The planning panel recommended approval of case Z20263, a request to rezone 1.69 acres from general agricultural to AG-2 on County Road 780 West near State Road 25 in Harrison Township, to allow a family conveyance and construction of a single dwelling.

Applicant Lucas Britton said he was representing his father and asked to receive the pond and a parcel so he could build a house near his parents. He said the parcel is largely wooded and enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program and that he has no plans to create additional lots for sale. "It would just be is around mine, and that's all there would be for the future," Britton said.

Staff noted prior concerns from the health department about septic systems in the area and recommended soil and septic testing before a plat is submitted. The highway department also advised the board to consider driveway visibility and the potential requirement of a common drive; Britton said he is willing to adjust plans to meet those concerns.

A motion to recommend approval passed by voice vote. Staff told the panel the favorable recommendation will be forwarded to the Kosciusko County commissioners for consideration on Jan. 27 at 9:00 a.m. The transcript does not provide an exact numeric vote count.