Planning commission approves special exemption for second dwelling on Deerwood Trail

The Mecklenburg County Planning Commission approved a special-exemption permit for a second dwelling on a property on Deerwood Trail. The applicants, William and Dove Halverson, told the commission the current house on the four-acre parcel is about 750 square feet and that they seek to build a larger primary residence of roughly 1,800–2,100 square feet with a new septic system and well.

The applicant said the existing small house would remain and be used as a guest house. Planning staff told the commission the site is zoned agricultural and that the applicant would meet Virginia Department of Transportation requirements and county zoning-code standards for a second home in AG zoning. A commissioner recommended approval and the motion was seconded; commissioners voted in favor and carried the recommendation.

No members of the public registered objections during the listed public-comment period for this item. The commission recorded that the site is in compliance with the Mecklenburg County zoning ordinance for a second-home special-exemption and that VDOT requirements would be met before final approvals.

Applicants and staff emphasized the separate well and septic plan and the applicant’s intent to preserve the smaller existing dwelling as a self-contained guest unit.

The commission’s approval authorizes the applicant to move forward with the county permitting process; final construction remains contingent on standard building-permit reviews and inspection.