Board denies 25-foot road frontage variance to create 1‑acre parcel, urges alternative lot configuration

The Loudon County Board of Zoning Appeals denied a variance that would have allowed creation of a new 1‑acre parcel served by only 25 feet of road frontage. The applicants on the docket were identified as Justin Black and Mark Clark; neighbors including Bob Brown spoke in support of an alternate layout.

Planning staff and board members discussed technical obstacles, including an existing detached garage that sits close to the narrow frontage and a steep slope that would require significant grading to build a driveway. Staff said a compliant subdivision typically requires 50 feet of road frontage; board members noted the applicant could instead create a legal flag lot on the opposite side of the parcel, which might require removal of a building but would avoid creating a narrow 25-foot access strip.

During discussion, members weighed whether the existing garage could be removed to make the 50-foot frontage feasible. One board member moved to deny the variance and direct the applicant to pursue the compliant option; another board member seconded the motion and the board voted to deny the 25-foot frontage variance. The denial was accompanied by board guidance about alternatives that would produce a legal lot without requiring a variance.

Neighbors said they support a design that minimizes steep cuts and avoids water runoff hazards; they also asserted the 25-foot frontage would be too constraining for safe access. The board’s denial means the applicant will either need to adjust the lot layout or apply for rezoning or other approvals to achieve the desired subdivision.