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Ellisville BZA approves septic-system variance for Ripley minor subdivisions at 4601 West McNeely Street
Summary
The Board approved a variance allowing septic systems at 4601 West McNeely Street (Ripley minor subdivisions), agreeing to apply the relief to all four lots after a board amendment; staff said the UDO is inconsistent on septic use in AG zoning and that Monroe County Health Department permit approval is required.
The Ellisville Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a variance to permit septic systems in an AG zoning district for Michael Ripley’s minor subdivisions at 4601 West McNeely Street (case BZA26-2), and the board amended the motion to apply the approval to all four lots in both subdivisions.
Staff told the board the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) contains inconsistent language about septic systems in AG districts: building permits require either municipal water and sewer or an authorized septic permit issued by the Monroe County Health Department. Staff said one portion of Ripley’s subdivision is roughly 420 feet from the nearest sewer connection, while an amended lot is about 1,700 feet from the nearest known sewer; staff recommended approval of the variance based on practical difficulty and other UDO decision criteria and said planning staff will propose a UDO amendment later in the year to add septic as a utility option in AG zoning.
During discussion, a board member asked whether the variance could cover all lots at once instead of addressing individual lots. Staff confirmed that the motion could be made to cover the entire address, and a board member moved and seconded an amendment to approve the variance for all four lots. The motion and amendment were approved by roll-call vote.
The board’s action was recorded as carried by unanimous roll call. Staff announced a planning department meeting scheduled for Feb. 11, 2026 to hear new petitions; staff also said a formal UDO amendment related to septic in AG districts will be pursued later in the year.
The board’s approval is the final action on the variance petition as taken at this meeting.
