County proposes major zoning changes to boost housing development

In a recent government meeting, officials presented proposed amendments to the county's subdivision and zoning regulations, seeking approval for a mandatory 45-day public comment period before final adoption. The amendments aim to address local development concerns while promoting growth and protecting existing neighborhoods.

Key proposals include allowing accessory dwelling units, such as mother-in-law suites, in single-family residential zones and permitting single-family homes in commercial office districts to encourage mixed-use developments. Additionally, new subdivision developers would be required to share road maintenance costs with existing subdivisions, ensuring that traffic remains compatible with residential areas.

The amendments also propose streamlining administrative processes by combining permit and recording fees into a single fee, thereby reducing paperwork for developers. Changes to regulatory language aim to enhance clarity without altering the intent of existing regulations. New definitions have been added to accommodate these changes, and a state-mandated requirement for livestock fencing in certain developments has been incorporated.

Since April, the county has engaged with over 300 stakeholders through open houses, public hearings, and various outreach methods, receiving predominantly positive feedback. Notably, 67% of respondents supported regulating access to new subdivision roads, while 89% favored cost-sharing agreements for roads maintained by homeowners associations.

The Planning Commission has recommended that the board adopt the proposed amendments and proceed with the public comment period, which will conclude with a public hearing scheduled for October 1. The board emphasized that today's action is solely to initiate public feedback, not to finalize the adoption of the amendments.