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Resident presents draft to ease subdivision rules, citing family land transfers
Summary
At a Washington County Plan Commission meeting, resident Max Green presented proposed revisions to the Subdivision Control Ordinance that would reduce minimum split size from 2 acres to 1 acre and allow more minor splits to lower survey costs for families; commissioners asked for copies and further review.
Max Green, a resident, presented proposed revisions to the county’s Subdivision Control Ordinance at the Washington County Plan Commission meeting, urging simpler rules to help families transfer small parcels without costly surveys. "They wanna be able to build a house next to their house so they can stay in their old age," Green said, arguing the draft would reduce barriers for relatives who want to remain nearby.
Green said he worked from a 2011 version of the ordinance, suggested changing minimum split sizes from 2 acres to 1 acre, and proposed allowing up to five minor splits to reduce the need for new and expensive surveys. He told commissioners the version he submitted is shorter and intended to restore compliance with state requirements while trimming unnecessary complexity.
Commission members asked for copies and time to review Green’s draft. Several members said they want to see the full set of drafts (the 2011 baseline and recent revisions) so the public can follow any changes. One member said the public should have clarity on survey and driveway requirements before the commission moves ahead.
Green acknowledged commissioners may not agree with every change but said the intent is to make it easier for longtime landowners to transfer small parcels to family without being forced to buy off-site lots. Commissioners asked staff to circulate the draft and suggested discussing it again after members and the public have had time to read the materials.
The commission did not take a final vote on the proposed ordinance during the meeting; members directed that copies be made available for review at a later date.
