County approves three‑lot minor subdivision in Stoney Creek Township despite township’s denial recommendation

Williams County planning staff presented a request from trustees of the Richard Huebner Revocable Trust and the board approved a three‑lot minor subdivision in Stoney Creek Township after a public hearing.

The parent parcel is about 22 acres. The proposed lots are approximately 5.53 acres, 8.12 acres and 8.10 acres; planning staff said all three meet the minimum acreage required by the county’s rural residential zoning district. Stoney Creek Township submitted a written recommendation of denial citing a local preference for 10‑acre parcels, but planning staff said the county ordinance does not prohibit lots smaller than 10 acres and that the department has discretion to process minor subdivisions administratively under chapter 4‑5‑3.6 of the Williams County zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations.

Trustee Richard Huebner, representing the other owners, addressed the board and said he had discussed the project with adjacent landowners and the township. "I've downsized the request," Huebner said, and described ongoing efforts to resolve concerns with neighbors and to possibly attach the smaller western parcel to adjacent acreage owned by the trustees in the future.

Planning staff and the applicant noted constraints on the smallest lot caused by a township road and an electrical easement that runs through the property; staff said any future building permit application would require review of the recorded easement document and permit‑level setback compliance. Huebner also told the board he expects deed restrictions will be drafted to limit future subdivision of the two larger lots and that the owners plan to work with a county attorney when deeds are prepared.

Director Cameron Heimer told the board the application does not conflict with the county ordinance and that the township’s position is advisory: "This minor subdivision does meet our ordinance," Heimer said, and he explained that the department sent the item to a public hearing because the township recommended denial and might refuse to sign the final plat.

Board members moved, seconded and passed a motion to approve the minor subdivision; staff said recordation of the plat will be contingent on final departmental checks and any required signatures. The public hearing included testimony from the applicant and a brief comment from a resident concerned about lot sizes in rural areas. The county will review easements and building setbacks at permit stage and will incorporate any deed restrictions at conveyance.