Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Planning And Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Property owners say developer filing errors blocked building in East Fair area
Summary
Property owners and staff told the board that an improperly filed plat and unresolved subdivision issues in the East Fair utility-service area have prevented building permits and left buyers unable to develop purchased lots; the town attorney recommended outside counsel to fix filings.
Several property owners at the March 11 Decatur Board of Aldermen meeting described confusion and financial harm after a plat associated with the East Fair utility-service area was filed without clear Planning Commission sign-off, leaving lots unsuited for building permits.
Planner Garrett and the city’s planning commissioner reported the area’s plat fell under subdivision rules and had not completed the required Planning Commission sign-off; the consequence is that building permits cannot be issued until the plat and required infrastructure work are corrected. One owner said she received fee estimates and a 911 address before purchase and later learned utility connections and septic/well approvals would not be permitted as expected.
The town attorney told the board he is seeking counsel with more subdivision expertise to correct the filing and noted a similar issue had been resolved in a neighboring county by outside counsel. Board members said they want the developer to fix the plat and are considering legal steps to correct the record at the register of deeds if necessary. The mayor and staff committed to follow up and to produce a timeline of who handled notices and filings.
The board did not vote on a formal remedy at the meeting but directed staff to pursue counsel, gather the filing timeline and report back. Property owners said they want a clear plan for how and when utilities and roads will be brought into compliance so they can move forward with construction plans.
