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Planning commission forwards Randall family private‑road exception to supervisors
Summary
The commission voted to forward an exception request allowing a family subdivision of three lots to be accessed by a gravel private right‑of‑way (less than 50 ft) rather than a new 50‑ft VDOT‑standard right‑of‑way, with staff recommending approval after reviewing traffic capacity and emergency access considerations.
The New Kent County Planning Commission voted Dec. 15 to forward Resolution PC‑22‑25 to the Board of Supervisors with a favorable recommendation, endorsing a staff‑supported exception that would allow a proposed family subdivision to use a gravel private right‑of‑way instead of constructing a new 50‑foot public right‑of‑way built to VDOT standards.
Patrick Silva, the Department of Community Development principal planner, said the request was made by Carol D. Bridal Sr. on behalf of the Randall family for a property off Stage Road (tax map 36‑49) zoned A‑1. The applicant proposes to create three new lots, each roughly two to 2.75 acres, accessed by individual driveways off a private gravel right‑of‑way rather than a newly constructed permanent 50‑foot deeded right‑of‑way surfaced with asphalt or concrete.
"Staff doesn't have any concerns about potential impacts to the ability of emergency service personnel on their ability to access the site," Silva said, citing 2024 VDOT counts and noting Stage Road is a moderate, low‑volume road that can accommodate three additional lots without substantially affecting traffic conditions.
Silva added that the proposed gravel private right‑of‑way is consistent with the existing private access used to reach the site and would be designed to allow emergency vehicles to pass. Commissioners questioned whether the easement would run with the land and whether future resubdivision was possible; the applicant and staff confirmed the easement would remain with the property and that the remainder lot could technically allow future family subdivisions but that the smaller building lots would not likely support further division without meeting water/septic requirements.
A motion to forward PC‑22‑25 with a favorable recommendation carried; the clerk polled commissioners and the motion carried with the majority recorded in the meeting minutes.
Next steps: The forwarded resolution and staff report will go to the Board of Supervisors for final action.
