Title
Vote to schedule a legislative public hearing by the Chatham County Planning Board for amendments to the Chatham County Ordinance Establishing a Planning Board; Specifically, section 1 A, B, and C; section 2 A, B, C, D; section 3 A, B, C, E; and sections 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
Abstract
Introduction & Background: Following several months of deliberation and analysis the Planning Board has made a series of amendments to the Ordinance Establishing a Planning Board. This initiative was undertaken concurrently with revisions to the Board’s Rules of Procedure, ensuring consistency with the documents. The documents were last amended in 2022.
The impetus for these updates stemmed from recent questions and concerns related to the election of officers and the process for filling vacancies on the Board between elections of new members of the Board of Commissioners. The adopted changes are procedural in nature rather than policy-based. They are intended to streamline the documents, eliminate ambiguities, and promote greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Discussion & Analysis: To address the issues with electing officers and filling vacancies the Board suggested clearer appointment timelines tied to the election cycle of the appointing commissioner. Officer elections were also further clarified in the Rules of procedure. Some of the other changes include updating the pronouns throughout the document to be gender neutral, updating and clarifying the definition for a quorum. Additionally, the Board changed the language requiring an annual report to the board of commissioners. The language now states the Planning Board can give a report when deemed necessary arising from recommendations and potential forthcoming topics.
The planning board discussed the changes over the course of two meetings and agreed unanimously on these changes.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: N/A
Budgetary Impact: N/A
Recommendation/Motion: Motion to schedule a public hearing to consider this item for the July 21, 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting.