Kenny Cook, Miami County planning director, briefed commissioners on several items the planning commission considered at its most recent meeting and on items the county will review in coming weeks.

Cook said the planning commission approved a subdivision exception for a property on Sunflower Road south of 215th Street that allows an existing driveway to remain rather than forcing a shared access point. Road and Bridge staff had recommended locating a new entrance farther south because of topography and a private road across the street; Cook said the commission will review the final subdivision plat and the new entrance location when the applicant returns with the formal plat.

On a separate item, Cook said a 300‑foot guide‑wire communications tower in the southeast corner of the county applied for equipment modifications but had missed its five‑year review window. Staff issued a building permit for equipment changes but required the owner to apply for a conditional use permit because the tower exceeds 200 feet and is a guyed structure. Cook said the planning commission recommended approval of the CUP with updated conditions (including a noxious weed control standard) and that the CUP will come before the county commission in roughly three weeks.

Cook also summarized planning commission discussions about draft short‑term rental regulations and proposed changes to bed‑and‑breakfast rules. Staff presented a draft that would tie short‑term rentals and bed‑and‑breakfasts together, require an annual permit in residential districts with an initial life‑safety inspection (smoke and CO detectors, means of egress and other basic checks) and use conditional use permits for B&Bs in higher intensity commercial districts. Cook said the planning commission scheduled a public hearing on the draft at next month's meeting but did not require immediate action that night.

Finally, Cook said commissioners discussed the county's ag‑exemption standard, which currently treats parcels of more than 20 acres as generally qualifying for ag exemption. Planning commissioners asked staff to explore broader criteria rather than a strict acreage cutoff, noting examples of small‑acreage agricultural producers and larger landowners with small headquarters parcels. Cook said staff will return with further analysis.

Cook reported the consultant team on the comprehensive plan had incorporated most changes and would deliver updated maps, tables and an implementation section for review within about two weeks; staff plans to provide the board and planning commission copies before the public hearing.

Ending: The planning commission approved the subdivision exception, recommended a conditional use permit for the tower and set a public hearing on short‑term rentals; the board will see the CUP and the updated comprehensive plan and short‑term rental draft at future meetings.