Jones Foster Attorney Peter J. Henn Featured Author in APA Florida Planning Magazine on Building Legally Defensible Records

Jones Foster Land Use & Governmental attorney Peter J. Henn, an AICP-certified planner, is a featured author in the Summer 2026 issue of APA Florida Planning Magazine, the publication of the American Planning Association Florida Chapter.

In “Building a Legally Defensible Record: A Planner’s Role Before, During, and After the Hearing,” Mr. Henn draws on his experience as both a land use attorney and professional planner to examine how planners can help local governments establish a strong record for defending quasi-judicial land use decisions if they are later challenged in court.

The article highlights the importance of well-written reports and sworn testimony at public hearings in demonstrating that a land use decision is supported by competent, substantial evidence. Mr. Henn also discusses how planners and attorneys can work together before and during public hearings to ensure the record clearly establishes how an application satisfies the relevant criteria and supports the local government’s decision.

Read the full article: Building a Legally Defensible Record: A Planner’s Role Before, During, and After the Hearing - Pages 5-6