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Northwest Carroll landowners say county changed road-paving requirement, seek clarity
Summary
Landowners seeking to split a 90-acre parcel on Spiva Road told commissioners they were told by county staff they would only need to gravel the road, but are now being told to pave it, creating roughly $50,000 unexpected cost and raising concern that paving could enable subdivision development.
Two landowners who sought to divide a 90-acre parcel at the end of Spiva Road told the Carroll County Board of Commissioners on April 1 that county staff reversed an earlier statement about road improvements, and they asked for clarification.
Jared Seiler said he and family members purchased the property after county community development staff (named in his remarks as Ben, Danny and Chris) told them they could extend Spiva Road with gravel rather than paving it. Seiler said later communications changed that guidance and now the county is requiring paving. "Our costs to pave that road are nearly $50,000," he said, adding that had he known he would not have bought the land.
Charles Campbell, another prospective lot owner, said requiring paving could make it easier for a future developer to build a subdivision and that the owners would effectively be paying to enable development they do not want. Both speakers said they had sought written confirmation previously and asked for county staff to respond to their emails and clarify applicable ordinance provisions.
Speakers referenced a county subdivision ordinance provision that allows up to four lots under certain minor-split rules; they said the change in the county's interpretation was the barrier. No county official responded during public comment; the chair asked staff to meet with those who raised concerns after the meeting.
No formal action was taken at the meeting; landowners asked the county for a written reply regarding lot-split rules and road-paving requirements.
