Planning director search goes live next week; county staff to begin update of subdivision regulations

The Lucas County Planning Commission’s search committee will post the planning director job next Tuesday and keep the posting open for one month, a staff member said, with the committee aiming to select a new director by December or January.

Brandon, who leads the search committee, told commissioners the group met with city human resources representatives and is finalizing the job ad and qualifications. “The position is set to go live next Tuesday,” he said. He added that the committee expects to screen applicants for minimum qualifications, then convene to determine interview procedures and next steps. The search timeline remains on track to have a new planning director in place by December, “maybe January at the latest,” Brandon said.

Commissioners also discussed reviewing Lucas County’s subdivision rules and regulations. Staff said they will begin a review at the staff level in the next two weeks and involve the county engineer’s office, the county commissioners’ office and the sanitary engineer. Staff said the initial work will identify technical updates and information items to make expectations clearer for the development community, after which formal recommendations will be brought to the commission for feedback.

Commissioners asked whether density requirements would be considered; staff clarified that density is typically governed by zoning ordinances rather than subdivision regulations but said the review will make both the technical and procedural expectations clearer. Staff also said the Home Builders Association (HBA) and other stakeholders will be invited to review recommendations once staff-level work is complete.

The commission adjourned following the updates and routine business.