If it was reported in the Daily Times that a development had been approved that would have "crest view" lots, I sure didn't see it. And I just used the DT's search engine and didn't turn up anything on it, either.

If the key to this whole thing is timing. Looks like it all was platted before we had a Planning Commission. Or was it?

#1 and #2 should have both done it. The objectives under #2 include "regulating development on mountains and ridge tops to protect sensitive slopes and views." Although what the subdivision regulations say is incredibly wimpy - see page 95 of ((link...)). Pretty much protects natural features for homeowners, but doesn't protect the rest of us from those homeowners!
It should have been strengthened within the process of adopting the Hunter Strategy of 2004, currently collecting dust, as predicted. [Yes, I know - credit should be given where credit is due: They are currently examining 2 whole points made in the 400+ pages and hundreds of points within it.]

The five guiding policies follow:

Guiding Policy 1: The rural, small town and natural character of the
county should be preserved.

Guiding Policy 2: Land use and development should be managed and
regulated in order to preserve the quality of our growing county.

Guiding Policy 3: The guiding policy in any government actions in
relation to the use and development of land should be to limit
regulations to specific public health, safety and welfare objectives
balanced with responsible freedom in the use of land.

Guiding Policy 4: County roads should be improved and maintained to
a level consistent with present development and expected future
development.

Guiding Policy 5: Growth and development should be appropriately
matched with provision of adequate infrastructure such as utilities,
roads and schools.

I hope the realtors who feel the same as you will form a coalition of some sort and do what you can to discourage such development.

It is good to hear from someone in the real estate business on this subject. You've definitely caused me to rethink my stereotypes. :-)

How does one go about searching on latitude and longitude? I tried it on Mapquest and literally ended up in China. The second effort took me to the Arctic Ocean, just North of Russia.

Clearly, I'm never the one to ask for directions.