Whitley County planning commission recommends approval of 26 W Subdivision in Sheckler Hills

Whitley County Planning Commission voted May 20 to recommend approval of the two-lot 26 W Subdivision in Sheckler Hills, a division of Lot 2 of the original Sheckler Acres plat at 2585 West Sheckler Road.

Planning staff told the commission the proposal "does appear, to meet all code requirements" and recommended two conditions: that the secondary plat approval be delegated to staff and that the health department determine two septic sites per lot before issuance of any building permits. Staff added that soil tests have not yet been completed.

Kristen Weiss, the property owner, told the commission she and her family were seeking to "split off the wooded parcel" and initially planned to build on the new lot while selling their current house; she said neighbors had asked whether driveway access was possible from the lower side of the parcel.

Commission members questioned easement and sight-distance issues for a driveway approach on West Sheckler Road. Staff said driveway permits are reviewed and approved by the highway department during building-permit processing and noted the submission had been routed to the highway department and county engineer for comment. One commissioner referenced a 500-foot sight-distance guideline that could influence driveway permitting.

A commissioner moved to recommend approval "for the staff report package." The motion was seconded and carried by roll-call vote; all voting members present recorded affirmative votes.

Next steps include staff carrying out the delegated secondary-plat review, the health department determining septic-site suitability, completion of required soil testing, and issuance of building permits only once those conditions are satisfied.