Commission approves subdivision of 45.24-acre Agnew Road property into nine parcels

The Winchester-Clark County Planning & Zoning Commission voted to approve a subdivision plat to divide a 45.24-acre agricultural property at 7464 Agnew Road into nine parcels.

Planning staff presented the proposal and explained how recent changes to subdivision review created uncertainty about which applications staff could approve administratively versus which needed commission review. Staff concluded the proposed plat met the county’s minimum dimensions and that the consolidated lot configuration reduced the number of parcels under five acres so the commission could authorize the major subdivision.

Neighbors spoke at the public hearing. Jeff Sodesta, a nearby resident, urged caution and described environmental and safety concerns around the property’s lower parcels, which he said are "the headwaters of Somerset Creek" and therefore connected to the Lougheed River: "This is a responsibility to not take it very seriously," he said. Sodesta also described personal safety concerns for his severely autistic son if denser development were to occur nearby and asked that portions remain in agriculture if he purchases them.

Staff answered technical questions, noting AG zoning defines agriculture as five or more acres and listing parcels that were under five acres before consolidation (Parcel 7: 4.8 acres; Parcel 8: 2.8 acres; Parcel 9: 1.6 acres; Parcel 10: ~3.5 acres). After consolidation steps by the applicant, staff said the plan met subdivision standards.

Commissioner (speaker 7) moved to approve the subdivision, a second was made, and the commission approved the motion by voice vote. The commission did not record a roll-call tally in the minutes; the motion passed and the plat was approved to move forward.

Next steps: The subdivision approval allows the applicant to proceed with recorded plats and coordination with utilities and the pipeline easement conditions identified during review.