Planning commission reviews notice form for illegal deed splits and reschedules January meeting

Planning staff presented a two-page draft notice intended to notify property owners affected by illegal deed splits and to guide next steps for rectifying unplatted parcels. Staff said the form would accompany an example showing proposed lot lines and deed history and emphasized the notice is intended to reduce surprises when owners discover that a lot was not properly platted.

Several commissioners urged stronger language to make recipients aware that an illegal deed split can be a violation of state law and to reassure recipients that the notice is not punitive. Commissioner Shaw suggested adding explicit wording such as "by no fault of your own" to reduce alarm, and others recommended using as-built surveys rather than aerial photographs to avoid misleading recipients. Ms. Johnson agreed to revise the language and add clarifying text that the notice does not alter property boundaries.

Separately, the commission agreed to cancel the first January meeting and hold the January meeting on Jan. 27, 2026; the motion to reschedule passed by roll call. Commissioners also cautioned about Open Meetings Act constraints when exchanging edits by email and suggested staff send revisions by blind copy to avoid creating a quorum via reply-all.

Planning staff also noted that the comprehensive plan will be introduced to the borough assembly with a public hearing; commissioners were invited to attend that presentation.