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County approves 6.26‑acre land‑use change near Benhorn after planner says request is consistent with plan
Summary
Benton County planning staff presented an application from Randy Patton to change use of a 6.26‑acre parcel for a single‑family dwelling; staff found it consistent with county land‑use policy, read one nearby neighbor comment raising concerns about utilities and flooding, and the board voted to approve the change.
Planning staff reported to Benton County officials that Randy Patton has requested a land‑use change for about 6.26 acres roughly one mile west of Benhorn to allow construction of a single‑family dwelling.
Staff said the parcel has a weighted average corn suitability rating of 83 (high quality farmland) but has not been used for agricultural production since at least the 1930s and that aerial imagery shows the area is an abandoned railroad track buffered from farming by roadways and the nearby country club. Staff also noted access via an existing driveway approved by Secondary Roads and that the dwelling will require a new septic system; the applicant is considering rural water but may need a private well if rural water is not available.
Planner read one written public comment from a neighbor within 500 feet who said she was concerned about how utility installation (natural gas versus propane), road disturbance and building up the site could affect nearby farmland and the adjacent golf course. Planning staff said they contacted the state DNR field office (Michelle Smith) and were told the parcel is not in a flood zone and DNR had no floodplain permitting concerns based on drainage area.
Board members questioned whether gas lines would be extended, how septic permitting would be handled and whether rural water would be feasible. Planning staff responded that gas lines are unlikely and that septic permits would be required; rural water would require a study and a customer fee to initiate service.
After discussion a board member moved to approve the land‑use change and another seconded; the chair called for a vote and the board recorded ayes, after which planning staff thanked the board. The motion carried and the land‑use application was approved.
What this means: the county found the request consistent with the Benton County Land Preservation and Use Plan and approved the change, permitting the applicant to pursue septic permitting and, if necessary, a private water well or rural water connection. The record shows required neighbor notification and a single written comment were included in the file.
