Board approves small subdivision split on Lawrence Branch Road citing family hardship

The Coffee County Board of Appeals approved a variance April 16, 2026, allowing an approximately 3-acre subdivision split on Lawrence Branch Road so a homeowner could sell part of a family farm to a sibling while preserving farm operations.

Applicant Brent (S6) described the request as a family-driven split: he wants roughly 3 to 3.5 acres for yard and house while his brother retains the remaining acreage for hay and cattle. The board discussed minimum-acre requirements and whether a family hardship applied.

Committee member (S3) moved to grant the variance under D4, saying the proposal is in harmony with the county’s development intent and is not injurious to the neighborhood; the motion was seconded and the board approved. Chair (S1) directed applicants to meet with county staff (Kirk or Cindy) to arrange necessary surveys and paperwork. The board noted surveyors’ schedules and that survey costs could be a few thousand dollars, but said staff would guide applicants through next steps.

The board’s approval allows the applicants to proceed with required surveys and recording steps to implement the split.