Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Benson board adopts resolution opposing House Bill 765, cites local land‑use authority concerns
Summary
The Benson Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted Resolution 262-2025 on July 8, 2025, opposing House Bill 765 and similar measures that the town says would limit municipal control over land-use, zoning and subdivision rules.
The Town of Benson Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 on July 8 to adopt Resolution 262-2025 opposing House Bill 765 and other measures the town says would constrain local control over land use and development.
Tanner O'Quinn, the town's planning director, told the board that the proposed state bill would restrict Benson's ability to set rules for subdivisions, commercial development and other local land-use decisions. "This bill impacts our ability as a local government to set rules and regulations ourselves and how we see fit to develop land," O'Quinn said, explaining the rationale for the resolution.
The resolution calls on state lawmakers to preserve local authority to establish zoning and development standards. Commissioner William Neighbors moved to adopt the resolution; the motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: municipal zoning and subdivision rules shape development patterns, public services and long-term planning. Board members framed the resolution as a preemptive measure to protect Benson's discretion over land use rather than a change in local code.
The board did not take further legislative action beyond adopting the resolution. The item was introduced under "Items for Discussion" and was adopted after O'Quinn's presentation.
Next steps: The resolution formalizes Benson's opposition to the bill and can be used in communications with the town's state legislative delegation and neighboring municipalities considering similar statements.
