Commission moves to amend flag‑lot rules for landlocked parcels; forwards change to March meeting

The Planning Commission voted on Feb. 4 to move forward with an amendment that would change the county’s treatment of landlocked parcels and the definition of a “flag lot.” The commission voted to advertise the change and consider it in a March public hearing.

Background: Commissioners and staff said a previous change to the zoning definition added language that treated driveway easements as creating flag lots, which in practice blocked some landowners from getting county approval to document access to otherwise legally created parcels. Planning staff reported that prior to the added language, the county approved non‑subdivision plats that dedicated driveway easements allowing access to preexisting landlocked parcels. Commissioners said restoring that earlier approach would be a cleaner solution for the few affected parcels.

Why it matters: Several residents told the commission they had been unable to record needed access easements to their property. Commissioners and the county attorney noted that without a properly recorded easement, mortgage lenders will not finance a building on a landlocked parcel — a practical barrier for property owners.

Action taken: The commission voted to advance an amendment to remove the easement‑as‑flag‑lot language from the zoning ordinance and rely on the subdivision ordinance’s flag‑lot definition, directing staff to advertise the amendment for the March meeting. The roll call vote recorded ayes from all five commissioners present.

Next steps: Staff will prepare proposed ordinance text and public‑hearing materials for the March Planning Commission meeting.