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Washington County plan commission slows work on expanded subdivision rules after residents raise cost and scope concerns
Summary
The Washington County Plan Commission agreed to keep the existing subdivision ordinance in effect and asked staff to prepare a focused revised draft for the next meeting after residents, surveyors and commissioners criticized a 35‑page draft that would extend major‑subdivision requirements to smaller splits and increase fees. The commission also acted on a motion about the June 2 public hearing.
The Washington County Plan Commission voted to keep the county's current subdivision ordinance in force and asked staff to draft a narrower revision for review at the next meeting after sustained public concern over breadth, survey costs and proposed fees.
Commissioners and members of the public spent more than an hour debating a draft amended subdivision control ordinance that expanded from roughly 13 pages to about 35 pages. Opponents said the draft carried language from chapter 1.53 across all subdivision types — administrative, minor and major — which, they argued, would impose topographic surveys, contour mapping and higher filing fees even for simple family splits.
A local surveyor told the commission the draft would substantially increase costs and delays for routine administrative splits. "If someone needs an acre split, this could turn a two‑week process into months and double or triple the price," said the…
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