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County approves Doroshenko subdivision rezoning amid questions about private road and drainage
Summary
Elkhart County commissioners unanimously approved a rezoning and primary plat for a proposed eight-lot subdivision (six duplex lots and two single-family lots) for property south of County Road 118 and west of Old County Road 17, after commissioners pressed developers and staff about private-road construction, drainage and future maintenance.
Elkhart County commissioners on Sept. 22 approved a rezoning from A-1 to DPUD A-1 and primary approval for a major subdivision application filed by Doroshenko and spouse, even as commissioners raised concerns about private-road construction, drainage and long-term maintenance.
Jason Veil, zoning administrator, said, "This proposal received a recommendation of support from planning staff as well as from the plan commission." The approved plan would create eight parcels: six to be developed as duplexes and two as single-family homes; the applicants said one of the single-family lots will be occupied by the developer.
The matter drew objections from neighbors during the plan commission stage, and commissioners said some of those concerns — increased traffic, noise, light pollution and potential impacts to the water table, wells and septic systems — were discussed by staff. Commissioners spent substantial time on the question of whether the new interior road would be private or county-maintained and what that would mean for long-term upkeep.
Commissioners asked planning staff to confirm that drainage would be built to county standards even if the road itself is constructed as a private road. Jason Veil said drainage requirements still apply for private roads and that the proposal had been reviewed by the county's tech committee and multiple departments. A county official noted that highway staff "generally" recommend building roads to county standard even when developers initially request private roads.
Commissioners also asked whether private-road construction typically leads to requests later for county takeover. A staff member said it is a possibility and recounted a common sequence in which residents later ask the county to assume maintenance if a private road proves difficult to plow or maintain.
No speakers appeared at the public hearing segment for or against the rezoning at the commissioners' meeting; the public hearing was opened and closed before the commissioners moved to approve the request. The motion to approve carried unanimously.
The commissioners' discussion emphasized that technical review by county departments had taken place and encouraged the developer to follow county construction and drainage standards to limit future maintenance and safety issues.
