Monroe County planning staff previews sliding‑scale subdivision amendment to CDO; hearing set for Jan. 29

Planning staff presented a preview of Ordinance 2026‑01 on Jan. 15, explaining that the text amendment adds photographs and examples to the County Development Ordinance to make minor, major and sliding‑scale subdivisions easier for residents to understand.

Speaker 6 told commissioners the amendment clarifies lot‑size examples for rural areas, distinguishes septic‑served lots from sewer‑served lots, and preserves the existing requirement that a designated parent parcel remainder not be further subdivided for 25 years. The staff cover sheet also adds a parenthetical legislative reference to Ordinance 2015‑02, the original ordinance that created the sliding‑scale option.

Staff noted the plan commission forwarded this text amendment by a 5–4 vote on Dec. 18, 2025 after multiple hearings and a review by the Ordinance Review Committee. Commissioners agreed to place the amendment on the Jan. 29 regular meeting agenda for a formal hearing and possible action.

Commissioner 1 said the revised text is valuable because it provides examples in one place—"Here's what a minor looks like. Here's what a major looks like. Here's what a sliding scale looks like"—and should reduce public confusion that previously linked the 25‑year reservation to an unrelated moratorium claim.