New state law removes commission from subdivision decisions

Lazaro Aleman editor@riverbendnews.org The legislature’s assault on home rule continues, with the latest salvo a new state law that requires local governments to review and approve plats and replats administratively, largely removing from the equation the input of locally elected officials and citizens. Senate Bill 784, approved during the last legislative session and signed by the governor soon after, now requires that all applications for plats and replats be reviewed and approved administratively rather than through public hearings. The change, which took effect July 1, eliminates the need for local board approval if the submitted plat or replat complies with state law.