Planning commission continues Silverstone Phase 6 plat amendment, directs staff to draft flag-lot code change

The Morgan County Planning Commission on April 9 continued consideration of the Silverstone Subdivision Phase 6 plat amendment and directed staff to draft a code text amendment addressing a conflict with the county’s flag-lot provision.

Staff described the application as an amendment to Lot 8 to create a new lot (options described as lot 8A/8B or lot 31) and recommended approval subject to surveyor and engineer review comments, payment of outsourced consultant fees, and compliance with applicable laws. Commissioners focused their questions on frontage and access for a proposed flag lot and on an apparent restriction in the county’s flag-lot ordinance that prevents a flag-pole or pan handle from extending from a cul-de-sac bulb (code 155.426). Planning materials noted the flag-lot ordinance was adopted March 19, 2024.

Commissioners debated whether the situation required a variance or a text amendment and whether the code provision should be left unchanged. Several members suggested a text amendment would be the more appropriate, repeatable approach rather than granting site-specific variances; staff said a text amendment could be processed and would come back to the commission and then the county commission for final action.

Member Watt moved to continue the plat amendment to May 28 to allow staff time to draft and process a possible text amendment; Member King seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The commission then voted unanimously on a separate motion directing staff to draft the proposed text amendment addressing the flag-lot provision.

The applicant and staff will reconvene with revised drawing sets and any code changes; the continued hearing is scheduled for May 28, 2026.