Wheatland approves new rules for road approaches and driveways

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County has approved changes to its road-approach policy, adding clearer construction deadlines, inspection requirements and enforcement provisions for work within county road allowances.

Council voted Oct. 20 to make the revised policy effective immediately.

The rules address new approaches and driveways, modifications, temporary accesses, removals and changes in use. They also clarify application and written approval requirements before construction.

A one-year completion requirement is intended to address projects that remain unfinished long after an application is made.

“It’s kind of been an issue in the past where we’ve had approaches drag on for multiple years, not get ever finished,” Cody Zimmerman Manager of Operations told council.

Extensions can be granted where circumstances prevent completion, including when paving cannot be finished before winter.

The revised policy also provides a 30-day compliance process for approaches installed without approval. Owners may be required to apply, pay the appropriate fees and deposits, and bring the work into compliance.

Applying after construction does not guarantee approval.

“Submitting an application doesn’t necessarily guarantee (it) will be approved because it does need to meet the standards,” administration said.

Where an unauthorized approach is not removed or brought into compliance, the policy provides for county action and recovery of costs from the landowner.

Staff said the revision also brings hamlet driveways more explicitly into a policy that has already been used to manage them.

For property owners planning new or altered access, the practical first step is to confirm the county’s application, inspection and deposit requirements before starting work.