Commission recommends Chevelle rezone and preliminary plat for 306‑acre site; vote 6–1 on both

The Elbert County Planning Commission recommended approval of the Chevelle rezone (RZ‑2025‑0001) and the associated preliminary plat (PP‑2025‑0001) for a 306‑acre parcel to be rezoned from Agriculture (A) to Agriculture‑Residential (AR). The applications propose 24 lots of approximately 10 acres each, roughly 20% open space and formation of a homeowners’ association.

Planner Kelsey Lanham presented both applications to commissioners, noting the parcel will be accessed from Comanche Creek Road, that review referrals returned no outstanding objections, and that the Division of Water Resources and Elbert County Public Health reported no objections to using individual septic systems on the proposed lots. Lanham told the commission the 20% open‑space requirement was met and explained that an SIA will be required and executed at final plat time.

Applicant Michael Bennett described a development strategy intended to “soften” the transition from higher‑density areas to rural land and said the project will rely on Arapahoe Basin water sources in a way intended not to draw down shallower basins. Bennett also said the plan includes a continuous greenbelt for equestrian and pedestrian use connecting lots to open space. He added that the developers do not plan to use metropolitan districts to finance improvements and will instead pursue alternatives tied to lot sales.

Commissioners asked about road improvements, an emergency egress route and how cash‑in‑lieu or physical improvements to Comanche Creek Road would be handled. Bennett said the parties were negotiating with the county and that any required funds could be handled as part of parcel closings or as a county‑managed improvement. Commissioners expressed support for 10‑acre lots and the proposed conservation/open‑space approach.

On roll calls the commission recorded: Didi Schott Grace — aye; John Gresham — aye; Nicole Hunt — aye; Kyle DiNardo — aye; Dan McCallum — aye; Diana Edstrom — no. Kevin Kirkwood — aye. Both the rezone and preliminary plat recommendations will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.

Why it matters: The Chevelle proposals would preserve a larger‑lot rural character (10‑acre lots and open space) in a corridor that is near higher‑density zones; the commission’s positive recommendation advances the applications to the BOCC.

What’s next: BOCC consideration; a final plat, an executed subdivision improvements agreement and recordation will be required for the development to proceed.