County officials unveiled a preliminary draft Monday for new subdivision regulations to guide development in unincorporated Shelby County.

Addressing a lack of flexibility and creativity in the subdivision development process, the draft would replace regulations put in place around 1982, said county planner Michelle O&8217;Neal.

Ray Hamilton, manager of Shelby County&8217;s Department of Development Services, said the plan was the result of more than 100 meetings between county officials, planners, property owners and developers.

&8220;By golly, y&8217;all don&8217;t want chopped liver,&8221; Hamilton said while introducing the draft to county commissioners in a Monday work session. &8220;Y&8217;all don&8217;t want something to sit on the shelf and gather dust.&8221;

So what Hamilton and his staff are proposing is a &8220;totally new concept&8221; for one of the fastest growing counties in the state.

The proposed plan would still allow for conventional subdivisions, with the number of lots determined by a rating system.

The twist comes with the addition of two new subdivsion types &8212; called conservation and form-based models &8212; offering developers incentives for more desirable use of rights of way, open space and core development areas.

&8220;Shelby County citizens have said repeatedly &8212; especially in the comprehensive plan process &8212; that they want their natural resources protected,&8221; O&8217;Neal said.

&8220;We&8217;re not saying no,&8221; said County Commissioner Ted Crockett. &8220;We&8217;re saying we want to help shape growth and we have three options now.&8221;