LPA approves rezoning to allow 20.14-acre property near Benny Givens Court to be divided for inheritance

The Baker County Land Planning Agency on July 10 approved Ordinance 2025-28 to rezone a 20.14-acre parcel off Benny Givens Court in Sanderson from Agriculture 7.5 (AG-7.5) to Agriculture 5 (AG-5), enabling the owner to divide the land equally among her children.

Planning Director (staff) explained the rezoning request is for estate planning: under the current AG-7.5 zoning the 20.14-acre parcel cannot be equally divided into four portions that meet zoning standards. "The applicant's request would end up resulting in a conforming lot that would allow the property to be divided in the future for inheritance purposes," the Planning Director said.

The director showed a proposed layout that would create four approximately 5-acre tracts with a private access easement running up the center of the property to connect to Benny Givens Court via Gaskin Circle. The easement was described in discussion as approximately 38 feet wide. Board members raised questions about emergency access, turnaround areas for emergency vehicles, and whether the easement alignment could affect setbacks and buildable area. One resident who identified himself as a family member of the property said emergency access would run across his portion of the land and that the family had considered access and maintenance plans.

The Planning Director said the county can provide the applicant with turnaround and access requirements typically supplied by the fire chief so the surveyor can incorporate them into the design. After discussion, a motion to approve the rezoning (Ordinance 2025-28) was moved and seconded; the chair announced the motion carried.

The director said the agency would include the board’s comments on emergency access and easement layout when the item is presented to the Board of County Commissioners for final actions required by county code.