Planning panel approves multiple setback variances, authorizes county attorney to pursue appeal

The Board of Zoning Appeals and Regional Planning Commission on Monday approved several variances for accessory structures and formally authorized the county attorney to pursue appellate action in an ongoing UCC land-development case.

The meeting opened with routine prayer and the pledge before members approved minutes from the previous meeting by voice vote. County Attorney Doug Drayton asked the body to make the same authorization the county commission had already granted him so he could "take whatever action is necessary" to defend or appeal a chancellor’s ruling in the UCC land-development matter; the body made a motion to grant him that authority and the motion passed.

Commissioners then considered three variance requests. Arthur and Abby Hillman sought a zero-foot setback for a detached garage at 1335 Seagull Lane in Swan Point Estates, citing steep terrain that would otherwise require extensive fill and a long driveway; they presented photographs and said a 25-foot measuring tape confirmed dimensions. Commissioners questioned drainage and right-of-way boundaries before approving the variance by voice vote.

A second applicant at 4569 Ameland Way in Ameland Woods requested a variance so a taller structure could house a camper; the commission noted other variances previously granted in the area and approved the request. A third variance for a garage at 615 Morley Road (applicants listed as Montgomery and Lisa) was likewise approved after discussion of an existing concrete pad and setback constraints.

Separately, the commission addressed a clerical problem in the county’s zoning resolution: a 2024 amendment had been assigned the same section number (7.17) as a 2023 amendment. County Attorney Doug Drayton described the issue as a "typographical area" and a "clerical, scrivener's error"; commissioners voted to correct the numbering so the 2023 amendment remains 7.17 and the 2024 amendment will be renumbered 7.18, and agreed to forward the correction to the county commission for formal noting.

The body also moved to postpone a final plat item (three lots on Money Creek Road by Sharon Chester) to the January meeting. Several other procedural and plat items were handled in a routine manner.

What’s next: Actions approved at this meeting (attorney authorization; variances; clerical correction) will be recorded in the minutes and, where required, forwarded to the county commission for formal noting or further action.