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Court discusses driveway spacing, flag‑lot concerns after Tract 7 subdivision request on Texas Farm Road 3329
Summary
Young County commissioners discussed driveway spacing and subdivision authority after the owner of Tract 7 on Texas Farm Road 3329 sought to further subdivide a platted lot; no formal action was taken and staff were asked to gather examples of county right‑of‑way and subdivision rules.
The Young County Commissioners Court heard extended discussion about driveway spacing and how the county can address further subdivision of an already‑platted tract along Texas Farm Road 3329, but took no formal action.
Zach Houston appeared before the court to explain that the owner of Tract 7 wants to further subdivide a platted lot and create a driveway configuration described in the record as a “flag” or “flat” block, with a driveway on one side and lots behind. Commissioners and staff raised safety concerns about multiple driveways placed close together on a higher‑speed road and cited Texas Department of Transportation spacing rules that set minimum spacing by speed; one speaker said the spacing requirement for roads over 50 mph is 450 feet.
County participants described practical limits on county oversight of property‑line locations but said the county can influence driveway spacing and encroachment through right‑of‑way and subdivision rules. Speakers noted that state law and dealer exceptions (for agricultural or heir transfers) can limit county authority in some cases, and they discussed an example Archer County is pursuing: a right‑of‑way order that would include mailboxes, driveways and culverts and require a county certificate or approval before some subdivisions are finalized.
According to the discussion, Tract 7 at issue is part of a platted subdivision of approximately 10.1 acres; the owner in this case is described as a woman and her sister from Oregon who said she was unaware of local rules. Commissioners said they want a mechanism to “catch” subdivisions or driveway arrangements earlier in the process and asked staff to research examples from other counties, including Archer County’s right‑of‑way order and subdivision language.
No motion was made to deny or approve any plat or replat. The court’s direction was to gather model ordinances and examples and report back; staff offered to contact Archer County and locate sample language that would allow the county to require review or a certificate of approval before certain driveway or subdivision changes proceed.
Speakers emphasized safety and drainage concerns tied to driveway placement, and commissioners asked staff to include language that coordinates with other entities that may have jurisdiction (for example, TxDOT or postal service requirements).
