Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Nonconforming Lots topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Charlotte County planning commission to pursue zoning amendment for nonconforming lots
Summary
The Charlotte County Planning Commission unanimously voted to pursue a zoning ordinance amendment using edited language from Campbell County to allow development of certain preexisting undersized lots, and asked staff to return with a recommended draft. The measure responds to Health Department guidance on sewage-system feasibility.
The Charlotte County Planning Commission voted unanimously Jan. 28 to direct staff to draft a zoning ordinance amendment that would allow certain preexisting undersized lots to be developed, using edited language from Campbell County's Section 22-8 Part B as a template.
Assistant County Administrator Monica Elder told commissioners that staff had sought guidance from the Virginia Department of Health. David Waldrep, Environmental Health Manager with the Virginia Department of Health, told staff that "if the lot has been surveyed and recorded prior to the 3 acre ordinance taking effect, the owner probably has a good argument for zoning to be approved." He said the Health Department's regulations do not set a minimum lot size, noting that site and soil evaluations determine whether a lot can safely accommodate an individual well and sewage disposal system.
Commissioners discussed that a three-acre minimum makes locating a suitable site for septic and well systems more manageable and could reduce public-health risks, but they also expressed concern that rigid minimums for eligible nonconforming lots could create complications. By consensus commissioners asked staff to prepare a recommendation and proposed draft language.
Ms. Elder recommended using Campbell County's Section 22-8 Part B (Lots of Record) as the basis for the amendment, with two edits: (1) add the date that Charlotte County's current lot-size requirements were established and (2) remove Campbell County-specific code references. The full Campbell County text was read into the record for consideration.
Commissioner George Sandridge moved to pursue the zoning amendment using the Campbell County language with the edits Ms. Elder suggested; Cornell Goldman seconded and the motion carried with all members present voting yes. The commission did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting; staff will draft the proposed amendment and return with a recommendation and draft language for the commission's review.
The commission also asked staff to clarify how the county would handle variance requests and appeals in the draft amendment and to identify any administrative references that need to be localised rather than carried over from Campbell County.
