Planning commission approves Hereta one-lot subdivision after staff review; public raises septic and ditch concerns

The Morgan County Planning Commission on March 26 unanimously approved the Hereta Small Subdivision preliminary and final plat (file 25.023) for a one‑lot subdivision on about 3.83 acres at approximately 344 West Richfield Lane.

Planning staff told the commission the application met county frontage and size requirements and had the necessary health‑department letter; the staff recommendation was for approval. The applicant, Travis Hereta, was present. Planning staff said they would add missing utility easements to the plat before it is recorded as a condition of approval.

The approval followed public comment from neighbors who urged caution. John Page told the commission he opposed any proposal that would allow an “additional home on the property with its own separate septic system and water supply, which the current zoning would not allow.” Shelly Page, who said she owns nearby acreage, asked whether Weber‑Morgan Health Department percolation requirements and 1.75‑acre guidance apply automatically and urged the commission to consider soil and aquifer impacts.

Planning staff clarified that the county’s minimum lot size is one acre but that the Weber‑Morgan Health Department has recently required 1.75‑acre spacing in some locations because of percolation rates. The reviewer said accessory dwelling units are allowed by county policy, but that any new dwelling requiring an additional septic system or well must secure separate Weber‑Morgan Health Department approval.

Chair Sessions and staff also addressed concerns about irrigation ditches. A public commenter, Randy Sessions, had urged that irrigation ditches be labeled on plats and protected because “an irrigation ditch is used to convey an adjudicated water right. Period.” Planning staff said they had discussed the features with the developer and agreed to list them as irrigation ditches on future plats, and they will check the county code to ensure required labeling.

The commission’s conditional approval instructs staff to ensure required utility easements are shown on the recorded plat; the motion passed unanimously. The plat will be recorded after staff confirms the easement labeling and that required health‑department approvals remain valid.