Planning Advisory Commission forwards comp plan; commissioners set joint work session before December hearing

Staff reported the Planning Advisory Commission forwarded Mason County's comprehensive plan to the Board of County Commissioners following a PAC continuation of the public hearing in which three of four PAC members voted to pass the plan along as amended.

Commissioners discussed formats and timing for a joint PAC-BOCC session. Options included: a special PAC meeting held as a public meeting (which would allow structured public comment), a PAC presentation during a BOCC briefing, or scheduling a joint meeting on a Monday afternoon after the regular briefing to facilitate participation and minimize special-meeting notice requirements. Commissioners tentatively agreed to hold a joint session at 1:00 p.m. on a date to be confirmed and for staff to circulate notices and details to PAC members and the public.

Discussion also touched on the scope of required changes in the comp plan: staff noted that the largest state-driven changes involve the housing chapter and a new climate chapter. Commissioners asked PAC to focus on the elements required by law and, where possible, place nonrequired material in appendices. PAC members had suggested a joint meeting to explain their recommendations and community concerns, and commissioners said they supported that approach.

No formal action was taken; staff will coordinate the meeting date, notice requirements and a schedule to continue the review process ahead of any public hearing or adoption vote.