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Commission debates minor vs. major subdivisions and whether to eliminate administrative lots
Summary
Members discussed reclassifying minor and major subdivisions, eliminating administratively created lots (section 2.6) and narrowing DRB waiver authority so site-specific conditions aren't effectively nullified by discretionary waivers.
The Planning Commission spent substantial time Aug. 5 on subdivision procedure, weighing whether to treat two- or three-lot divisions as "minor" (streamlined review) while reserving the full sketch/preliminary/final process for larger developments.
"To run them through the whole process seems a bit overburdened," a staff member said, arguing small, two-lot subdivisions should not routinely consume DRB time. Commissioners debated trade-offs: a single hearing would reduce applicant fees, but members warned it could limit public input and delay careful consideration of waivers and conditions.
A related issue was whether to remove administratively created lots (currently in section 2.6). Staff and several commissioners favored eliminating that route and requiring DRB oversight to preserve public notice and waiver controls. "I would like to get rid of the administratively created lots," one commissioner said, citing lack of public hearing and conditions that can later cause neighbor complaints.
The group also discussed waivers and variances: variances are statutory and hard to obtain, while waivers can be subjective. Commissioners sought clearer rules so waivers cannot be used to nullify core regulatory objectives.
