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Zoning appeals board approves variance for 640‑sq‑ft dwelling for local resident
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance on Feb. 11 to allow a 640‑square‑foot dwelling to be placed at 9474 East State Road 356 for applicant Debbie McLean; the board instructed the applicant to obtain permits and inspections before occupancy.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance on Feb. 11 to allow a 640‑square‑foot dwelling to be placed on property at 9474 East State Road 356 for applicant Debbie McLean. The board voted in favor of the motion by a 4‑0 margin and instructed McLean to obtain required building permits and inspections before occupying the structure.
McLean told the board she purchased the wooded lot at 9474 East State Road 356 and has cleared some trees to prepare the site. “My name is Debbie McLean, and I purchased some property at 9474 East State Road 356,” she said, explaining she had bought a prebuilt small dwelling that needs to be moved onto the lot. She said both she and her husband are disabled and wanted a smaller home closer to family.
Board members asked about utilities, foundation and future plans. McLean said electrical service had been run, she had contacted the water company and a septic evaluation was scheduled. She said the dwelling is not currently on a concrete foundation and will be tied down; staff explained an instruction sheet and inspection steps that the applicant must follow. A staff member noted the zoning ordinance minimum dwelling size is 950 square feet; McLean’s proposed 640‑square‑foot structure falls below that threshold, which is why a variance was sought.
During deliberations board members referenced prior requests for small dwellings and discussed the difficulty of setting a minimum cutoff. A board member moved to approve the variance “as presented” for the 640‑square‑foot structure; another member seconded the motion. The chair announced the motion carried with four members voting in favor.
The board did not attach additional conditions to the motion during the vote. After approval, the board directed McLean to obtain building permits, satisfy foundation and tie‑down requirements, and complete required inspections before occupying the dwelling. McLean said she would obtain the permits and follow the inspection process.
The hearing was brief: the board opened and closed the public comment period with no speakers in opposition present and recorded a neighbor letter that expressed concern about square footage but did not indicate formal opposition. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:17 p.m.
