Jefferson County commissioners said Nov. 7 that the county has adopted revised unified development ordinance (UDO) language to clarify subdivision and stormwater standards.

County leaders said the revision gives clearer definitions and expectations for stormwater basins and the acceptance of subdivision roads, addressing gaps in the prior ordinance that offered minimal direction on stormwater. Commissioners said the new rules are intended to reduce situations where a neighbor's grading or new development causes runoff or flooding that previously could only be addressed through civil suits.

Speakers noted the county will still need mechanisms and possibly funding to enforce and remedy certain stormwater and drainage problems, and that some subdivision roads may remain ineligible for county acceptance until they meet standards. Commissioners said the changes strike a balance between enforceable technical requirements and not overburdening developers with excessive standards.

Ending: County will implement the updated UDO provisions and continue to develop funding and enforcement mechanisms for stormwater remediation and road acceptance.