Planning commission grants private-road variance so homeowner can finance replacement mobile home

The Lexington County Planning Commission unanimously approved a private-road variance for 125 Marty Lane that will allow owner Kyle Gause to divide the parcel so his primary residence can be replaced and financed separately from a rental unit on the same lot.

Gause told the commission his existing home was damaged by Hurricane Helene and now has mold and structural problems; he plans to purchase a new double-wide manufactured home and needs the land split so the lender can secure the loan to the replaced dwelling. In a letter read into the record, Gause wrote he has —no plans of selling either piece of land after the divide— and that the split is —solely for the purpose of getting the loan approved and bettering the living situation of my family.—

Planning staff presented a proposed plat showing a front lot of approximately three-quarters of an acre for the primary residence and a rear lot of roughly one-quarter of an acre for the rental, with a 20-foot easement to serve the back parcel. Commissioners reviewed prior 2018 variance history on the lane and asked about maintenance, signage and the private road—s condition; staff noted the lane is privately maintained and has signage.

A commissioner who moved the approval said the applicant had met the five variance standards, citing storm damage and the lack of detriment to neighbors; the motion passed unanimously with recorded yes votes from all commissioners present.

The variance permits the owner to record the plat that separates the two dwellings and requires a 20-foot easement to access the rear rental; staff will record the action and the applicant may proceed with financing and replacement of his primary home per applicable permitting and building codes.