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Orphan roads, drainage and emergency access cited as UDO issues
Summary
Planning staff described approximately 15 'orphan roads' (developer-built roads not maintained by the county) and cited Traci Drive as a high-cost example; commissioners raised concerns about emergency access, fire response and drainage and asked staff to explore safeguards in the subdivision ordinance.
Planning staff warned the Board that the county has a growing problem with 'orphan roads' ' developer-built roads that were never accepted for maintenance ' and that these pose drainage and emergency access problems.
Shelley Cox said the County does not maintain roads and lacks statutory authority to take them over in many cases. She described Traci Drive as among the worst examples and said improving such roads can be far costlier than homeowners can afford. Cox said the state previously required developer street bonds, which encouraged completion and takeover by the state, but the tool was removed and not replaced; staff estimate about 15 orphan roads exist in the county. Commissioner Barry Overman stressed public'safety concerns for fire and EMS access and suggested more aggressive access standards; Cox proposed a clustering alternative that would preserve farmland while improving road access and fire-rescue response.
Consultants will compile issue summaries and potential safeguards for the subdivision ordinance as part of the UDO process.
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