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Gillespie Draw conservation subdivision approved with conditions after debate over cul-de-sacs and variances
Summary
The board approved the Gillespie Draw Conservation Design Subdivision (13 residential tracts, two conservation lots) and several variances, adding a condition requiring updated plats showing cul-de-sacs and revised cost estimates before final plat signing.
Sheridan County commissioners voted Sept. 16 to approve the Gillespie Draw Conservation Design Subdivision, a proposal to create 13 residential tracts and two conservation lots on about 622.93 acres west of the city of Sheridan with roughly 86% of the acreage set aside for conservation.
County staff described the project’s public improvements, including a proposed fire hydrant tapping a 16-inch city main, private on-site wastewater systems, a letter-of-credit for 100% of proposed improvements and an engineer’s opinion of probable cost of roughly $649,500 for required infrastructure. Planner Mark Reed told the board the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with conditions.
During the required public hearing, Jamie Taulman, who said they live in Osprey Subdivision, asked the board to delay approval until a separate city corridor feasibility study is complete. "We are asking you to wait. We're not saying no to a conservation district, but wait and see what happens with the feasibility of building through lower Gillespie Draw," Taulman said.
The board considered multiple variances, including allowance of a private access easement versus a public right-of-way, a dead-end road length in excess of 1,200 feet, use of turnaround tees rather than standard cul-de-sacs and an 8% road-grade exception for short distances. Commissioners expressed concern about turnaround tees and directed the record be updated to require cul-de-sacs in final design documents. One commissioner moved to amend the primary approval by adding a condition requiring updated plats and construction drawings showing cul-de-sacs and an updated engineer’s estimate; that amendment passed. The motion to approve the subdivision as amended also passed.
The board approved the variances and the subdivision by recorded voice votes. The planning staff noted required water-well sampling and recommendations that homeowners have wells tested semi-regularly. The record shows the board approved the subdivision with the condition that documentation reflect cul-de-sacs rather than turnaround tees before final plat recordation.
What’s next: County staff and public works will verify the updated plats and cost estimates as part of final plat procedures before the subdivision record is completed.
