Planning commission forwards countywide lot‑size changes to county commission with suggested amendment

Wilson County planning staff presented a proposed ordinance on Oct. 17 to amend minimum lot sizes across multiple zoning districts. The planning commission voted to forward the proposed changes to the county commission but added a recommendation to modify the A‑1 (agricultural) parcel minimum from 80,000 square feet (proposed) to 60,000 square feet.

Staff said the resolution would change minimum lot sizes in several zones: increase A‑2 from 2 acres to 4 acres; set A‑1 minimums at 80,000 sq. ft. under the draft; establish R‑1 minimums at 40,000 sq. ft. regardless of sewer or septic; raise R‑2 single‑family minimums from 10,000 to 20,000 sq. ft. while removing multifamily from R‑2; and leave R‑3 density cap at 8 units per acre while addressing PUD overlay changes in a separate PUD ordinance planned for the next meeting.

Commissioner Thompson moved to forward the resolution to the county commission with a suggested amendment reducing the proposed A‑1 minimum to 60,000 sq. ft. The motion passed on a recorded vote and will be included in the county commission packet and public notice. Planning staff said the suggested amendment will be advertised and considered at the county commission public hearing, where commissioners can accept, modify or reject the suggestion.

Planning staff also notified the commission that additional zoning amendments are pending, including a freestanding PUD ordinance, accessory dwelling unit size clarifications and updates to height and contractor‑office definitions; those will be before the planning and zoning committee in the coming month.