Court denies platting exception for FM 217 lot after unregistered well and missing plat concerns

The Coryell County Commissioners Court voted July 14 to deny an exception to the county's subdivision-platting requirements for property ID 149461 at West FM 217, saying there was insufficient information about neighboring wells and the property's platting history to safely approve permits.

The judge told the court, "I don't believe we're in a position to grant an exception" because staff lacked critical information on adjacent water sources and septic setbacks. Planning staff and road-and-bridge officials said county records and Middle Trinity well registries showed an unregistered or historic well near the parcel; without a recorded plat and accurate well set‑backs the county could not safely authorize septic or driveway permits.

Buyer Ms. Wade told the court she has submitted permit applications and paid fees but still lacks access to the home she recently closed on: "I've already done all the applications, paid all fees... I just wanna get in my house." Robbie Gordon, the prior landowner, explained an earlier survey history and deed changes that created inconsistent parcel IDs and contributed to the confusion.

County staff recommended denial and said the onus for filing a corrected plat rests with the original seller. Commissioners agreed to deny the exception, and also directed staff to work with the current buyer and the seller to expedite the standard platting and permitting process where possible. The court noted some elements—such as whether TxDOT will permit a driveway on FM 217—are outside county authority and will require coordination with state agencies.

Next steps: staff will work with the property owner and seller to begin the tiered platting process or otherwise correct the recorded plat and will return the matter to court once the required plats and permits are in hand.