The Coffee County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve three variances at its regular meeting, allowing property owners to split parcels smaller than the five-acre minimum for family hardship, health and mortgage-related reasons.

In the most detailed case, Miss Thompson sought permission to divide a 5-acre parcel on Penager Road so her 25-year-old grandson, who is on disability, can live independently nearby. "He is on disability...he wants to be on his own," the applicant said. Board members discussed frontage and setbacks — each proposed lot would have roughly 188 feet of frontage and must meet 50-foot setbacks — and moved to approve the variance under standards D3 and D4 (harmony with intent and reasonable use). The motion passed 5–0.

At 1807 Vernon Winton Road, an applicant who identified themself as "Cueva" said they bought a 32-acre tract in 2018 and asked to cut a 2-acre parcel to build a primary home because of retirement and declining health. Board members reviewed site conditions, noted a demolished house on the parcel and discussed road frontage and utilities. The board approved the 2-acre split under variance standard D3 after a motion and second.

Andrew Robertson, the owner of a 32-acre tract on Sanctuary Lane, asked to split 2 acres so his wife's parents could build a home and qualify for a mortgage; he said a larger partial release from the mortgage would cost about $55,000, so the family sought the smallest practical parcel. The board discussed Greenbelt status and driveway/access rules and approved the variance under D3 and D4.

Procedural items at the start of the meeting included approval of the minutes and agenda and an election that kept officers in their current positions. The chair reminded the public that comments are taken after each item, and staff directed successful applicants to follow up with county staff (Cindy and Kirk) to begin permitting and survey work.

Votes at a glance
- Penager Road (variance to split ~5-acre parcel): Approved, motion by board member (speaker 4), second by board member (speaker 2); vote 5–0.
- 1807 Vernon Winton Road (2-acre split from 32 acres): Approved, motion by board member (speaker 3), second by the chair (speaker 1); vote: passed (voice vote; numeric tally not specified).
- 1171 Sanctuary Lane (2-acre split from 32 acres): Approved, motion by board member (speaker 2), second by board member (speaker 3); vote: passed (voice vote; numeric tally not specified).

What happens next
County staff will work with applicants on surveys, permitting and any mortgage release paperwork needed to effect the lot splits. The board noted that perk/percolation (septic) approvals are handled by state authorities and must be completed separately.

The board adjourned and confirmed the next meeting will be the third Thursday at 6:00 p.m.