Pelham offers new option 'Citizens Planning Bill of Rights' offered in response to 'Hometown Democracy'

Frank Govett of Leon County said he signed a statewide petition to require that voters approve land-use changes after watching developers get what they want at county commission meetings.

"If that is the way the county is going to operate ,then the people have to have some way — for lack of better term — to protect themselves," said Govett, who last fall fought a proposed new housing development east of Tallahassee.

Florida Department of Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham says public frustration with planning in communities led to the petition drive to require local voters to approve land-use changes. Although the Florida Hometown Democracy movement in January failed to get enough verified signatures to get on this year's ballot, it can use the petitions it has collected to go before voters in 2010, Pelham said.

Industry groups oppose the proposed constitutional amendment as does Pelham, who described it as an "extreme measure."

But he also is warning opponents to heed the frustration and support changes in the growth management system. His agency is proposing changes that he calls a "Citizens' Planning Bill of Rights" to increase public trust in local growth management.

The proposal includes reducing from twice to once the number of times per year that local governments can submit land-use changes to the state for approval. His proposal also would prohibit local governments from changing a proposal within seven days of the final vote unless there are no objections.

"We think that it is wise to try to address some of the concerns that seem to be motivating that (Florida Hometown Democracy) movement," Pelham told the Senate Committee on Community Affairs Thursday.

He also said the department is working with various stakeholders to draft a bill that will enjoy broad support.

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