County planners recommend adjusting Sturgis three-mile platting boundary after de-annexation; developers told county will handle civil review

Meade County planners voted to recommend that the county commission approve a cleanup and boundary adjustment to the city–county three-mile platting jurisdiction related to land de-annexed by the city of Sturgis near Sly Hill Road.

A city presenter told the commission the de-annexed area cannot be served with city water or sewer and that, given the terrain and the condition of Sly Hill Road, it makes little sense to impose city-design standards (curbs, gutters, sidewalks) on development that the city cannot practically serve. The presenter said developers had petitioned to de-annex because the landowners could not be provided city water or sewer and that the county would likely perform building-permit and inspection duties for the area.

Tanya and Rick, county planning staff, said developers have begun civil work in the area and have applied for water rights; the city’s Municipal Utility Board approved a request related to drilling a well within a mile of the city limits under the city process, and staff said the state also issues notices on such water-right filings. Staff and the city presenter said the developers had plans and were deciding whether to file with the city or with the county; both sides agreed county review would be more sensible because proposed improvements would be built to county standards and enforced by the county.

Commissioners and staff discussed design standards and whether the county should require urban-style improvements where there is no practical tie into city systems. The city presenter and the county staff both agreed that curb-and-gutter and sidewalk standards would not be appropriate for the site because there is no downstream storm-pipe system to accept concentrated runoff and because Sly Hill Road already has drainage issues.

The commission moved to recommend approval of the territorial agreement update to the county commission. The motion passed with one dissent on the record. Staff said the boundary map between Area 1 and Area 2 had been reviewed with the county attorney and that the agreement remains consistent with statutory 3-mile jurisdiction rules. Staff also requested a citation for the state statute reference on well approvals within a mile of city limits so the county could file it in its records.

Outcome and next steps: the planning commission recommended the territorial agreement changes to the county commission; staff will forward the boundary map and revised agreement for county-commission consideration.