Sigurd schedules Dec. 18 public hearing for subdivision ordinance; council adopts rules of order

Shane Morrison and planning staff briefed the Sigurd Town Council on a package of planning items at the Nov. 20 meeting, highlighting a pending update to the subdivision application ordinance and changes in state law.

Shane reviewed Senate Bill 174 and House Bill 406, explaining that recent state changes limit council involvement in certain simple-lot subdivisions and shift some preliminary-review authority to planning commissions and administrative land-use authorities. He and staff recommended a two-phase local process: preliminary review by the planning commission and final administrative review by a land-use authority that would include a clerk and an engineer.

To comply with timelines and adopt an ordinance before year-end, the council voted to schedule a public hearing on the subdivision application ordinance (14.02) for Dec. 18. Council members also discussed whether to allow a planning-commission member on the final land-use board and emphasized the need for an engineer to review 'as-built' plans.

On separate business, the council moved and voted to adopt a proposed rules-of-order resolution that formalizes meeting conduct and procedural language recommended by planning staff. The council also discussed scheduling a pre-meeting training session and the timing of a public meeting on subdivision adoption prior to the Dec. 18 vote.

What's next: A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 18 for ordinance 14.02; staff will publish required notices and provide materials in advance. The planning commission will hold a public meeting before the council meeting to gather public input.

Sources: Planning commission presentation and council motions during the Nov. 20, 2024 Sigurd Town Council meeting.