Commissioners adopt 2026 multi-hazard mitigation plan; discuss UDO changes to encourage ADUs and smaller land splits

Noble County commissioners voted to adopt the 2026 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (MHMP) after staff and members suggested a small set of textual corrections and clarifications. The county's emergency-planning presenter said the plan update was prepared by consultant Chris Burke and is the third update using the consultant; the board approved the plan by voice vote.

During the meeting planning staff also reviewed proposed amendments to the county's Unified Development Ordinance prompted by state action (House Bill 1001). The proposed changes would clarify accessory dwelling unit (ADU) language (removing a mandatory "detached" qualifier) and reduce the minimum lot size for a land split from two acres to 1.5 acres, intended to provide more opportunities for housing production through land splits while retaining septic and well requirements.

Commissioners and participants requested technical corrections and consistency checks across UDO sections (references to accessory dwelling units, minimum living area language, and cross-references to related sections). Staff said they would compile the suggested edits and return the ordinance text for advertisement and formal consideration. "We had a public hearing at the planning commission level," one commissioner noted; staff confirmed outreach and requested further review before final adoption.

The board approved adoption of the MHMP; UDO amendments remain under staff review for consistent language and will return to a future agenda for formal advertisement and action.