Planning commission approves access-policy variances for Phillips property

The Lexington County Planning Commission voted to approve two access-policy variances requested for property owned by Tina Phillips, allowing the reconfiguration of three taxed parcels into a new 1.99-acre parcel that would rely on an existing 50-foot easement and a proposed 20-foot easement.

Planning staff read the variance standards into the record and described the plat history (recorded plats from 1993 and 2002, included as exhibits) showing prior intent to consolidate the parcels. Staff said the property is landlocked without the variance and that the neighboring owners — members of the same family — have been informed; a letter from the Harmons appears in the commission packet.

Commissioners discussed whether variances of this type had become commonplace but concluded the request would not substantially injure neighboring property owners and that the proposed easement configuration would not significantly change existing use. A motion to approve the two items was made, seconded, and approved on a roll-call vote with all present commissioners recorded as 'Yes.'