Planning commission approves Lacey family conveyance allowing one additional lot on James Way

The St. Mary's County Planning Commission approved a family-conveyance minor subdivision for the Lacey property in Chaptico that creates one additional lot on the private James Way, subject to conditions.

Staff presented the application as a family conveyance under section 30.11.4 of the subdivision ordinance, describing one additional lot proposed on an existing private road. Staff's review found no outstanding technical issues and indicated the additional lot would bring the total to six lots on the private road; county policy requires notification to all users of a private road and recording of agreements. Staff recommended approval conditioned on recorded agreements assuring access, maintenance, and prohibiting resale to third parties for five years except in hardship as determined by the director of Land Use and Growth Management.

The applicant explained the plan: lots 5 and 6 already exist on James Way; the proposal seeks approval of lot 10 under the family conveyance provision. Applicant counsel said maintenance agreements for existing lots exist and would be amended as necessary. Staff noted sight distance, moderate road grades, and that the private road's available travel width averages about 16 feet with a 40-foot right-of-way and gravel surface.

Commissioner Seabert moved to approve the family conveyance subdivision plan subject to the condition that agreements ensuring access, use and maintenance of the private road be recorded prior to plat recordation; the motion was seconded and carried. The chair announced the motion carried and staff will ensure recording of required documents prior to final plat recordation.