The Clarkdale Town Council on Nov. 12 approved Ordinance 445, amending Chapter 11 (design review and site‑plan review) and Chapter 12 (subdivision regulations) of the town zoning code to implement changes required by recent state legislation. The motion, moved by Council member Jones and seconded by Vice Mayor Hunstetter, carried 4–1.

Assistant Town Manager Ruth, who presented the ordinance, told the council the cited state law (referred to in the transcript as HB 2447) removes some public‑hearing requirements and directs administrative staff to review and approve many categories of land use actions. "What this bill does is fundamentally changes how we approve land divisions," Ruth said, listing items that will be handled administratively: site plans, development plans, land divisions, lot‑line adjustments, lot ties (lot combinations), preliminary and final plats, and plat amendments.

Ruth said staff will continue technical checks—setbacks, parking counts and utility reviews—and that the town will post applications and approvals on the community development projects page and provide updates at planning commission and council meetings so residents can find and comment on projects outside of a hearing. She described a planned shift in design standards away from subjective terms such as "compatible" or "harmonious" toward measurable criteria focused on bulk and massing, façade articulation and other objective metrics.

Council members voiced disappointment with the state action removing local discretion. One council member said, "I am in opposition," during the vote. Other members stressed steps to preserve public input where possible, including maintaining review authority for projects within the town's historic preservation district for property owners who opt in; Ruth confirmed those projects will continue to be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.

The ordinance was adopted in open session; the council record shows no public testimony during the required public hearing. Town staff said they will post detailed application materials on the town website, include updates in the weekly report, and use social media to notify the public about applications and approvals.

What happens next: staff will finalize objective design standards for different areas (downtown and State Route 89A were cited as having distinct expectations) and incorporate those standards into subsequent zoning code amendments. Council members asked planning commission to consider updates to the general plan and focus‑area plans to provide clearer guidance to applicants.

Vote and procedural details: Motion to adopt Ordinance 445 was moved by Council member Jones and seconded by Vice Mayor Hunstetter; the motion carried 4–1. The council authorized the mayor, town attorney and town clerk to execute related documents.