Planning commission recommends approval for rezoning that would allow additional homes near Lebanon Loop

The Graham County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-2 to recommend approval of a rezoning request that would allow multiple additional homes on a rural parcel near Lebanon Loop, the commission decided after a public hearing that included neighbors and the applicant.

Neighbors questioned lot size, road access and utilities, while the applicant and county staff described proposed site improvements and state law changes that could affect future dwelling counts. The recommendation now goes to the Graham County Board of Supervisors for a final decision at 8 a.m. on the first Monday of next month.

A resident who spoke during public comment asked detailed questions about infrastructure, saying, “Will there be a wall around each and every property? Whom will have the road? Where will the road be, and how will it be maintained to access either the 3 or 5 if you approve the 5? What is the requirements for the road?” The resident also noted local lot sizes, adding, “everything out there is 1 acre.”

The applicant described current and planned development on the parcel: “There is currently a double wide on the property. There would be 4 more site built frame homes.” The applicant told the commission the development would meet septic and road standards, and that electrical service would likely be installed underground. The applicant also said, “No. We're not gonna build walls around the property,” and described expected home sizes and price points, saying a “thousand square foot home can sell for under … $300,000.”

County planning staff explained how pending state law changes will affect accessory dwelling units. Staff said that under current local code one additional dwelling unit for a relative is limited to 900 square feet and cannot be rented, but that state legislation signed recently will require jurisdictions to allow additional dwelling units under certain conditions beginning Jan. 1 and will raise the livable-area limit to roughly 1,000 square feet. Staff summarized the effect: once the state rule takes effect, a 1-acre parcel may allow multiple dwelling units in ways not currently permitted.

Commissioners debated the balance between preserving the county’s traditional 1-acre minimum lots and the county’s need for more housing. After discussion, a commissioner moved to forward a favorable recommendation; the motion was seconded and the commission recorded three ayes and two opposed. The chair noted the commission’s recommendation is advisory and that the Board of Supervisors will make the final decision.

The commission and staff emphasized practical site issues that remain to be resolved at the Board of Supervisors hearing, including engineering and septic requirements. Staff also noted the recommendation to the board is not final approval for building permits; any development would still need to meet county engineering, septic and road standards.

The matter will be placed on the Board of Supervisors agenda for a final decision at 8 a.m. on the first Monday of next month in the same meeting room.