Commission approves Pee Wee Ponderosa subdivision with engineered culvert condition

The Board of County Commissioners approved Feb. 18 a subdivision permit and plat to create four residential lots from a 40-acre portion of an 80-acre parcel at 1679 County Road 143 (Pee Wee Ponderosa). The application proposes 10-acre tracts for Tracts 1'4 and leaves a 40-acre remainder to the east.

Justin Arnold, planning staff, said the property lies in the county land-use district and that staff recommended approval with conditions. Neighbors raised drainage concerns tied to an existing private access easement; Brad Woffel and Casey Eppler testified that an established draw sends runoff onto the private road and that the existing culverts may not be large enough.

Shane Hansen, the applicant's agent, asked that the board remove two conditions the agent considered unfair: requiring the existing easement to be brought to full county roadway standards and requiring engineering for all approach permits. Public-works staff recommended bringing the easement to county standards and filling the culvert question by requiring engineered review of access permits; commissioners negotiated a compromise.

The board approved the subdivision with a condition that an engineered culvert be installed in the appropriate low spot along the access road (size to be engineered) to address drainage concerns. Commissioners and staff noted the owner had agreed to install a culvert in the problematic location and the planning commission had previously recommended approval.

Ending: The applicant will install an engineered culvert at the identified low spot and proceed with access permits and any required approach work consistent with county review procedures.