County planning staff presented the next steps to implement the comprehensive plan adopted the prior week, including a coordinated revision of zoning maps and a comprehensive text update to the zoning ordinance.

Staff said the most substantial rezoning task is creation and mapping of a new RL Transition Zone for about 500 properties, plus rezoning of county schools and parks consistent with prior work sessions. Staff listed three categories of text changes to the zoning ordinance: changes called for by the comprehensive plan, changes required by recent state law (forest conservation, stormwater, critical area), and miscellaneous technical and policy corrections. Examples of miscellaneous items included revising plat submittal requirements, resubdividing farmstead‑lot procedures, and potential changes on equestrian uses and visitor accommodations in rural preservation districts.

The timetable calls for a staff draft to be released in about two weeks, three joint public hearings (May 18–20 in three county locations), follow‑up planning commission work sessions beginning in late May, and final Board of County Commissioners action targeted for mid‑July to August. Staff stressed the need to move promptly to avoid a long lag between the comprehensive plan and the implementing ordinance and maps. Commissioners asked about hearing locations, public notice, and the workload for commissioners and staff during the concentrated revision period.

Staff said notices will be mailed to every property owner whose property is recommended for rezoning and the county will post agendas on its website; staff also recommended an intensive work schedule of weekly sessions during the implementation period.

The commission did not take action; the session served as an informational briefing on scope, statutory drivers, public engagement, and an ambitious schedule to implement the plan.