Oklahoma counties would use new board membership and term rules

County planning commissions would have seven members, including the county commission chair or the chair’s designee. The other six members would live in the county’s unincorporated areas, with each county commissioner nominating two members who live in that commissioner’s district. The board of county commissioners would appoint the members. Members would serve without pay. The board could remove members for cause after a public hearing and fill vacancies by appointment.

County boards of adjustment would have three, five, or seven appointed resident property owners and could receive private legal counsel. At least one member would live in the county seat, and at least one would be a licensed Oklahoma attorney. County commissioners would nominate members as evenly as practical. The board of county commissioners would appoint members and fill vacancies. Members would serve without pay. The board could remove members for cause after a public hearing. The board of county commissioners could retain private counsel to represent and advise the board of adjustment.

Earlier county land-use plans, rules, ordinances, codes, and related actions would remain valid until properly changed or replaced. This applies to counties subject to the county planning statutes and to materials adopted under specified Title 19 provisions, including zoning, floodplain, subdivision, and comprehensive plans. A later official action must follow the applicable county planning statutes to amend, revise, or replace those materials. The act declares an emergency. The validation applies on and after the date a county becomes subject to the county planning statutes. The act says the measure takes effect upon passage and approval.