Commissioner Steve Baker introduced a resolution to pause new plat approvals for 30 days beginning July 2; commissioners approved the measure 6-5.

At the recessed session on June 25, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 625-62, "a resolution of the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners to implement a temporary moratorium on plat approvals in Hamilton County, Tennessee." The resolution passed on a 6-5 roll-call vote after debate about timing and procedure.

Commissioner Steve Baker, who sponsored the resolution, described it as "a temporary pause on plat approvals, so that we could complete Plan Hamilton," saying the moratorium would "commence on July 2, and it will be imposed for a period of 30 days with our ability to extend this, unless Plan Hamilton is adopted." Commissioner Highlander seconded the resolution. Baker clarified in response to questions that the moratorium covers plats and does not prohibit rezoning actions under the current plan.

Supporters said the short pause was intended to accelerate negotiation between stakeholders and planning staff and to encourage completion of Plan Hamilton. Commissioner Biker said the measure was a way to "get people off the dime" and described it as "only a 30 day stay on plats. It doesn't stop development." Opponents criticized the timing of an item added at a recessed session and warned of the message a moratorium sends to builders and investors. Commissioner Graham called it "a last ditch effort to stop growth in Hamilton County" and said it would send a negative signal to prospective businesses and partners.

Roll-call on Resolution 625-62: Yes votes — Commissioner Baker, Commissioner Helton, Doctor Highlander, Commissioner Shipley, Commissioner Smith, Chairman Jeff Eversall; No votes — Commissioner Beck, Commissioner Chauncey, Commissioner Graham, Doctor Mackey, Commissioner Sharp. The resolution took effect immediately as a temporary measure to be revisited at the end of the 30-day period or extended by future action.

The resolution's text specifies the moratorium will begin July 2, last 30 days, and may be extended; staff and planning commission agendas scheduled during the period will require review for affected plat submissions. County staff asked for clarification about July 14 planning commission agendas; Commissioner Baker indicated plats submitted earlier would be affected if the moratorium is in force on July 2, and that pending submissions may need administrative review or rescheduling.

No legislative amendments to Plan Hamilton were adopted in conjunction with the moratorium; the moratorium is a short-term administrative pause on plat approvals only.