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Hubbard County approves purchase of housing parcel and plans to plat east side into seven lots
Summary
The board approved buying parcel 070301080 for $11,761.70 and authorized a planning approach to plat the east half into seven buildable lots for workforce or owner‑occupied housing; board discussed wetlands, lot sizes, variances and deed restrictions to preserve owner‑occupancy.
Hubbard County commissioners voted to purchase tax‑forfeited parcel 070301080 for $11,761.70 and authorized planning to subdivide the east half of the parcel into seven lots intended for housing development.
Mary (staff member) outlined options and a concept sketch showing the parcel bisected by County Road 107, with development focused on the east side. She said preliminary sketches show eight potential lots under ideal conditions but wetlands and a required 20‑foot easement outside the road right‑of‑way reduce buildable area; staff advised that the buildable area requirement is 1.2 acres and that deducting easement area could eliminate one lot unless the county granted a variance. Mary told the board a minor subdivision by survey would cap lots at four, while a full plat could yield seven or eight lots depending on the wetland delineation.
Commissioners discussed wetlands, lot usability and developer interest. One board member said much of the parcel appears usable in current dry conditions but cautioned wetlands could expand during wetter periods. The board debated whether to pursue eight substandard lots with variances or seven conforming lots; several members preferred seven to avoid placing the burden of variance requirements on future buyers. At least three developers have expressed interest, Mary reported: one for rental housing and two for owner‑occupied purchase, but several commissioners said the county’s housing study highlights owner‑occupied workforce housing as the primary need.
Board members asked staff to include wetland delineation in cost estimates when feasible and to require well and septic site identification as part of planning; staff said a full plat would provide sufficient information to assess buildability and that a deed restriction or covenant could require owner occupancy for a period or require repayment of the discount if conditions were not met.
Two formal motions were approved: purchase of parcel 070301080 at $11,761.70 (motion carried) and approval to proceed with planning to create seven lots on the east side (motion carried). Ending: Mary said staff will draft development agreement language, including potential deed restrictions or covenants to protect owner‑occupied outcomes and define forgivable discounts for developers who meet agreed timelines and conditions.
