Plan commission approves Eicher Acres minor subdivision after neighboring drainage concern letter

The DeKalb County Plat Committee on Aug. 4 approved petition 26-29, known as Eicher Acres, a proposed one-lot minor subdivision of about 8.856 gross acres on State Road 101 north of State Road 68 in Spencerville. Jerry Yoder moved to approve the plat and Jason Carnahan seconded; the motion passed with affirmative votes recorded for Sandy Harrison, Jerry Yoder, Suzanne Davis, Jason Carnahan and Alicia Rogers.

Staff read a written letter from Melissa Seward of 6784 State Road 101 opposing the subdivision because of what she described as newly installed drainage tiles and increased runoff that had made part of her yard swampy and difficult to mow. As read by staff, the letter stated, "Since the sale of the land, we began struggling with runoff issues on the property soon after the owners decided to install what I believe were drainage tiles." Staff told the committee the drainage concerns were noted and that the project had been reviewed by the DeKalb County Drainage Board; staff recommended approval with standard conditions requiring compliance with the DeKalb County Board of Health, Highway, Drainage Board and related agencies before plat recording.

The committee’s approval includes standard conditions to be recorded on the plat and a requirement that the plat not be recorded until applicants file written evidence of compliance with any conditions from relevant county or state agencies. The zoning administrator’s staff report noted the application was complete, required agency reports were on file, and the proposal conforms to A2 zoning and the county comprehensive plan.