Plan commission discusses sliding‑scale subdivision amendments, 25‑year reservation and package sewage plants; commissioners send item for further work

Planning staff opened discussion of ZOA‑25‑3, a proposed amendment to the County Development Ordinance (CDO) that would revise the county’s sliding‑scale subdivision rules and reconsider the 25‑year reservation tied to secondary plats.

Staff described the draft as two related elements: a minor sliding‑scale option consistent with current language and a major sliding‑scale option that would apply once an application would create five or more lots. Staff also said the draft contemplates adding a definition for package sewage treatment (package plants) and noted state code generally treats package plants as part of a sanitary sewer system.

Commissioner Julie Thomas framed the original purpose of the sliding‑scale provision: “The goal is to prevent sprawl,” she said, arguing the rule was intended to allow farm families limited subdivision for the next generation rather…