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Houston County planning commission recommends rezoning 15-acre parcel for single-family home
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Summary
The Houston County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the County Board rezone about 15 acres of a 38-acre parcel from Agricultural Protection to Residential, conditioned on limiting the rezoned area to one buildable lot unless platted under Section 36 of the Houston County Zoning Ordinance.
The Houston County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the County Board amend the zoning map to rezone about 15 acres of a larger parcel in La Crescent Township from Agricultural Protection to Residential, allowing the applicants to build a single-family home.
Planning staff read six findings in support of the change and noted the site’s soils and topography had required a previous variance to allow a modified septic system. "My name is Olivia Lamke. My husband, Chandler, and I are requesting a rezoning of a portion of my family's property... to build a single family home for ourselves and our 2 daughters," Lamke said at the meeting. She told commissioners the rezoned area was chosen to connect with existing residential zoning and avoid spot zoning.
Staff explained that heavy, poorly draining clay soils on much of the parcel limit buildable area and require modified sewage disposal. The record includes a percolation example cited at the meeting—"300 MPIs, minutes per inch," described by a participant as consistent with very heavy clay—underscoring why only a single good building site is expected on the terrace.
Commissioners asked about parcel boundaries, driveway access and whether the proposed rezoned area would expand the nearby Horsetrack Meadows subdivision. Lamke said the applicants plan to purchase and rezone only the portion they identified and that the home would be accessed by a new driveway off County Road 6. Planning staff confirmed required neighbor notices were mailed and that a map in the meeting packet shows the rezoned area connecting to existing residential zones.
After accepting the six findings as proposed, the commission voted to recommend approval to the Houston County Board with one condition: "the rezoned area shall only contain one buildable lot unless the plat is approved under Section 36 of the Houston County Zoning Ordinance," the staff recommendation stated. In the roll-call vote, Wayne voted no; the remaining commissioners supported the recommendation, which will be heard by the County Board at its Dec. 30 meeting.
Planning staff told the applicants they do not need to attend the county hearing. If the Board approves the rezoning, the applicants will proceed with the building-permit process.
The meeting adjourned following routine business and a motion to close.
