Commissioners flag UDO changes that would shift several conditional uses away from public hearings

Toward the end of the meeting, a commissioner reviewed proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) changes that would move several formerly conditional uses to staff-permitted review, and shift other uses to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The commissioner read a list of uses — including elementary schools in some districts, outdoor kennels, outdoor amusements and certain restaurant/drive-through reviews — and said the change reduces public visibility into land-use decisions.

"We are losing a component...the public gets to make a to provide their input on whether they think that those are appropriate," the commissioner said, asking staff to forward the list to county council for an additional review before the changes become final. Staff agreed to pass the list to council ahead of the special-call meeting and encouraged commissioners to send concerns by email.