Zoning board hears two class‑B variance requests for residential accessory structures

The Tazewell County Zoning Board heard two class‑B variance petitions that would allow accessory structures (garages) to be placed closer to the centerline of public roads than the A‑1 agricultural district setback requires.

Case 2532B: Petitioner John M. Chaney requested a variance to construct an accessory garage 85 feet from the center of Tullamore Road, which the staff noted is 15 feet closer than the A‑1 district setback. Chaney said the proposed building is a 16‑by‑32 portable garage intended for personal storage of lawn equipment and vehicles; the structure will require fill because much of his property slopes. The health department, soil and water, farm bureau, county highway and emergency management reported no comment on the request. The board and land‑use staff discussed utilities (possible future electricity but no water) and neighbor distances (the nearest house was not shown on the video; one residence is a significant distance away).

Case 2533B: Petitioner Jeffrey (Jeff) Krog requested a variance to place an accessory garage 75 feet from the centerline of Red Shale Hill Road, 25 feet closer than allowed. Krog described needing more space for multiple vehicles and that moving the garage farther back would affect an existing drainage feature and a utility pole, requiring substantial fill and interfering with access. The health department and other county reviewers submitted no comments. The land‑use staff and board discussed drainage, slope and the location of the existing driveway/asphalt turnaround; the applicant said he may add electricity at a later date but not water.

Both petitions were presented with site photos and applicant testimony, and board members asked routine questions about utilities, drainage, slope, and nearest neighbors. The transcript excerpt does not record the board taking a final vote on either Class B variance during the provided portion of the meeting; Class B variances are within the zoning board’s final authority when four concurrent votes are present.