Commission discusses zoning‑grid, subdivision regs and PUD changes; asks highway superintendent for road‑width guidance

Commissioners discussed a package of planning work items intended to streamline the zoning resolution and subdivision regulations.

A commissioner reported she had prepared a zoning grid that consolidates principal uses into an easy‑to‑read table; she said the grid was nearly complete and that staff would print and distribute it ahead of a planned study session. The intent is to make the county's zoning resolution easier for residents and applicants to navigate and reduce subjective decision making.

Members then discussed proposed subdivision regulation changes for major subdivisions, including minimum roadway-width guidance to ensure farm equipment and emergency vehicles can pass on rural roads. The highway superintendent, Mark Clanton, was identified as the staff member who can provide traffic counts and recommended standards; commissioners asked Mark to attend the next meeting to present data (the transcript discussed a working number of about 18 feet total, or 9 feet per lane, as a guideline). The commission noted that having county traffic counts available could reduce the need for applicants to hire private traffic studies.

Commissioners also discussed a potential overhaul of PUD (planned unit development) regulations: ideas included setting minimum lot sizes, clarifying PUD types that suit rural contexts, and possibly renaming the tool to better reflect rural applications. Commissioners suggested public hearings and multi‑month rule amendments would be required to adopt changes.

The commission agreed to continue study sessions, invite Mark Clanton for road‑width recommendations, and schedule public hearings if formal subdivision regulation changes are proposed.