Commission approves Sagebrush Acres preliminary plan after variance for 5-acre lot

The Pennington County Planning Commission approved a preliminary plan Aug. 25 to create Lot 1 of Sagebrush Acres, a 5.02-acre parcel at 7,195 White Buffalo Road. Planner Megan Talmich presented the request on behalf of applicant GJH Ranch; staff recommended approval with conditions.

Talmich told commissioners the applicant obtained a variance on July 15, 2025 permitting a five-acre lot in the county’s Agriculture zoning district, which allowed the proposed parcel size. The property lies partially within Rapid City’s planning jurisdiction; Rapid City will review aspects of access and engineering tied to its jurisdictional review.

Commissions questioned access and turnaround requirements. Talmich said access will come off White Buffalo Road and noted the City of Rapid City is requiring a turnaround at the end of the access; county roads must meet county Ordinance 14 standards. Commissioners clarified that the turnaround detail will be addressed through Rapid City reviews and reviewed again before final platting.

The commission approved COPPL25-0009 per staff recommendation; staff will verify the four conditions, including recorded access easement documentation, are met before the plat is signed and filed.