Family subdivisions took center stage at the Suffolk Planning Commission meeting on August 19, 2025, as officials discussed new regulations aimed at keeping family estates intact. Assistant Director of Planning Meg Pittenger provided a comprehensive overview of family subdivisions, which allow property owners to divide land among immediate family members without the need for public hearings or city council approval.

Pittenger explained that family subdivisions are strictly regulated under the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and are designed to maintain family proximity. They can only occur in specific zoning districts—agricultural, rural residential, and rural estate—and cannot be created from parcels that were previously part of a major subdivision. The ordinance defines "immediate family" narrowly, including only parents, siblings, children, and grandparents, thereby excluding extended relatives.

Three family subdivision requests were presented during the meeting. The first, submitted by Jesse Johnson Jr. on behalf of Frederick Copeland, sought to create a new parcel for Copeland's grandson on a 65.64-acre property. The commission unanimously approved the request, highlighting the importance of keeping family members close to their roots.

The second request, from Melissa Greeno, aimed to subdivide a 2-acre parcel for her son from a 38.735-acre property. This request also met all necessary criteria and received unanimous approval.

The final proposal involved the Edwards Family Revocable Living Trust, which sought to create five new parcels for family members from a 21.29-acre property. This request was notable as it did not require a minimum holding period, allowing for immediate subdivision under trust regulations. The commission again approved the request without dissent.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to preserving family land and fostering community ties through these subdivisions, with all three proposals receiving unanimous support from the planning commission.