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Under discussion, County Engineer Roger Cain pointed out that the issue is whether a permit can be extended beyond the first 18 - month extension. Debb Robinson, vice president of Laurel Homes, explained that in her quest for an additional extension, she found out that staff differs widely on this. issue. one staff person understood that you can have only one 18 month extension, while another understood there were no limits. The ordinance doesn't speak to any type of time frame for the extension period. Regardless of what happens today, she hoped the Board will consider having the PSAC look at land development permits that set a time frame that encompasses the entire development, whether or not it is in phases. Mrs. Robinson pointed out that most of the other permitting agencies look at development in this fashion. She stressed that development is driven by the economy, so you don't go in and develop an entire subdivision if the need is not there. It is all a matter of supply and demand. Having to go through the process over and over is an unnecessary drag on time and money for the developer as well as County staff. Mrs. Robinson advised that her request today is a 5 -year extension to complete the Laurels in whatever fashion the economy dictates. Deputy County Attorney Will Collins advised that the County. Ordinance says that a land development permit shall expire 18 months from the date of its issuance regardless of whether or not it is completed, unless the Board grants an extension. He felt the intention in having an 18 -month time frame for the work to be completed is to give the Board some discretion in either granting an extension or authorizing staff to take whatever steps are necessary to clear up the abandoned work. He believed there would not be any harm in the PSAC discussing a longer termination extension. Commissioner Eggert pointed out that the ordinance doesn't actually say whether or not development could go on longer than 18 months. Chairman Adams felt the intent of the 18 -month extension was to keep close tabs on developments that come to a halt for some reason. With a 5 -year permit, there would be literally 5 years before we could revoke a permit. An 18 -month extension gives tighter control. Commissioner Bird wasn't aware that getting an 18 -month extension was a big deal because the Board has granted dozens of them since he has served as County Commissioner. He believed that all it takes to obtain an extension is for a developer to write a 31 MARCH 269 1996 1 lkooK 97 PAGE 708