Planning commission approves parcel map with conditions; map will go to county commissioners

The Churchill County Planning Commission on Sept. 25 recommended approval of parcel map application PC-2057 to divide a 50-acre property (APN 8100-01316, soon to be 8100-01380) into two parcels of approximately 20 and 30 acres, subject to specified road upgrades and establishment of utility easements.

Dean Patterson, public works and planning, told the commission the applicant reconfigured the proposal after a prior variance to waive paving requirements was denied. By creating two parcels that are 20 acres and 30 acres, the project qualifies for county gravel-road standards (lots of 20 acres or larger can use gravel rather than paved frontage). Patterson said the primary staff concerns are providing physical road access meeting county standards, extending a public utility easement across the property, and improving Roberson Lane and Indigo Drive to meet the county’s gravel-road requirements.

Patterson explained the route would require about 1,300 feet of improvements to Roberson Lane and about 1,600 feet of Indigo Drive improvements; Indigo Drive is largely built but would need minor improvements. The parcel map also formalizes a 60-foot easement along Indigo Drive to provide access. Commissioners asked whether adjoining properties would use Indigo Drive; staff said the map notes the road as private and that access under this proposal applies to the new parcels only.

Commissioner Mark Hyde moved to find the applicable code criteria met and to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners approve the parcel map, accept offered easements, and reject offers to dedicate land and improvements; the motion passed unanimously. Patterson and staff noted the decision still requires final action by the Board of County Commissioners.