LPA approves rezoning to let Sanderson parcel be split among heirs; board raises emergency-access and easement concerns

The Baker County Land Planning Agency on July 10 voted to approve Ordinance 2025-28, rezoning a 20.14-acre parcel in Sanderson from AG-7.5 to AG-5 to allow the landowner to divide the property equally among four heirs.

Planning staff said the request stems from estate planning: under the current AG-7.5 zoning, the parcel could not be split into four equal lots that meet zoning standards, so the owner requested AG-5 to permit equal division by deed. Staff described the parcel’s access as located off Benny Givens Court via Gaskin Circle, not directly onto State Road 229, and confirmed the proposed division would create four roughly equal lots with an internal easement providing access to the rear parcels.

Board members and staff discussed the location and length of the internal easement, emergency-services access and turnaround needs, and whether the easement dimensions could affect future building setbacks or the minimum acreage available for house lots. A board member asked whether the easement would pass down the center of the property and noted the easement would be private and maintained by the family. Planning staff said one parcel would retain the easement and grant access to the others, and that all resultant parcels would remain at least five acres.

A resident who spoke from the audience described the family’s intent: "it would be still family land, just the fact that they divided because it never was divided when it was given to them by their grandfather," the commenter said, explaining the division is to carry out a will.

Board members asked staff to provide applicants with the fire chief’s turnaround and access requirements so the surveyor can include a compliant design. The LPA approved the rezoning by voice vote; the director said the board’s comments would be included when the item is presented to the County Commission the following Tuesday.