Council to place land-use authority designation on next agenda after state rule changes

Council members and planning commission representatives discussed a change to state land-use procedures that affects how Clarkston approves subdivisions.

A planning commission representative told the council the state now requires a designated land‑use authority to approve subdivisions, and that authority cannot be constituted by a sitting town council member. “One of the new things moving forward … you have to have a land use authority who approves subdivisions and that cannot be constituted by somebody in the town council,” the planning commission representative said.

Council members and staff discussed options: designate a planning commission member to serve as the land‑use authority, appoint an outside professional land‑use authority, or formalize the designation by resolution. The council agreed to bring a resolution to the next meeting to designate a specific planning commission member to serve as the land‑use authority and to record the appointment in writing.

The planning commission has already reviewed minor and full subdivision procedures and is awaiting changes requested from a developer for the Willis Acres Subdivision Phase 2. The commission noted a typical 30‑day turnaround for applicants to respond to requested changes under the new processes discussed.

Council members also discussed training costs for the individual who accepts the land‑use-authority role and noted the council can require the applicant/developer to cover those training expenses if needed. One council member said the town may choose an outside land‑use authority in the future for professional review, but there is no immediate requirement to do so.

Ending: Council directed staff to prepare a resolution for the next regular meeting to designate the land‑use authority and to clarify the signature and training process for subdivision approvals.