Jefferson County planning commission adopts Forward Together comprehensive plan, recommends zoning changes

The Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Commission on a unanimous vote adopted the Forward Together comprehensive plan and recommended the proposed zoning ordinance amendments to the Jefferson County Commission after a multi-part presentation by county planning staff and public comment.

The plan, presented by Director Johnson of the Department of Development Services, sets a new future land use map and zoning framework for unincorporated Jefferson County intended to guide development, encourage medium-density workforce housing and protect natural, rural and recreational areas. Johnson described the package as “a product of public involvement” that pairs a future land use map with a context-sensitive zoning ordinance and updated design standards.

The plan matters because it establishes county-wide place types and implementation steps that will affect how and where housing, commercial centers and industry can locate in unincorporated areas for the next decade and beyond. The commission’s recommendation forwards the documents to the…