Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Ordinance Amendment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission recommends ordinance change removing easement from 'flag lot' definition
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend a zoning ordinance amendment that removes private access easements from the county definition of a ‘flag lot’ and adds an administrative non‑subdivision plat process to record easements for existing landlocked parcels.
The Powhatan Planning Commission voted unanimously on March 4 to recommend approval of a countywide zoning ordinance amendment that removes language treating access easements as a definition trigger for “flag lots” and establishes an administrative non‑subdivision plat process to record deeded easements for existing landlocked parcels.
Why it matters: The change aligns zoning terminology with the subdivision ordinance, staff said, and creates a narrower administrative pathway for owners to record an access easement without forcing a property to be treated as a flag lot under the zoning definition.
Planning Director Jad Webb presented the proposed amendment, explaining staff wants the zoning ordinance definition to match the subdivision ordinance so that a recorded access easement would not automatically constitute a flag lot. Webb said the non‑subdivision plat process would allow staff to review and sign an easement for recordation where a parcel obtains the necessary easement and the owner provides required documentation.
Public commenters raised practical questions. Resident Woody Cole asked about the minimum easement width and how the county would handle cases where a grantor offers less than the suggested 30 feet; he suggested Board of Supervisors approval by exception in such cases. Cole also asked whether the change should be placed in the subdivision ordinance so property owners can find it more easily.
County staff said forms for non‑subdivision plats will be updated, and clarified that family divisions and minor subdivisions will continue to use separate application forms. County staff noted that, under state law, a family subdivision easement requirement may be 20 feet in some circumstances and that private‑road and driveway construction standards remain applicable. When asked, a county representative confirmed recorded easements, plats and the related instruments can be searched in land records.
Commission action: Commissioner Chapman moved to recommend approval of the zoning-ordinance amendment as presented; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously on roll call (Hall — Aye; Boland — Aye; Winnall — Aye; Hughes — Aye; Hatcher — Aye). The recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors.
Ending: Staff said application forms and administrative procedures will be updated to reflect the change and that additional guidance for applicants (for example, when deeds vs. plats are recorded) will be provided as processes are finalized.
