Mac, the county planning administrator, reviewed the general-plan land-use section and explained state code requires a limited set of minimum elements: designation of land uses and long-term goals; population-density and building-intensity projections; coordination with water-use and preservation; and an assessment of the land-use effect on water demand. Staff stressed that the county must add a water-integration element that models special-service districts’ capacities and anticipated growth before finalizing density recommendations.

Mac said Spanish Valley has a recent water-capacity study and transferable water rights (a large transfer exists but infrastructure to use it is incomplete). He described the technical work needed: contact each special-service district to obtain current capacity and future growth expectations; assemble a growth model that projects water demand under proposed densities; and reconcile zoning/density choices with realistic water availability. Staff said Todd, a planner with the Southeastern council of governments, will assist with the water element and that the state Division of Drinking Water has checklists and examples for counties to follow.

Commissioners asked for examples from other counties; staff said Todd and the Division of Drinking Water could provide sample tables and model language. Commissioners also raised implementation concerns (metering private wells, differences among special-service districts, and the potential need to tie subdivision approvals to verified water supply). No formal action was taken; staff plans follow-up work and to return with draft material for a public review process and eventual public hearing.