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Agency approves exemption-to-subdivision preliminary review for lots north of National Forest Road 231 with condition to remove flagged lot
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Summary
The Land Planning Agency granted an exemption to subdivision requirements for about 222 acres north of National Forest Road 231 to permit a preliminary layout (originally 19 lots, applicant to combine two flag lots), with the board recording concerns about road maintenance and a condition to consolidate the flag lot and note gas-line easements.
The Land Planning Agency on Oct. 9 approved an exemption-to-subdivision preliminary review for two parcels totaling roughly 222 acres north of National Forest Road 231, authorizing a proposed lot layout for rural residential lots and placing conditions requested by the board.
LaDonna, the county planning director, described the application as two adjacent parcels north of National Forest Road 231 that the applicant proposed to subdivide into what was initially shown as 19 lots. The layout is separated by an area not proposed for development at this time. LaDonna said the parcels currently have agricultural land use and AG-B zoning and that the proposal does not request a land-use change.
Several residents raised concerns about the condition of National Forest Road 231, which is owned by the U.S. Forest Service but maintained by the county under an agreement dating to 1985. Residents noted soft, sandy road conditions and questioned whether the county’s road department could handle increased maintenance if new homes are developed. LaDonna said the county maintains that stretch under the agreement and that road maintenance may require additional county work when development proceeds.
Shane McClintock, agent for the applicants, told the board his team would combine lots 9 and 10 into a single roughly 20-acre lot to remove what staff and the board identified as a potential flag lot. "We're already in the process with L.D. Bradley to combine those into 1, like, 20 plus acre lot," McClintock said. He also said gas-line easements would be recorded and shown on plats to ensure purchasers understand buildable areas.
Board members noted the county road maintenance agreement and flagged the potential for increased maintenance costs; the board asked staff and the road department to assess maintenance needs before development occurs. The board approved the exemption for preliminary review, with the chair adding into the record that approval was conditioned on consolidating the flagged lot and recording the gas-line easement so that prospective buyers are informed.
LaDonna said any substantial maintenance needed before lots are ready for construction would give the road department time to assess and plan. The agency’s approval permits the subdivision process to advance to platting and engineering review; final construction and building permits will require the usual infrastructure, permitting and agency approvals.
