An eight-lot subdivision south of Powell is in the process of seeking approval by the county.

On Tuesday, Park County commissioners requested more information on the preliminary plat of the Pioneer Place Subdivision south of Lane 11 and on the east side of Road 10. The subdivision would consist of six 2.5 acre lots and two 3.5 acre lots accessed by a single road (designated Pioneer Road) with a cul de sac. Two of the lots will be on the county road.

The preliminary plat was previously approved by the county planning and zoning commission over the objection of a couple of area residents concerned about the amount of new subdivisions approved recently, loss of ag and open lands, affordable housing and other issues, county planner Jenny Cramer said.

Commissioners asked for legal opinions on easement and fencing issues regarding the proposed subdivision, which is subdividing land that was part of a minor subdivision in the area. Once the issues are addressed, the commissioners will vote on the preliminary plat at a future meeting. The plat was also recommended for approval by planning staff.

While there have been numerous small subdivisions approved throughout the county this year, this is the first major subdivision (six or more lots) that has been voted on in some form or fashion this year by the county commissioners.

Powell resident and library board member Geoff Baumann, after thanking the county for its support of the new Powell Library project underway, urged the county to avoid small lots in favor of 6-acre-plus lots which, he said, are big enough to allow grazing of some livestock.

"This size is too small to graze, too big to mow," he said, adding "Once a subdivision goes in, there is no going back."

The land is in the GR-P zoning district that covers much of rural Powell and allows lots as small as 1 acre. Commissioner Lee Livingston said while he is all for people "having skin in the game" as far as protecting ag land, he doesn't want to regulate away a subdivision that is working under current regulations.

"I would strongly suggest everybody be involved in the rules and regulations changes," Chair Dossie Overfield said, adding "I would suggest everybody get involved."