Planning board grants primary approval to two-lot subdivision on State Road 39

County planning staff reviewed application CC-2026-0000320 (SHS Division 1), describing a 9.5-acre parcel on North State Road 39 proposed to split into a two-acre lot fronting the road and an approximately eight-acre rear lot served by a shared access because INDOT approved only one driveway. Staff said the drainage board approved the development on May 5, 2026, the health department approved new lots for septic systems, and required perimeter drainage outlets are shown on the plat.

Staff noted restrictive covenants must be legally sound and incorporated into the plat and requested that those covenants meet the county’s legal reviewer’s satisfaction before secondary approval. During public comment, resident Dave Cox asked what the larger rear lot could be used for and raised concerns about an existing field tile and whether a recorded easement exists; staff explained that a recorded easement must be shown on the plat to preserve maintenance and enforcement rights, and an informal agreement is not binding on future owners.

After discussion, a motion for primary approval was moved, seconded and approved by roll call. Staff instructed the petitioner to prepare a secondary plat for filing and to resolve covenant language with the county attorney’s office.

The approval is for primary platting only; final secondary plat recording and any required covenant revisions remain necessary to complete the subdivision process.