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Board tables proposed tree ordinance and updates to development regulations
Summary
Planning staff presented draft updates to Articles 1 and 2 of the Development Regulations and proposed language for a Tree Ordinance; the Board voted to table those items and related house-form standards pending further review.
The Morgan County Board of Commissioners heard a presentation March 3 from Chuck Jarrell, the county’s Planning and Development Director, on proposed updates to Articles 1 and 2 of the Development Regulations and draft language for a Tree Ordinance intended to discourage clear‑cutting and mass grading.
Jarrell told the Board staff is updating the Development Regulations as part of the current moratorium and recommended placing the tree ordinance language into the Development Regulations rather than the Zoning Ordinance. He noted Morgan County previously had a tree ordinance in the 2005 Zoning Ordinance that was later removed and asked the Board for feedback prior to forwarding the draft to the Planning Commission for review.
The presentation also included suggested house‑form design standards that staff were directed to prepare at the August 2025 retreat, including discussion of metal siding and barndominiums. After the staff presentations, Commissioner Nathan Park moved, Commissioner Ben Riden seconded, and the Board unanimously voted to table three items—the Proposed Updates to Articles 1 and 2 of the Development Regulations; Proposed Language for the Tree Ordinance; and Proposed Language for House Form Standards—so staff can refine the drafts before submission to the Planning Commission.
The tabling preserves the drafts for additional work rather than forwarding them immediately to formal public hearings or adoption proceedings. The Board did not set a date for returning the items to the agenda.
