Planning commission adopts updated Butler County Comprehensive Plan

The Butler County Planning Commission adopted a new countywide Comprehensive Plan on May 5 and recommended that the Board of County Commissioners approve it. Planning Commissioner Marsha Francis moved to adopt the plan; the motion carried 5-0 (Francis motion, Griggs second).

During the public hearing several residents raised preservation concerns. Megan Wright, who said she has lived in Butler County for 11 years, told commissioners she thinks of her home when reading the plan and noted limited references to the Whitewater River, saying she “only saw the Whitewater River mentioned 3 times” and worried the plan may understate the river’s local significance. Chairperson Jeff Varner responded with historical context and said the commission shortened the new plan to improve usability but expects the public to be involved in future updates every 10 years.

Staff described the plan as a research-driven document prepared with Olsen Inc., technical and stakeholder committee input, and multiple public engagement events. The plan emphasizes directing growth toward municipalities and within an Urban Growth Area boundary while also identifying preservation of agricultural land as a priority. Director Toby Stewart recommended adoption and the commission moved forward.

The commission’s adoption is a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners; the Board will consider the plan at a later meeting. Director Stewart told the commission staff will follow up with proposals to update County zoning and subdivision regulations now that the plan is complete.