The Cannon County Commission on Oct. 2 approved an amendment to the county zoning and building codes requiring final action on special exceptions and variances within 75 days of filing, with automatic approval if the Board of Zoning Appeals does not act within that window.

Supporters said the change prevents cases from being “tabled to death.” A staff member giving the proposal said the amendment would limit outcomes to approval, denial or tabling and noted the Regional Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval at its Sept. 23 meeting. "County citizens deserve to have a definitive action taken when they make application for plat reviews, variances, or special exceptions," the staff member said.

Commissioners pressed for a brief explanation before the vote; several cited prior situations where motions lacked seconds and matters stalled. Chair Nathan Sanders and all commissioners present — Judy Sean, Chris Singleton, Curtis George, Eddie Meyers, Brent Brandon, Randy Gannon, Crystal Alexander and Tony Burnett — voted yes. The motion carried unanimously.

The amendment applies to the county’s zoning and building codes resolution; proponents said it follows language already used in related plat-review regulations. The commission did not expand on implementation details during the discussion; staff said the Regional Planning Commission had vetted the change and recommended approval.

The change takes effect as an amendment to existing county rules; the commission did not identify a delayed effective date during the meeting.

The commission moved on to other business after the vote.