John Stehle received the go-ahead Tuesday to begin developing a 29-lot subdivision immediately north of Craig.

The Moffat County commissioners approved the preliminary plat for Wildlife Estates, which covers 188 acres. Their approval follows the recommendation of the Moffat County Planning Commission.

Stehle plans to begin developing roads to the proposed subdivision. Wildlife Estates will be accessible by the north bypass.

He said he doesn’t plan to build homes on the subdivision. He only will sell the lots.

Stehle agreed to purchase a small triangular piece of land from the county. The access route will cross the property, which the county acquired when it bought the easement for the bypass.

But the county must assess the property and put it out for bid before Stehle can buy it.

Stehle said he plans to begin work right away. He plans to construct a road for the subdivision that would meet county specifications so that the road can someday be accepted into the county road system.

The commissioners must appr-ove a final plat before Stehle can begin selling lots.

Before they give their approval of the final plat, the commissioners said they wanted Stehle to develop a weed management plan and storm drainage.

No one at the meeting objected to Stehle’s proposal.

The Moffat County Road and Bridge Department may extend the 45 mph speed limit zone on the bypass to improve safety where the subdivision will access the bypass. But visibility is good from both sides of the access route, Road and Bridge staff said.

Rob Gebhart can be reached at 824-7031 or rgebhart@craigdailypress.com.