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Keith County approves two final plats near Lake McConaughy amid safety and habitat concerns
Summary
After public comment raising safety and wildlife‑habitat concerns, the Keith County Board approved a replat for Chris and Catherine Thompson and accepted a final plat for land owned by Jason Hiltbrand and Jody Castillo, including a road‑maintenance agreement and easements.
The Keith County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 15 approved two separate final plats affecting lots near Lake McConaughy.
Zoning Administrator Cody Begwick presented a final plat by Chris and Catherine Thompson to split an existing lot in Bayside Country Estates Number 3 into two parcels; Begwick told the board property taxes for 2024 were paid, the replat conforms to the county’s comprehensive plan and zoning (RR2), and the Planning Commission had recommended approval. Commissioners voted to approve the Thompson replat after staff confirmed each new lot would have road access.
A second matter, a final plat by Jason Hiltbrand and Jody Castillo, drew public opposition. Resident Susan Smith told the board she had emailed commissioners and said she was concerned about the lack of a turn lane on Lakeview Road near an existing driveway, limited sight lines during fog and hill conditions, and potential loss of prairie‑dog habitat that supports burrowing owls. "If there's going to be a development in there, I think there needs to be some sort of turn off of Lakeview," Smith said. Another resident, Donna Plowse, described personal safety concerns and asked commissioners to ensure any road work is done to make the site safe; she said, "Don't make me have to hold somebody's kid while they're laying there bleeding to death."
Begwick and other staff said changes to the plat — including addition of a cul‑de‑sac and road‑construction language — addressed earlier Planning Commission concerns and that roads for building permits must meet county standards. Commissioners discussed erosion controls and road construction standards; after the public comments the board moved to accept the final plat and the road‑maintenance and utility easement dedication. The measure passed by roll call.
The board instructed staff to keep public packets available for review and noted that eight and 19 property owners within 300 feet had been notified for the two matters respectively.
