1a. First reading-amended subdivision ordinance_addition of exemption

Page 2 of 3 • The implementation plan of the comprehensive plan provides the following implementation statement to preserve rural heritage, “Protect the County’s valuable farmland, agricultural traditions, and existing rural character.” • The comprehensive plan also states that to embrace the vision of the community that, “The basis of many county policies need to remain agriculturally focused, with an eye towards the primary sector economy, as well as emerging technologies.” This development proposal was presented to the Planning Commission on February 28, 2019. Staff advised the Planning Commission that the intent of the CCSO and comprehensive plan is to promote agricultural uses and that feedback was solicited regarding a text amendment update to allow an exemption for agricultural land lot line adjustments. Staff received feedback from the Planning Commission that support was provided for a text amendment proposal. During the April 25, 2019 Planning Commission Meeting, staff recommended a text amendment proposal where lot line adjustments for abutting properties with agricultural uses would be exempt from the subdivision ordinance. However, the exemption would limit land transaction land areas to no more than 15% of the property transferring or acquiring the land. However, the Planning Commission voted to amend the text amendment recommendation to remove the 15% language for the reason that the limit would not serve any purpose to accommodate agricultural land uses. Text Amendment Proposal: Staff proposes the following text amendment addition in underlined font to §302 of the CCSO: Subdivision. A division of a lot, tract, or parcel of land, creating one or more lots, tracts, or parcels for the purpose, either immediate or future, of sale or of building development and any plat or plan which includes the creation of any part of one or more streets, public easements, or other rights of way, whether public or private, for access to or from any such lot, tract, or parcel and the creation of new or enlarged parks, playgrounds, plazas, or open spaces. The following shall not be considered a subdivision and shall be exempt from the requirements of this Ordinance: A. a division of land pursuant to an allocation of land in the settlement of a decedent’s estate or a court decree for the distribution of property; B. a division of land for federal, state, or local government to acquire street right of way C. a division of land into lots, tracts, or parcels of ten (10) acres or more in size for the purpose of agricultural use with no anticipation of dwelling unit construction and does not involve any new streets, easements or accesses other than field accesses; D. A division of land into cemetery plots; or E. The combination or recombination of portions of previously subdivided and recorded lots if the number of lots is not increased. F. Property line adjustment for abutting properties with agricultural use.