New homes planned at county lake
Staff writer
What was a 21-acre horse ranch on the northeast corner of the county lake could become new suburban residential and lake lots if everything goes right.
Developer Gary Dunnegan has applied for a conditional use permit, which is required for land that is zoned agriculture.
“With our zoning regulations, you cannot build a subdivision on land that’s zoned ag,” Planning and Zoning Director Tonya Richards said. “We have to re-zone the land to something that would allow him to subdivide and plat, which would be suburban residential.”
Dunnegan can apply for a conditional use permit for the actual subdivision after the re-zone is finished.
“It’s not like just getting a permit and starting building,” Richards said. “You’ve got to notify people of the public, people within 1,000 feet of the property, and let them be able to voice any concerns.”
Once a surveyor completes the plat for the project, a majority vote by the county planning commission would send the matter to county commissioners for final approval. A meeting at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the lake hall will give county residents a chance to voice any concerns.
Dunnegan said the land would be split into 10 60-by-100 feet cabin lots, six 2½-acre lots for horses, and five ¾-acre lots. He already has land at the lake at 71 Lakeshore Drive. The new subdivision would be at 77 Lakeshore.
“There just aren’t any lots available if you want to move to the lake,” Dunnegan said. “Marion County Lake is the crown jewel of the county,” Dunnegan said. “I think it’s going to be a great deal for the county.”