Planning commission reviews proposed changes to future land use maps

Planning staff presented the county's 2019 and 2021 comprehensive plan future land use maps and the Citizens Working Group (CWG) parcels, asking commissioners to weigh updates to village, economic-opportunity and rural designations. "So starting here, this is the 2019 comprehensive plan future land use map and it's on GIS so we can navigate a bit better than a static image," the presenter said as the map was displayed.

The presenter said the 2021 map narrowed village growth areas and removed rural residential outside growth areas, and that the CWG focused additions on economic-priority parcels intended for industrial uses. Commissioners asked for examples and acreage details for the red parcels flagged for further conversation and requested that staff show what a variety of density and buffer options look like on the map at the next workshop.

Commissioners emphasized the need to align the land use map with the comp plan text and other guiding documents — the board strategic plan, unmet housing needs reports and the utilities and economic development master plans — so that future rezoning or development proposals would have consistent policy guidance. The commission directed staff to bring illustrative map scenarios and to coordinate with utilities staff before the April 22 workshop.