Plan commission advances two-lot CSM at 5312 Spring Street after county denies new driveway access

The Mount Pleasant Plan Commission on Oct. 22 recommended approval of a two-lot certified survey map at 5312 Spring Street (CSM 25-10) but included conditions addressing county access restrictions after staff said the Racine County Department of Public Works would not permit a new driveway onto County Trunk Highway C.

Planning staff told the commission the county refused to grant an initial driveway connection because the proposed access did not meet adopted width standards; as a result, staff amended recommended conditions to require the map to show shared cross-access between Lots 1 and 2 or for the applicant to secure county approval for a relocated driveway or variance.

Staff listed eight standard technical conditions including removal of the county signature line on the plat, mapping utilities and existing zoning, showing minimum lot areas, constructing sidewalks unless waived by the county, and planting street trees per ordinance. Staff cautioned that if the county does not permit an access, the subdivision could be impractical and the applicant might instead need to pursue a tear-down-and-rebuild scenario or seek county variance.

A commissioner said the commission would prefer to see county approval before recording because once a CSM is recorded the second lot becomes taxable as a developed lot. The commission adopted language in the motion that the map be updated to show shared access between Lots 1 and 2 or otherwise secure county permission as specified in staff conditions.

The motion passed by voice vote. Staff said they support housing infill but noted access limitations constrain options and may affect the project's viability.