County to begin formal process to update official map; public hearing planned

County planning staff told the board they have prepared a draft update to the county’s official map — the first comprehensive revision since February 2007 — and outlined the legal steps required for adoption under the county planning act. The director will send a letter asking the county planning board for comments; the planning board has 20 days to respond, after which the commissioners would schedule a public hearing and publish required notices.

County staff said the process includes circulating copies to county agencies and municipal clerks, publishing three public notices of the hearing and then holding the hearing, which the administration suggested could occur at the board’s regular meeting on Dec. 7. If adopted, the new map would be published on the county website before year end, according to the administration’s timeline.

The board received the status report as an informational matter; the administration reported the director has signed the letter requesting planning‑board input. Staff emphasized the map update is the result of ongoing interagency work and public offices’ involvement during the draft stage and that substantial public feedback was not expected, per the staff summary included in the meeting materials.