Buffalo County approves Poole Ranch rezoning and preliminary plat with road conditions

The Buffalo County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 23, 2024 approved a zoning map amendment and a preliminary plat for the Poole Ranch subdivision, a roughly 73.26‑acre tract north of Ravenna.

Chairperson Ivan Klein opened a public hearing on the rezoning request filed by licensed land surveyor Chad Dixon on behalf of Poole Ranch Developer, L.L.C. Applicant Brian Stittle and Dixon answered commissioners’ questions; residents Jeff Albers and Tom Hongsermeier spoke in support. On a motion by Bill Maendele, seconded by Timothy Higgins, the Board adopted Resolution 2024‑56 to change the parcel from Agricultural (AG) to Agricultural‑Residential (AGR), citing proximity to Ravenna, available utilities and a local need for housing.

The Board also approved a preliminary plat for the subdivision, formerly called Riverview Estates and now named Poole Ranch Subdivision, by motion of Ronald Loeffelholz with a second from Sherry Morrow. Approval (Resolution 2024‑57) was granted on a preliminary basis only and includes conditions: the Buffalo County Highway Superintendent must establish a safe entry point for residents and through traffic; applicants must enter a 10‑year road maintenance agreement; and a safety study must be completed to inform road design. The resolution notes deviations from the county’s subdivision standards that the Board accepted for the preliminary approval.

County documents filed with the clerk state the action is not final plat approval and that a copy of the resolution should not be filed against the real estate until final approval processes are complete. The Board’s roll‑call votes on both resolutions were unanimous.

Next steps: the developer must satisfy the listed conditions and return for any final plat review required by county regulations.