Commissioners approve family-transfer amended plat for Lot 2 of Coutney Ridge amid neighbor concerns about a pre-existing mechanic business

Planning staff presented a request from Breen Ridge Surveying on behalf of Daniel Green to transfer 15.13 acres of a 16.85-acre parcel to his wife Olivia Green using a family-transfer exemption. Staff recommended approval with conditions that mirror the original Coutney Ridge subdivision: a survey prepared per ARMS, taxes paid and certification by a licensed title abstractor, and DEQ approval for both resulting parcels.

The planning presentation noted that a change in state law two years ago allows family transfers in platted subdivisions and that the commission cannot add new conditions beyond those already applied to the original subdivision. Public correspondence and a letter signed by nearby residents (the Warers) raised concerns about a pre-existing mechanic business on the property — including noise, air quality and junk vehicles — and commissioners said those issues fall under existing statutes, DEQ permitting and recorded covenants. The commission moved, seconded and approved the planning department’s recommendation by voice vote; the transcript records one commissioner opposed but does not record a roll-call tally.

Daniel Green, who participated online, said he understood the septic and DEQ requirements and thanked the board for its decision. Staff said they would send an approval letter outlining the conditions and follow up on recording covenants and DEQ revisions as needed.