Commission moves to draft subdivision and zoning ordinance amendments

At the July 28 meeting, a commissioner moved that the planning commission initiate an ordinance to amend provisions of Surry County's subdivision and zoning ordinances relating to subdivision of property and forward those amendments for public hearing and action.

"I make a motion that public necessity, convenient, general welfare, and good zoning practice required that amending to the Surry County subdivision ordinance and zoning ordinance relating to subdividing property be brought forth to the planning commission for public hearing consideration and action on such amendment following the public hearing," said Commissioner Newby. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Commissioners and staff discussed the expected timetable for drafting and review: staff estimated about two months for an initial staff evaluation, followed by two months of subcommittee review before the item would come to the full commission for public hearing (a roughly four-month minimum timeline). Legal review was also noted as a required step before public advertisement.