Planning Commission approves Sinclair minor subdivision after debate over private road and waivers

The Fremont County Planning Commission on Oct. 8 recommended approval of MS25-001 (Sinclair), a minor subdivision to create two lots at 350 Sangre De Cristo Drive in Coaldale, with contingencies, conditions and waivers addressing drainage, access and plat notes.

Planning staff presented the request and recommended denial because the proposed lots lack frontage on a public street and the existing access is an easement rather than a dedicated roadway. The staff report noted nonconformance with Fremont County Subdivision Regulations I.B.4 (frontage on a public street), I.B.8 (access to a public dedicated street), I.B.9 (sidelines of lots at right angles to a street) and I.C (access standards), but outlined conditions and waivers the commission could attach if it chose to approve the application.

The matter turned on access: the two proposed lots would rely on a long-established private access that has existed since at least 1954 but was never dedicated or platted as a roadway. Attorney Gwendolyn Allen, representing the owner group, described historic use and offered alternatives: "acceptance of the private road under the access standards" or recording a declaration of…