Orderville board approves zone change to agricultural‑residential for Barnard parcel

The Orderville Town Board unanimously approved a zone change Monday that will reclassify Parcel 042 C Annex from agriculture to agricultural‑residential at the request of Forrest and Susan Barnard.

Chris Eaton, representing the Barnards, told the board the family plans to keep two lots on the five‑acre parcel and build a new home for themselves. He said the agricultural‑residential zone carries a half‑acre minimum lot size and would allow the Barnards to split the property in the future; he added the family expects the building lots to be larger, “probably an acre or two,” depending on topography and view considerations.

Eaton said the property sits on a steep hillside at the south end of town and that the applicants will have a drone survey completed to determine appropriate lot lines and minimize impacts to views. Planning and Zoning had recommended approval, and the P&Z vote was 4‑0, Eaton said. Board members discussed concerns the change could allow additional future subdivisions, but Eaton and other staff emphasized topography will limit subdivision potential.

A board member moved to approve the change. The board voted 5‑0 in favor; votes were announced individually. The board recorded the motion as an approval of a change from agriculture to agricultural‑residential for Forrest and Susan Barnard’s parcel.

Because the agricultural‑residential designation reduces the minimum lot size from five acres to one half acre, staff noted additional subdivision approvals and lot‑separation steps will be required before any new lots can be sold or developed.