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Commissioners hear strong public concerns about UDO changes; vice chairman urges rollback of animal limits
Summary
Commissioners discussed community feedback on the Unified Development Ordinance update after large public turnout; Vice Chairman Lawler and others said some proposed animal regulations appear overreaching and encouraged staff to revisit limits and consider nuisance‑focused approaches, while others urged balanced protections for farmland and orderly growth.
Several commissioners used their reports on March 2 to address sustained public interest in the county's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) update after a large public turnout earlier this month.
Vice Chairman Lawler said the board had heard residents' concerns and suggested revisiting elements of the UDO that regulate backyard animals. "I think we've probably crossed that line when we were looking and ... looking at the number of animals," he said, urging staff to consider removing overbroad regulations and rely on nuisance ordinances or existing animal protection measures where appropriate.
Commissioner Roche and others said the UDO's intent remains protecting farmland and encouraging orderly development; Roche called the public input "passionate" but respectful and said the process would continue. Other commissioners noted the high level of engagement and said staff and the board will work to find compromises acceptable to farmers, developers and residents. The board reaffirmed that the UDO process is iterative and that staff will review the concerns raised.
No formal vote on UDO changes occurred March 2; commissioners said they would continue public engagement and legal/technical review.
