Commission denies half–right-of-way annexation for Sheridan Lake Road; directs staff to work on single approach

The Pennington County Board of Commissioners on March 17 voted to deny an annexation request that would give a municipality half of the Sheridan Lake Road right‑of‑way, but commissioners also signaled support for allowing a single consolidated approach to the proposed Ham property plat if the landowner installs specified improvements.

Hani Shafi, representing the landowners, described a request to divide a roughly 5‑acre parcel into three lots near the Downsmoor and Sheridan Lake Road intersection and said the owners had agreed to consolidate two historical field approaches into one approach aligned with the accross‑street approach. Shafi explained the plan includes curb and gutter, sidewalk, a 12‑inch water main loop (to improve fire protection), and a 12‑foot right‑turn lane with appropriate transition taper and stacking length. He said the city had received part of the right‑of‑way in earlier annexations and staff had discussed consolidation with the county and city to meet both agencies’ standards.

County highway staff said they welcomed the addition of a right‑hand turn lane and asked the applicant to extend left‑turn stacking where necessary to address conflicts with adjacent gas‑station movements; staff indicated those additional left‑turn accommodations could move the plat forward. Commissioners expressed concern about municipalities annexing half of a county road right‑of‑way and said the county should either have the full right‑of‑way or insist on construction improvements that mitigate safety issues. Several commissioners indicated they would support the plat approval with the turn‑lane and approach modifications, but opposed the half‑right‑of‑way annexation tactic as written.

A motion to deny the annexation passed by voice vote; commissioners instructed staff (Joel/ Joe Miller and highway staff) to meet with the applicant and finalize engineering and approach details, with the expectation that the plat could then be permitted if the approach and turn‑lane improvements satisfy county concerns.

What this means: The developer cannot proceed with the annexation of half the Sheridan Lake Road right‑of‑way as requested, but the commission is open to permitting the three‑lot plat if the applicant completes the agreed safety improvements and works with county staff on a single, aligned access.