Freeport council holds first reading to update land-development code to reflect Senate Bill 180

The City of Freeport council at its Dec. 9 meeting held first reading of proposed amendments to the Land Development Code to implement recent state law changes and clarify local permitting rules.

Planning staff told the council the revision would align platting procedures with Senate Bill 180 by removing plats from council review and delegating signature authority to the city manager. The code changes also add a definition and standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and add provisions for certified recovery residences, including approval and inspection processes.

Planning staff said the ordinance would also add a provision requiring water meters to be located at or near the customer’s curb or property line and that no water meter or sewer service shall be placed more than five feet inside private property without a written easement agreement. The change is intended to ensure access for utilities and preserve the city’s ability to maintain service lines without bearing the cost of private structures covering meters.

Council members asked clarifying questions and received staff assurances the changes were consistent with state statutory language and the planning board recommendations. Staff requested the council hold first reading and authorize advertisement for the second reading; the motion to hold first reading carried.

The council did not adopt the ordinance on first reading; staff will return with a second-reading item after required public-notice steps.

The proceedings were led by planning staff (first introduced in the meeting packet) and involved routine questions from council members about implementation and timing. No formal vote on final adoption occurred at the meeting.