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Preliminary Approval Granted for Winding Trail Road Extension to Serve Four New Homes

The Planning Commission has granted preliminary approval for the extension of Winding Trail, a private road, to facilitate the development of four new single-family homes on a 23.59-acre property at 4400 Winding Trail NE. The approval, requested by Highline Homes, came with several conditions, including requirements for utility easements, a road maintenance agreement, and a future sidewalk easement.

Current status Approved

The Planning Commission unanimously granted preliminary private road approval for the extension of Winding Trail on February 24, 2026, subject to several conditions including easements for utilities and a sidewalk.

Minutes record: Commissioner Kessler moved, with support from Secretary Cardosa, that the Planning Commission grant preliminary private road approval for the extension of Winding Trail, subject to the following conditions of approval... The motion carried unanimously.

What this is Preliminary Approval Granted for Winding Trail Road Extension to Serve Four New Homes

Timeline

  1. Agenda posted from agenda · published Feb 19, 2026
  2. Approved Final from minutes · published Mar 5, 2026

Key facts

  • The Planning Commission voted unanimously to grant preliminary private road approval at its February 24, 2026 meeting.
  • The request is to extend an existing private road to create four new parcels for single-family homes on a 23.59-acre lot.
  • The property is located at 4400 Winding Trail NE.
  • Public water and sewer services are not accessible to the site; homes will use individual wells and septic systems.
  • The developer is not requesting any deviations from the township's private road design requirements.
  • The Fire Department has reviewed and approved the plans, with a final inspection required after construction.
  • The Kent County Health Department has granted preliminary approval for septic systems.
  • Internal sidewalks will not be required for the development.

Discretion or exceptions

  • Final legal documents for the required easements for utilities and the sidewalk are subject to approval by the Community Development Department.
  • A final private road permit will only be issued after the Community Development Department and the Fire Department conduct a final inspection and approve the completed road improvements.

Who could be affected

  • Future residents of the four new homes
  • Property owners in the vicinity of 4400 Winding Trail NE
  • The developer, Highline Homes

What could change

  • The developer must establish a private road maintenance agreement, which will define the responsibilities and costs for road upkeep for the homeowners who will live there.
  • The new homes will use individual wells and septic systems, as public water and sewer are not available at the location.
  • A 10-foot wide easement must be recorded along Northland Drive to allow for a potential future sidewalk or recreational path.
  • Easements for future public water and sanitary sewer lines must be created, even though these services are not currently planned for the area.
  • The developer must get a driveway permit and approval for the new road name and addresses from the Kent County Road Commission.

What to watch

  • What are the specific terms of the private road maintenance agreement, and what financial obligations will it create for future homeowners?
  • What is the construction timeline for the road extension and when might it be ready for final inspection?
  • Are there any specific plans or timelines for the future pathway along Northland Drive for which the easement is being provided?

Main source pages

These packet pages are the main source material for this item.

Main source pages agenda packet

Planning Commission Meeting Agenda Packet - February 24, 2026

Private Road Extension Approval

Pages 2-12

Read excerpt
supporting material clearly provided

Supporting records

These related records help explain the item, including the agenda listing, staff explanation, and draft text.

Agenda listing minutes

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - February 24, 2026

a. Private Road Extension Approval

Pages 1 · Lines 19-27

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Private Road Extension Approval Winding Trail 4400 Winding Trail NE Mr. Daniel Dick, Highline Homes Secretary Cardosa read the applicant information. Mr. Elam gave a project overview, noting a correction in the applicant's narrative concerning area PFAS contamination. Applicant Mr. Dan Dick introduced the project request. The Commissioners had questions regarding the PFAS issue and public water availability. The
Agenda listing agenda

Planning Commission Meeting Agenda - February 24, 2026

a. Private Road Extension Approval Winding Trail 4400 Winding Trail NE Mr. Daniel Dick, Highline Homes

Pages 1 · Lines 12

Read excerpt
Private Road Extension Approval Winding Trail 4400 Winding Trail NE Mr. Daniel Dick, Highline Homes
Staff memo agenda packet

Planning Commission Meeting Agenda Packet - February 24, 2026

MEMO

Pages 2-4 · Lines 10-103

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MEMO TO: Planning Commission FROM: Community Development Department DATE: February 19, 2026 RE: Upcoming Meeting AGENDA ITEM 5a: Winding Trail Private Road Report by: Peter Elam Action Requested To grant preliminary private road approval for an extension. Project Type Private Road Extension Approval Property Address 4400 Winding Trail NE Parcel Number 41-10-01-451-006 Lot Size Approximately 23.59 acres Public Hearin…
Staff memo agenda packet

Planning Commission Meeting Agenda Packet - February 24, 2026

Maintenance Agreement

Pages 4 · Lines 104-120

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Maintenance Agreement A private road maintenance agreement is required as part of the site plan approval . This along with recorded utility easements is a standard requirement of the private road approval process. Fire Department Review The Fire Department has reviewed and approved the plans as presented, an inspection by the Fire Department will be required for final private road approval as noted earlier. RECOMMEN…

Meeting history

Agenda and minutes records showing when this item appeared and what procedural step it reached over time.

Minutes record minutes

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - February 24, 2026

Listed on agenda

2026-02-24T18:30:00Z

Read excerpt
The item appeared on the Planning Commission Meeting agenda: Private Road Extension Approval Winding Trail 4400 Winding Trail NE Mr. Daniel Dick, Highline Homes Private Road Extension Approval Winding Trail 4400 Winding Trail NE Mr. Daniel Dick, Highline Homes

Accuracy note

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