The commission's 3-2 vote, however, was not a definitive majority vote, since two members of the seven-member panel were absent, and thus is not an official rejection. The commission's action means that the plan will now be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for consideration, but tagged "not approved" by the commission. The Board of Supervisors could still decide to approve the plan, even though it lacks the commission's blessing.

In rejecting the plan, commissioners urged developer Eric Johnson to start over and submit a revised version of the project, which panel member Bryan Woods noted has major flaws.

The commission's vote came after three hours of testimony by county planning staff and project supporters and opponents.Johnson says the commission has denied him due process, by acting on the project before he has had an opportunity to provide an environmental impact report. He says he is unsure whether he will revise the plan or take his chances with the Board of Supervisors.