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Board approves lot‑split and garage setback variances for Sherman property on State Road 4
Summary
The Area Board of Zoning Appeals granted two variances Aug. 13 to allow a 4.8‑acre lot split where 20 acres are required and to retain an existing garage 6 feet from the east lot line where 30 feet is required on a parcel at 21711 State Road 4; staff recommended approval and the board agreed.
The Area Board of Zoning Appeals on Aug. 13 approved two variances for property at 21711 State Road 4 requested by Dennis and Cindy Sherman that will permit a 4.8‑acre parcel split and allow an existing garage to remain 6 feet from the east setback where 30 feet is required.
Adia Smith, Area Planning Commission staff, explained the petition applies to a 10.22‑acre parcel in the agricultural district where the applicant wants to separate a 4.8‑acre lot to contain the existing dwelling and accessory garage; the agricultural district requires a 20‑acre minimum for a new lot. Smith said the properties adjacent to the parcel are under common ownership in several cases and that the garage is pre‑existing.
Terry Lang, representing the Shermans, said the family is consolidating parcels that have been split over generations and that the goal is to keep tillable land in agricultural production while allowing the house lot to be sold. Dennis Sherman, the owner, told the board the garage is roughly 30–35 years old and the parcel lines reflect a history of multiple splits; he said parcels on both sides are owned in common and one adjacent parcel is currently for sale.
Staff recommended approval, noting the split would not remove land from agricultural production and that strict application of the minimum‑lot standard would force demolition or relocation of a pre‑existing accessory structure and would not further the public interest. The board voted to grant both variances; written findings will follow.
Why it matters: the board’s decision lets the family consolidate and reconfigure holdings so that the tillable portion remains intact while allowing the family dwelling to be separated for sale without requiring demolition of a long‑standing accessory structure.
What’s next: staff will prepare written findings of fact; the owner and petitioner may proceed with the minor subdivision steps required by county procedures.
