BZA approves 550‑square‑foot expansion for accessory dwelling on Bowman Road

The Morgan County Board of Zoning Appeals on Feb. 24 approved development standard variance D‑25‑02 to increase the maximum living area for an accessory dwelling unit at 4724 North Bowman Road in Ashland Township.

Woodson "Woody" Cheek Jr., the applicant, told the board the additional living space — an extra 550 square feet — will allow family members to live closer as the applicants age. "We're looking to build an accessory dwelling on my son's property ... we're getting older, so we're looking to simplify things where we're a little closer to family and be able to take care of each other," Cheek said at the hearing. He said the completed home would total about 1,350 square feet and include two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Miss Parker, county planning staff, summarized the application and supporting technical reviews. She said the health department had no objections but noted a septic permit will be required. Parker also confirmed that county ordinance requires both units to use the existing driveway on the site. "I do not see anything from the survey or on this application ... and supports the petitioner's request to increase the living area by 550 square feet," Parker said.

A neighbor who owns property on three sides of the site, Gerald Watkins, spoke in a neutral tone: he said he understood the applicants' intent but raised concerns that past applicants had been held to different standards and that rules had changed in January 2022. The board discussed that the county had updated standards in 2022 to allow more accessory dwelling uses to accommodate an aging population.

After discussion, a motion to approve D‑25‑02 with no conditions was made and seconded; the motion carried by voice vote and the board recorded the item as approved. The transcript does not include an itemized roll‑call tally.

The board flagged the requirement that the applicant obtain a septic permit before final approvals or building permits are issued.