St. Clair County work session advances proposed subdivision rules that set 15,000‑sq‑ft minimum lots

St. Clair County commissioners spent the bulk of a work session debating a draft revision to the county's subdivision regulations that would set a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet and add a savings (grandfather) clause.

County Engineer Clay Phillips presented the draft and said the new rules would keep public‑health safeguards in place: "the size of the lots are gonna be a minimum of 15,000. Also with the caveat that they must meet, health department regulations as well," he said. The draft identifies two subdivisions that would be grandfathered: Lakemont Village on Highway 231 and Mill Creek Crossings on Robes Mill Pond Road. County staff also proposed an administrative variance process and a 90‑day window for projects to seek grandfathering, a period commissioners said could be extended if needed.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the change responds to rapid growth in the unincorporated county and is intended to slow development pressure and avoid infrastructure failures in areas without municipal sewer. Opponents — including a local realtor who said the change "absolutely would affect the livelihood of just not only myself ... and just thousands of others" — argued a 15,000‑sq‑ft floor could price out first‑time buyers and reduce job growth by making development substantially more expensive.

During the discussion, commissioners and staff flagged several implementation details that will determine real‑world impact: whether existing engineered package septic systems can be required to remain under an HOA or private operator; how bond or warranty language would protect taxpayers if a utility entity fails; and the county engineer's requirement that lots meet state health department perk and septic standards before building permits are issued. Commissioner questions repeatedly returned to timing and transition: who can apply for grandfathering, whether the 90‑day window is sufficient and what administrative appeals will look like.

A number of commissioners emphasized the draft is a living document. One member said the commission can amend it as issues surface: "this document is a living document and can be changed, not helter‑skelter, but it can be changed, as we move along and as the county grows." The commission agreed to place the regulation on Tuesday's formal agenda for an up‑or‑down vote or possible tabling for further revisions.

Next steps: The commission instructed staff to prepare wording for the savings clause and a variance process, and to share the draft with developers and homeowners' associations again before Tuesday's meeting. If the commission votes to adopt, the regulation will not take immediate effect; staff noted state recording or advertising periods apply before rules are enforceable.