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Planning staff raise canal-setback and staffing concerns as permits surge; 440 permits YTD reported
Summary
Planning & Zoning staff reported 440 building permits year-to-date, proposed creating a Senior Planner position, and flagged recurring canal-setback liability and inspection-capacity issues amid rapid development in the Greater Rigby area.
Planning & Zoning staff told commissioners on July 20 that building activity continues to increase — staff reported 440 permits year-to-date — and that the department may need a Senior Planner to handle workload and higher-level review duties.
Milton Ollerton said many subdivisions have sat unsold and are now being built out, and he recommended updating job descriptions and matching budget amounts to positions. Audrey Moon and Milton discussed inspection workloads and the potential for multi-county coordination to address inspection delays; Milton noted that charging and passing through inspection fees has trade-offs for turnaround time.
On canal setbacks, Milton said the county may need to change plat or ordinance language and consider requiring canal-company sign-off or a plat note establishing a 30-foot setback. Prosecutor Chase Hendricks cautioned that the county ordinance does not currently include that specific requirement and suggested public-facing outreach about building near canals so homeowners understand liability and permit obligations.
Commissioners did not adopt new ordinance language at the meeting but discussed next steps for clarifying setbacks and staff resources; planning staff continue to map vacant lots and sewer/water infrastructure in the Greater Rigby area to inform future action.
