Board grants easement‑width variance allowing house to use existing 20‑ft access

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a 10‑ft variance from the county’s 30‑ft easement‑width requirement to allow a house to be built using an existing 20‑ft easement on property at 220 Dawn Lane. Staff recommended denial, noting the ordinance’s easement‑width standard; the applicant, Joshua Bagwell, said the family intends to build a permanent home and had discussed the plan with neighbors. County Commissioner Jeremy Hobbs spoke in favor on behalf of a long‑standing local family.

Board discussion focused on how many older lots were created by deed rather than through modern platting and whether previous variances granted to neighboring parcels set a relevant precedent. Some members noted the system can create anomalies for five‑to‑seven‑acre tracts that do not go through subdivision review. After debate a motion to approve carried by voice vote.

Staff noted each case should stand on its merits, but the board exercised its discretionary authority to grant the variance despite the staff recommendation. The board did not record a detailed roll‑call vote in the transcript.