Applicant asks Porter County to vacate decades‑old access easement; Planning Commission to review April 22

Rodley Broadney L. Noel told the Porter County Development Review Committee on April 2 that an ingress/egress and utilities easement recorded on his 3.13‑acre parcel dates to about 1971 and has never carried utilities or a driveway on the recorded alignment. "I'm here to ask ... that the ingress and egress for utilities be vacated," Noel said, explaining he and family members use a northern driveway and that flags and photos show utilities located north of the easement.

Staff described the document as an access agreement binding four parcels to shared maintenance; they advised Mr. Noel that the application lists replacing easements and that any replacement easements must avoid septic fields or other infrastructure. Board members asked the applicant to confirm whether new easements were created and to provide survey documentation showing the existing driveway and utility locations.

County staff and the board noted no new driveway is planned and that stormwater review returned no comments. The item received an informal staff and board review and was placed on the Planning Commission agenda for April 22 at 5:30 p.m. for a formal vote. A staff member told Noel he could expect to appear in the same room at the April 22 meeting and that staff would review any additional materials he provides.

Next steps: Noel should submit required survey and documentary evidence and appear before the Planning Commission on April 22 for a final decision.