Commission backs code change letting staff administratively approve preliminary plats with study‑session review for larger projects

Staff presented a proposed LDC text amendment to implement a statewide statutory change that requires administrative (staff) approval of preliminary plats in some cases. The proposed local text would allow staff to approve preliminary plats and open‑space plans administratively but retains a study‑session review requirement for preliminary plats/open‑space plans 20 acres or larger so the Planning Commission may review and comment in a public forum. The draft also preserves an appeal pathway: a person with standing (a property owner, a member of council, the town manager, the planning manager or a person aggrieved) can appeal an administrative approval via the town’s standard appeal procedures and public hearing.

Commissioners expressed concerns about transparency and the appeal standard (which hinges on whether an appellant has standing). Staff and legal said standing will be reviewed in light of existing code and case law and clarified that the proposed change follows a broader trend of administrative review for some platting tasks. Staff recommended approval and the commission voted to recommend the text amendment to Town Council; the recorded vote was 6‑1.