St. Clair County schedules April 23 work session on subdivision regulations

The St. Clair County Commission voted to hold a special called work session on proposed subdivision regulations on April 23 at 9 a.m. The motion passed by voice vote after County Engineer Clay and commissioners urged broader public discussion and outreach.

Chair (S1) told commissioners the proposal has generated questions from residents and framed the measure as “literally a property rights issue,” saying the changes could raise constitutional and legal concerns for privately owned property. County Attorney Kirk (S8) told the commission he is continuing legal review and expects to circulate an updated draft for commissioners to review “within the next week.”

Commissioners said scheduling a focused work session will allow staff to publicize the meeting, collect public input and give commissioners time to examine legal clarifications before any formal action. Clay (S4) described the process used to develop the draft—drawing on a model from the Association of Counties and feedback from a stakeholder committee that included builders and developers—and said additional questions from residents were expected once the draft entered the public realm.

By voting to set the April 23 work session, the commission signaled preference for more public engagement before adopting final regulations. The attorney and staff will circulate the revised draft and supporting materials prior to the meeting so the public and commissioners can review them in advance.