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Commission approves Hillview Farm preliminary plat; chair recuses, applicant plans future hydrant and easement
Summary
The planning commission approved a preliminary plat for Hillview Farm, a nine‑lot subdivision on Old Highway 25, with the chair recusing because it is his family farm; the applicant said the family will pay to extend a water main and install a fire hydrant for the subdivision if needed.
The Charlesville County Planning Commission approved a preliminary plat for Hillview Farm, a nine‑lot major subdivision on Old Highway 25, after the chair recused himself because the property is a family farm. Commissioner Jim (applicant/agent) presented the preliminary plat and said the family plans to provide a fire hydrant and that, if city water is not available, his family may pay to run a main from Old 25 to New 25 to extend service.
“More than likely it’s going to go right there about the 5‑6 front corner…as long as it’s within the 500 feet,” the applicant said when asked where a hydrant would be placed, referencing the subdivision coverage requirement. Planning staff noted multiple septic easements on the tract and that the proposed water‑main easement would be placed in a side setback on Lot 8 so it would not affect building envelopes.
Rosalie (planning staff) confirmed that city water does not currently run down Highway 25; the applicant said the family may run a main at their expense and that they will disclose any easement to future buyers. Amanda (staff reviewer) said her review using subdivision regulations Article 5 §5‑102.2 identified no corrections. The chair noted he would abstain from the vote because of the family connection.
Action: A motion to approve the preliminary plat passed; the chair recused/abstained from the vote. Planning staff recorded that before final plat approval the water department and other county signatories must sign off, and that a hydrant will be required to meet fire‑coverage standards prior to final approval.
Why it matters: The applicant’s willingness to provide a hydrant and to pay to extend a water main addresses a public‑safety requirement that staff and public commenters have stressed in other recent reviews. The planning commission’s approval advances the subdivision to the plat stage, where utility and fire‑protection sign‑offs will be required.
