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Board approves one-time lot-size variance for GJH Ranch to create a 5.02‑acre parcel
Summary
The Board of Adjustment and the county commission approved a lot-size variance to allow a single 5.02‑acre parcel in an Agriculture zoning district to accommodate a family transfer; staff recommended denial in favor of rezoning but commissioners approved the variance.
Pennington County’s Board of Adjustment considered and approved a lot‑size variance request (COV A‑250012) on July 15 to allow the creation of a 5.02‑acre parcel within an Agricultural zoning district. The applicant, GJH Ranch (represented by surveyor John Van Beek, Avid 4 Engineering), said the request is a one‑time family transfer that would leave the balance of the ranch intact.
Staff advised denial because the county’s future land‑use guidance supports Ranchette (5‑acre) zoning and staff recommended a rezone rather than a variance. The applicant explained the parcel lies near the Rapid City three‑mile planning jurisdiction and that existing precedents in the area include 5‑acre lots inside the general agricultural zone. The applicant said the proposal preserves the ranching use on the remainder of the acreage.
Commission action: Commissioner Durr moved to approve the variance; Commissioner Rossknecht seconded. The motion carried without recorded opposition.
Outcome: Variance COV A‑250012 was approved to allow a 5.02‑acre lot in an Agricultural Zoning District; staff noted a rezone remains an alternative and that rezoning may still be pursued in the future.
Context: The matter was handled through the regular Board of Adjustment process; the county staff report cited SDCL and the county zoning code criteria for variances and encouraged applicants to use the rezoning pathway when future land use calls for a different district.
