Council approves Wild Turkey Ridge plat in Pleasant Valley under extraterritorial jurisdiction

The Eau Claire City Council unanimously approved a final plat for Wild Turkey Ridge, a 21-lot subdivision located in the town of Pleasant Valley that falls within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Director White presented the proposal as a 21-lot plat with an additional outlot, at a density of roughly one single-family home per two acres, outside the city’s sewer service area. He said the design conforms to the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction agreement and to the preliminary plat that council had reviewed earlier. Attorney Nick provided background on the city’s authority to review plats up to three miles beyond city borders and summarized a cooperative agreement between the city and surrounding towns that governs review and oversight.

Council members asked about the review criteria staff uses for extraterritorial plats and whether the city can require changes; Director White said the city reviews density, appropriateness and whether development might reasonably access city services such as sewer. Council Member Schoen asked about staff authority to request modifications; staff said most plats in distant rural locations conform to the agreed standards and move forward unchanged. Council Member Schoen and other members also highlighted a 60-foot strip in the plat dedicated for public access to Lowe’s Creek; Council Member Schoen commended that dedication as preserving public trust access to the navigable waterway.

The approval was moved by Council Member Brewster and seconded by Council Member Jones. The motion passed by unanimous roll call.