County Builders Demand Delay on Controversial Code Changes

During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding proposed changes to building codes and zoning regulations in the county. Stakeholders, including builders and engineers, expressed that the volume of changes being implemented simultaneously is overwhelming and unmanageable, particularly given the current staffing challenges within the Department of Community Development (DCD).

One speaker highlighted that the DCD is undergoing a major process overhaul without a director or assistant director, compounded by high staff turnover. This situation has left builders and DCD staff struggling to keep up with numerous new code changes and additions, which they argue require more time and public engagement to be effectively understood and applied.

A specific point of contention was the proposed tree canopy code, which stakeholders urged to be delayed until 2025. They argued that the code's rushed development lacks adequate public process and stakeholder input, suggesting it deserves its own dedicated review separate from other ongoing regulatory updates.

Additionally, concerns were raised about a recent boundary line adjustment change in the code. Several professionals in the field, including surveyors, warned that the new language could lead to significant unintended consequences, including complications in property transactions and boundary disputes. They called for the proposed changes to be pulled from consideration and subjected to a more thorough vetting process involving local experts.

Overall, the meeting underscored a growing frustration among industry professionals regarding the pace and scope of regulatory changes, with many advocating for a more measured approach that prioritizes stakeholder engagement and clarity in the code.