Staff warns SB 9 will limit local land-use control; new city planner to start in weeks

At the end of the Nov. 9 meeting staff reported that the governor had signed SB 9, a state law that changes certain local land-use rules. Staff said SB 9 will allow subdivision down to 1,200-square-foot parcels and enable property owners to develop up to four homes on many single-family lots through an administrative process, and that setback requirements and some aspects of local review may be reduced by the state law.

Staff told commissioners the law goes into effect in January and that Clear Lake is coordinating with other cities and counties concerned about the loss of certain local controls; staff said some jurisdictions are discussing litigation and a possible ballot initiative in response. Staff also announced that a new planner with county experience will join the city in a couple of weeks to help process planning work.

The commission did not take formal action on SB 9 at the meeting; staff offered to address questions individually and to return items to the commission as needed.