Planning commission approves preliminary plat for Ranches at Pinion Ridge Phase 7, recommends road variance to county commission

The Duchesne County Planning Commission voted to approve the preliminary plat for the Ranches at Pinion Ridge Phase 7, a proposed 15‑lot subdivision on approximately 76 acres south of U.S. Highway 40, and recommended that the Duchesne County Commission grant a variance to the county’s paved‑road requirement.

Staff said the subdivision meets Title 9 preliminary‑plat requirements and explained that County subdivision regulations allow a variance when roads are built to appropriate standards in lieu of paving, notably to meet Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and fire‑apparatus access requirements. Staff recommended the Planning Commission adopt findings, approve the preliminary plat and recommend the county commission grant a variance to the paved‑road requirement.

The commission approved the preliminary plat subject to conditions including: running a title report for final‑plat approval; written WUI/fire‑marshal approval of roads (centerline radii, slopes and driving surface) before final approval; coordination for any wetland/stream alteration; required construction stormwater permits; minimum culvert sizing where shown on the plat; and survey monument and street‑sign approvals as part of final plat review.

Developer representatives said roads and other improvements already have substantial work completed and that two wells have been drilled to meet Tri‑County Health Department requirements during earlier review steps. The Planning Commission’s action forwards the preliminary‑plat approval and the paved‑road variance recommendation to the Duchesne County Commission for final determinations and any variance decision.