Planning commission backs code updates to comply with House Bill 2447; commissioners warn of reduced public input

On Nov. 6 the Town of Florence Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Council adopt revisions to Chapter 150 of the town code to bring the development code into conformance with recently passed House Bill 2447.

Planning staff said the state law transfers many approvals that were formerly handled at public hearings—such as site plan reviews, certain land divisions, design review and final plats—to authorized administrative personnel. "This is the first time in my 25 plus year career where this is what's being asked of staff," the planning director said, describing the workload and the department's effort to prepare.

A council representative who spoke during the item urged staff and commissioners to consider workshops before the ordinance goes to council, saying the change risks cutting off early public engagement: "It also cuts out the public's right to speak and be heard," the speaker said. Several commissioners echoed concern that the change reduces the role of the commission and public opportunities for early input, while offering their availability to assist staff and council as the town implements the law.

Commissioners approved the recommendation to the council by voice vote (four ayes). Staff told the commission that final plats were now treated as administrative functions under the state law and that the department had about 59 final plats in review this year.

The commission's recommendation is advisory; the Town Council must consider the ordinance and decide whether to adopt the Chapter 150 updates. Commissioners and staff said they would pursue workshops and outreach to help the public and elected officials understand how the new administrative approvals will work in Florence.