Sec. 05.17.02.04. Application Processing

A. Application Evaluation.

(1) Each application shall be submitted to the Department to determine whether all of the information required under Regulation .03 of this chapter is contained in the application.

(2) Upon receipt of all required information, the Department shall:

(a) Convene an interagency review team from the agencies of the Subcabinet to:

(i) Review applications and plans;

(ii) Provide assistance and guidance to applicants; and

(iii) Make recommendations to the Secretary.

(b) Accept public input on the application;

(c) Refer the application to other State agencies for comment, as the Department considers appropriate;

(d) Consider any recommendation from a State unit or member of the Subcabinet;

(e) Consider geographic balance when reviewing applications; and

(f) Analyze each application as to determine whether the proposed sustainable community merits designation.

(3) The Department, in its discretion, may request additional information from the Sponsor concerning an application, including oral presentations.

(4) Upon completion of the requirements in §A(1)-(3) of this regulation, the Department shall make a recommendation on the application to the Secretary.

B. Recommendation by the Secretary. Upon receipt of the Department’s recommendation, the Secretary:

(1) May request additional information from the Sponsor concerning the application, including oral presentations; and

(2) Shall make a recommendation to the Subcabinet on whether it should approve, disapprove, or approve with modifications the designation of the area as a sustainable community.