Understanding the County Council’s Role in Development

The Jefferson County Council is the elected body that sets the rules for how land can be developed in unincorporated parts of the county, including neighborhoods and businesses in the Rock Creek watershed. The Council adopts and updates zoning, subdivision, land‑disturbance, and stormwater ordinances that control how grading, paving, and building must be done to help limit erosion, runoff, and flooding.​

When a new subdivision or major development is proposed, county staff (Planning, Public Works, and the Stormwater Division) review the plans first to make sure they meet existing codes and stormwater design requirements. The Planning & Zoning Commission then holds a public hearing and sends a recommendation to the County Council, which has the final say on rezonings, some development plans, and ordinance changes that can affect drainage and flood risk in areas like Rock Creek.​

The Council also votes on updates to the county’s Land Disturbance and Stormwater Management regulations, such as rules that require stormwater to be detained and released slowly, protect stream buffers, and limit construction in floodways. These decisions shape how much runoff new projects are allowed to send downstream and what protections must be in place for creeks, floodplains, and neighboring properties.​

Residents of the Rock Creek watershed can get involved by watching Council agendas, attending public hearings, and submitting comments on development proposals or stormwater code changes. Speaking up during these decision points helps ensure that local flooding concerns, past problem spots, and community goals for the creek are part of the official record before the Council votes.​