Tazewell County zoning officials approved a variance allowing an existing lot of record to retain 60 feet of frontage, a reduction of approximately 140 feet from the usual frontage requirement in A1 districts, in a case the board described as typical of older, irregular lots that were divided many years ago.

Why it matters: The decision permits a property owner to legalize an existing parcel configuration that does not meet the code's frontage requirement and allows the owner to move forward with plans tied to access or future development.

Testimony described the lot as part of an older division where a rear acre or piece lacked legal access; the petitioner sought to acquire frontage to avoid a strip-lot or flag configuration. The applicant's plan involved shifting acreage to create a more usable frontage and connecting internally rather than creating a long, narrow access. Board members referenced exhibits showing the proposed square-foot trade and said the change would not result in a significant widening of an access strip further down the parcel.

Board members approved the planner's findings and then the variance motion. The board characterized the request as consistent with past approvals where irregular shape and topography reduced the practicality of strict code compliance. The findings and motion passed by voice vote; a roll-call is recorded in the transcript and the chair called the question and the variance passed.