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Commissioners send proposed nonconforming-lots ordinance back for alternatives, continue without date
Summary
Brandon Larson briefed the board on a request to allow some nonconforming lots (fractionally below minimum acreage) to qualify for building permits in RA-5 zones; after staff, planning commission and an applicant presentation, commissioners opted to continue the ordinance without date and suggested the applicant pursue a Board of Adjustments variance first.
Community Development staff presented an ordinance proposal that would alter how nonconforming lots of record are treated in certain rural zones.
Brandon Larson explained that the applicant, Ryan Schramm, seeks relief for a parcel that is only a few tenths of an acre short of the zone minimum. Larson advised that altering the county's definition of "subdivision" or amending section 16J (which currently excludes RA-5 from nonconforming-dwelling allowances) could affect road dedications and right-of-way requirements. The planning commission had continued the matter and ultimately offered no recommendation after a split vote.
Schramm said his parcel is essentially build-ready (has an existing well and utilities) and that he would prefer to pursue a variance through the Board of Adjustments rather than wait for an ordinance change. Commissioners discussed annexation/development pressures, transportation and the trade-offs between preserving agricultural zoning and allowing dwelling sites. Given outstanding planning and procedural concerns, the commission voted to continue the item without date to allow alternative pathways (including the Board of Adjustments) to be pursued before changing the ordinance.
