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Frio County OKs preliminary plat for Venado Creek Ranch, commissioners flag private-road concerns
Summary
Commissioners approved the preliminary plat for Venado Creek Ranch — about 31 lots of 4.5–5 acres plus existing 10‑acre lots served by private roads — while debating long‑term maintenance, HOA options and whether roads could be adopted into the county system.
Frio County Commissioners approved the preliminary subdivision plat for Venado Creek Ranch during a special October 2024 meeting, contingent on the plat as presented. The development includes roughly 31 smaller lots of about 4.5–5 acres with additional 10‑acre lots behind served by private roads; wells and on‑site septic systems were described as the planned utilities.
Duncan McCada, an engineer representing the plat, explained the layout and said the smaller lots would have individual driveways off county roads while the 10‑acre lots behind rely on private roads. Several commissioners raised concerns that private roads frequently lead to future disputes and maintenance problems, urging consideration of homeowner-association (HOA) arrangements or other assurances. One commissioner stated private roads often result in litigation and long-term county involvement if disputes arise; staff recommended a site review to assess whether any portion of the roadway could meet county specifications for adoption into the public road system.
Despite the concerns, Commissioner Martinez moved to approve the preliminary plat; the motion was seconded and the court voted to approve. The record indicates the plat is preliminary; staff noted that the county typically requires a preliminary plan when new county roads are to be constructed, but this project’s private roads mean county responsibility for road construction is unclear and may require further follow-up.
The commission did not add binding deed restrictions or HOA requirements on the record; staff said they would examine the status of existing back roads and sales to determine next steps.
