Commission approves Ripley four‑lot minor subdivision; neighbor questions drainage and sewer distance

The Alistair Planning Commission on Jan. 8 approved PCE 26‑5, the Lot 4 amendment to the Ripley Minor Subdivision, creating four lots totaling about 11.34 acres at 4601 West McNeely Street.

Denise, planning staff, told the commission the lots are zoned agricultural and meet Unified Development Ordinance standards for a minor residential subdivision; sidewalks and public improvements are not required. Staff recommended approval of the primary plat and said future development of the lots will require individual permitting under the UDO.

Petitioner representatives and the project engineer reiterated that the current request is for subdivision only and that there is no immediate development proposal. The engineer said the closest town sewer is about 1,700 feet from the site and that the applicant is working on a variance to allow septic where the UDO would otherwise require a connection within 300 feet.

During public comment, Tim Crouch, a homeowner across McNeely, asked whether driveway and drainage standards will protect downslope properties if lots are developed incrementally rather than all at once. Staff and the engineer said the first development permit will be carefully reviewed by town departments and an engineer to ensure drainage is handled and that UDO triggers for stormwater improvements apply as development occurs.

A motion to approve PCE 26‑5 passed by roll call. Staff noted that any future construction on the new lots will require separate permits and compliance with UDO drainage standards.