must try to facil- itate a resolution of the conflict, the memo says. If one cannot be reached, then the Special Magistrate must consider the facts and circumstances set forth in the Request for Relief, plus any responses to them and any other information produced at the hear- ing, "to determine whether the development order is unreasonable or unfairly burdens the use of the property." Within 14 days of that hearing, the Special Magistrate must provide both parties a written recommendation, the memo con- tinues. That recommendation, which is not binding, may suggest an adjustment of the county's variance standards "or other provisions governing the use of the land," including suggestions regarding conditions of development or the county's purchase of the parcel. Assistant County Attorney David Pearce is representing the county in the matter, County Attorney DeMarsh noted. % A staff report was prepared in advance of the April 23 public hearing on a request for a variance for construction on the parcel at 162 Beach Road. Image courtesy Sarasota County Sarasota News Leader June 13, 2014 Page 66