Natrona planners table Christiansen subdivision as access, easement records are reviewed

The Natrona County Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 19 voted to table Major Subdivision MS25-02, a proposal by Dan Christensen to replat Lot 1 of Meadow Acres No. 4 into two 5-acre residential lots, so staff can verify recorded access and easement documents.

Sabrina Kemper, Natrona County development director, presented the staff report noting the parcel is zoned rural residential and staff had found soils and percolation conditions that could require engineered septic systems. Staff told the commission it had sent notice to 19 neighbors and had not received written comments as of the report, then recommended a do-pass to the Board of County Commissioners if access and technical concerns are resolved.

Resident Mike Steele spoke in opposition at length, telling the commission Foxborough Trail and parts of Happy Glen are not dedicated public roads, expressing concern about increased traffic, dust and safety, and arguing Lot 1 did not have recorded access across Foxborough Trail. Steele asked that the commission require the developer to build a public road in the proposed 30-foot easement or shift access to Silver Sage to avoid impacts on existing private access.

Staff confirmed the record search is incomplete: some plats and dedication language could not be located in the office archive and staff asked for time to trace whether the roads were dedicated to public use or remain private easements. Commissioners agreed the access question and responsibilities for road maintenance must be resolved before final action; a motion to table MS25-02 pending staff verification and further information passed.

Clarifying details staff will provide include whether Foxborough Trail or other segments were dedicated to the public in earlier plats, the recorded location of easements back to Highway 20/22, and an assessment of whether an improvement-of-service district or other mechanism is feasible to fund road improvements.