Zoning board grants variance allowing two 0.96‑acre lots for medical hardship

The Washington County Zoning Board of Adjustments voted Dec. 4 to grant a variance allowing a minor subdivision that would split a 1.92‑acre parcel into two 0.96‑acre lots, citing a medical hardship submitted with the application.

Planning staff told the board the request seeks a variance from the one‑acre minimum lot size; if approved, the applicants will then submit a minor subdivision permit to record the split. Attorney Steve Zaga, representing sisters Darlene Young and Linda Cunningham, said the women are of "somewhat advanced age" and wish to live next to each other; he said they would place an ingress on Stonewall Road and that a hardship letter accompanies the application.

Board members asked for clarification about the hardship documentation and whether the lots would otherwise meet sight‑line and access requirements; staff confirmed the hardship letter was attached to the staff report. With no public comment, a board member moved to approve the Young Cunningham variance as presented; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The variance approval allows the applicants to proceed with a minor subdivision application to create the two 0.96‑acre lots; any required ingress improvements and sight‑line compliance will be confirmed during the minor‑subdivision permit process.