I've been to public hearings on developments where everybody speaks against the project, but it gets approved anyway. Why is that? Isn't this supposed to be a democracy?

One of the great strengths of our country is that we are guided by the rule of law. Legally, a City must decide land use issues based on the State and local zoning laws in effect. When decisions are made contrary to this principle, there is a price to pay. Cities in Washington have paid out multi-million dollar settlements because their decision makers did not follow the law. That money comes out of the taxpayers' pocket.

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1. How can I locate the property lines on my lot?
2. When is the best time for a citizen to be involved in the land use planning activities of the City?
3. If the decisions on development proposals are based on the law, and not a popularity contest, how can I make comments to ensure a development project meets the law?
4. I've been to public hearings on developments where everybody speaks against the project, but it gets approved anyway. Why is that? Isn't this supposed to be a democracy?
5. What is this "Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance" public notice I saw in the Arlington Times?
6. I'm thinking about developing or subdividing my property but don't know how to get started or if it's even feasible. Should I hire an architect, engineer and/or a land planner?