Pierson planning commission tables ordinance to make final plats administrative

The Town of Pierson Planning and Zoning Commission voted to table ordinance 2026-03, a proposed amendment to the land development code that would shift final-plat approval from the council to administrative staff, citing concerns about public notice and checks and balances.

Town planner Mark Corett introduced the measure as required by changes to state law, telling commissioners, “Last year, senate bill 7 84 was passed, which requires, cities and counties to administratively approve, final plots.” He explained the statutory timeframes that the ordinance implements, including a requirement to notify applicants within seven business days if an application is incomplete and a roughly 120-day (four-month) limit to approve or deny a plat.

Commissioners said the change would remove the opportunity for a public hearing on plats. “I’m a little bit nervous about that,” Commissioner Max Titus said during discussion, urging safeguards to preserve public awareness. Commissioners asked that administrative approvals be recorded and that the town explore language that preserves some public notice or an opportunity for council review.

Chair moved to table the ordinance and send it back for reevaluation; the motion passed. Chair stated, “I’m tabling the 20 26 dash o 3 ordinance and be sent back for reevaluation.” The commission did not adopt the ordinance and directed staff to consult the town attorney and return with revised language or options for adding checks and balances.

The commission also asked that key statements from the discussion be included in the meeting minutes and considered for placement on a future town council agenda to improve public visibility of administrative placings.