Plan Commission approves Murray sliding-scale subdivision and waives final hearing for street-tree waiver

The Monroe County Plan Commission approved a two-lot sliding-scale subdivision (Murray) in Washington Township and granted a waiver from the county—s street-tree planting requirement, citing practical difficulties posed by overhead power lines and other site constraints.

Staff recommended approval and said the petition included proposed tree-preservation areas that would protect an adequate number of trees to meet street-tree requirements in lieu of planting along the road frontage. "We do believe that practical difficulties have been established with the waiver request," said planning staff presenter Anne Krasilis, noting the presence of an overhead power line along the road that limits the ability to plant street trees in the required frontage zone.

The commission also approved a waiver of the final hearing for the sliding-scale subdivision and the related street-tree waiver by an 8–0 roll-call vote. Planning staff conditioned the approval on Highway Department and Drainage Board reports; the Drainage Board hearing was scheduled for April 8, 2025.

Petitioner representative Decker Land Surveying told the commission the applicant will record tree-preservation areas between the two lots to protect the requisite number of trees and to preserve slopes and erosion-sensitive areas. Planning staff noted both proposed lots had wastewater permits and a shared-driveway easement in place.

The commission—s vote authorizes the sliding-scale subdivision and the tree-waiver subject to the county review items listed in the staff report; staff will require the petitioner to record required preservation areas and comply with highway and drainage requirements before final platting.