County planning staff presented a proposal to consider consolidating the East and West consolidated zoning boards into a single board, citing reductions in unincorporated land area from annexations and the potential to streamline hearings as the zoning code is updated.

"We did want to consider then what would the potential changes be if we did create a new zoning board or were consolidated both the east and west zoning boards," planning staff said, explaining a possible nine‑member board with nominations split among the third‑district commissioner, the sixth‑district commissioner and the commission chair.

Several board members objected to the proposed nomination and composition plan. "I do not feel it should be a 4 and 4," said Terry Atwell, arguing that the West district's larger land mass and different land‑use patterns warrant stronger representation. Roger Spears said the consolidation could "lose value," warning of an efficiency loss and a continual learning curve if a single board must address both areas' issues.

Board members suggested alternatives: retain seven members, apportion appointments to reflect land area or population, or limit the chair's direct nominations. Staff acknowledged the concerns, said they would forward the comments to the Board of County Commissioners, and noted that the planning commission's composition would not change and that a resolution for consolidation could be prepared for early 2026 if desired.

Members also raised process questions about public notification of draft zoning regulations. Donna Goetzmann asked why the board had not been notified earlier of a draft posted online; staff said a preliminary draft had been posted in November and that a new Conveo portal for formal comments was launched recently to allow registered users to redline and comment on the draft.

No formal vote was taken on consolidation. Staff said they will collect feedback from this meeting and previous East zoning board comments and present an updated report to the county commission and the zoning boards in January.