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Landowners warn commission that APD rule changes could breach binding contracts
Summary
During public comment, landowner Jerry Pitcher warned that changing rules for agricultural preservation could affect binding agreements and lead to legal challenges; another resident urged commissioners to balance legacy protections with opportunities for younger families and affordable housing.
Two residents used the public-comment period to urge caution as staff prepares a rewrite of the county's agricultural preservation rules.
"If you own a piece of property in the county that's in the program, you've agreed to a binding contract. So to change something that's been signed and agreed to, I think it's gonna affect a lot of people that own parcels of property in the county," said Jerry Pitcher, who identified himself as speaking for himself. He warned that retroactive changes that reduce buildable lots could expose the county to breach-of-contract claims and questioned what compensation, if any, would be offered for lost entitlements.
A second resident, who identified herself as JC and said she was speaking as a resident, thanked staff for their work but urged commissioners to consider the legacy of families who have owned land for generations and the needs of younger residents who struggle to find affordable housing. "When you have kids, you wanna leave a legacy," JC said, and asked the commission to weigh legacy considerations alongside conservation and climate impacts.
Commissioners and staff heard the concerns; staff repeatedly said the draft aims to clarify administration and that recordation documents will be revised and reviewed by the county attorney. No formal decisions were made in response to the public comments; staff will accept formal written comments during the announced public-comment period beginning Aug. 21.
