Ealy Family Seeks Variance for Property Subdivision in Clay County

In a recent Clay County Board of Adjustment and Planning and Zoning meeting, a proposal to subdivide a 90-acre agricultural property in Tansom Township was discussed, highlighting the ongoing challenges of land use and zoning regulations in the area. The property, located near State Highway 34, is currently zoned for agricultural use with special shoreland protections aimed at preserving the natural environment.

The applicants, Lorna and John Ealy, seek to divide approximately 6.5 acres from their larger parcel, which includes two residential structures. This subdivision aims to address a practical difficulty: the existing property line does not align with natural boundaries, such as a tree line, and the couple wishes to maintain their solar arrays on the property. The proposed division would technically create a 10-acre lot, but much of that area is water, raising questions about compliance with local zoning laws that require a minimum of usable land above the ordinary high water level.

During the meeting, it was noted that the current zoning regulations mandate a minimum lot size of 10 acres for properties in special protection low development districts, a measure designed to prevent overdevelopment of smaller lakes in the region. The Ealys explained that their intention to subdivide stems from their nearing retirement and the realization that they no longer need the additional space for business purposes.

The board members engaged in discussions about the implications of the subdivision, including access issues and the potential need for easements. They also considered the broader goals of the county's comprehensive plan, which emphasizes the protection of surface waters and the reduction of development pressure on natural environments.

As the meeting concluded, the board moved to close the public hearing without any opposition from the audience, indicating a potential path forward for the Ealys' request. The outcome of this proposal will not only affect the Ealys but also set a precedent for future land use decisions in Clay County, reflecting the community's ongoing balancing act between development and environmental stewardship.