Commissioners decline to open countywide public hearing on 2‑acre lots after residents object
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Summary
Commissioners were asked to set a public hearing on an ordinance to allow 2‑acre lots; after extensive public comment expressing concern about equity for dirt‑road residents and infrastructure impacts, the board voted not to proceed with the hearing and discussed a case‑by‑case or guest‑house approach instead.
An item to set a public hearing on revising the county ordinance to allow 2‑acre lots prompted a prolonged debate Jan. 27. Staff recommended scheduling a hearing March 24, 2026, to allow legal review and public notice. Many residents and a number of commissioners objected to a countywide change affecting dirt‑road residents, arguing that paved‑road areas already permit 2‑acre lots and that allowing 2 acres on unpaved roads would increase maintenance costs, traffic and safety risks.
Several speakers said the change was being misinterpreted on social media and clarified that 2‑acre lots already exist in parts of the county; others urged a case‑by‑case approach, county‑level hardship provisions or use of an existing guest‑house ordinance (up to 1,000 square feet) instead of a blanket change. One commissioner said he would prefer to preserve a 5‑acre minimum on dirt roads while allowing exceptions by special‑use or hardship request.
After discussion the board voted to decline setting a public hearing to allow countywide 2‑acre lots for dirt‑road areas; commissioners said individual requests could be addressed through special permits or existing guest‑house provisions. No ordinance change was approved on Jan. 27.
Next steps: the board directed staff to pursue targeted alternatives (special‑use or hardship processes) rather than a countywide 2‑acre change at this time.