Commission conditionally approves Leffler minor subdivision pending checklist, water hookup

The Emery County Planning Commission on Sept. 9 conditionally approved a minor subdivision that would preserve a 2-acre lot for a homeowner and allow the applicant, identified in the meeting as JD, to acquire and split adjacent acreage. Chair Gary Renton said the commission would approve the subdivision now but required completion of the county—hecklist and a verified water hookup before final plat approval.

JD, the applicant, told the commission he has not yet purchased the land and is still working to secure four water shares and connections. "I don't actually own the land yet," JD said, adding that engineering, perk tests and utility hookups could make the application expensive: "...it could be $1,020,000 dollars trying to get through that" (applicant later clarified the primary concern was up-front costs if the purchase failed). Commissioners and staff emphasized that approval at the meeting allows JD to proceed with purchasing the property but that building permits and final subdivision plat approval would require completion of the county's checklist and proof of water service.

The commission's motion included an amendment specifying the checklist requirement. Staff explained the checklist requirement is part of the minor-subdivision procedure and that final plat approval will require utilities, septic/perk approval where applicable, and compliance with other items on the checklist. The commission voted unanimously to approve the conditional motion.