Tazewell County planning commission approves four subdivisions, grants variances

The Tazewell County Planning Commission unanimously approved four subdivision requests at its July 13, 2023 regular meeting, granting variances required by the county Subdivision Ordinance and recording required fees.

Robert "Bob" Moss, vice chairman of the commission, moved to approve the Burkes Garden Amish Church School subdivision after Alpha Land Surveyors representative Jim Ribble explained the Amish community is building a school and that the parcel lacks public street frontage and permanent water and sewer hookups. Kenneth Dunford Jr., director of county engineering, and County Attorney Chase Collins recommended approval provided variances are granted and the $109 subdivision fee is paid. The motion passed 5-0; Members Darrell Addison and Jason Herndon were absent.

The commission then approved a subdivision for Ervin B. Davis & Company, Inc., for property in Raven, Va., with a variance because the lot does not abut a publicly dedicated street; easements will be provided and the $109 fee was recorded. Member Hayden Lyons moved to approve and Vice-Chairman Moss seconded; the vote was 5-0.

A request by Greg Harman to split a larger parcel so a bank would release 25 acres while retaining 1 acre with the home was approved with a variance for permanent water and sewage requirements; the commission recorded a $100 subdivision fee. Vice-Chairman Moss moved approval; Member Maggie Asbury seconded and the motion carried 5-0.

The commission also approved a division of Part Parcel 20, Tax Map 13 (Frontier Drive) at the request of Ted Farmer of Oakwood Homes on behalf of George McGee Jr. The proposal would divide 7.04 acres to attach to a new home purchase; water and sewage were reported available but the parcel does not abut an existing publicly dedicated street, so a variance was required. Staff recommended approval; the commission voted 5-0 to approve and recorded payment of a $109 fee (check #1311, paid 7-14-2023).

In each approval the commission cited the Sub-Division Ordinance sections describing lot suitability, requirements for permanent sewage and water, and the requirement that lots abut a publicly dedicated street; the minutes record the specific ordinance references used to justify the variances.

On non-action items, the Comprehensive Plan Committee said it has completed its current work and Executive Secretary Kimberly Hilbert will distribute a draft of the plan to commissioners in August with the goal of forwarding it to the Board of Supervisors in September to begin the adoption process. During "member concerns," Member Anthony Ramella questioned whether environmental issues in a Wythe County solar farm presentation discussed at a previous meeting had been adequately addressed; Chairperson Ann Robinson said the answers provided then were inadequate. Member Maggie Asbury reported work has begun on the Bluestone fire department site, reminded the commission of the upcoming county fair, and noted Falls Mills Lake is for sale. No citizen comments were recorded.

The commission adjourned at approximately 7:30 p.m. and scheduled its next regular meeting for August 10, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.

Votes at a glance • Burkes Garden Amish Church School Subdivision — motion to approve with variances (lot frontage and permanent water/sewer); mover: Robert "Bob" Moss; second: Maggie Asbury; vote: 5 yes, 0 no, 2 absent; fee: $109. • Ervin B. Davis & Company, Inc. Subdivision (Raven) — motion to approve with variance (lot frontage/easement provided); mover: Hayden Lyons; second: Robert "Bob" Moss; vote: 5 yes, 0 no, 2 absent; fee: $109 (recorded). • Greg Harman Subdivision — motion to approve with variance (permanent water/sewer); mover: Robert "Bob" Moss; second: Maggie Asbury; vote: 5 yes, 0 no, 2 absent; fee: $100. • Part Parcel 20, Tax Map 13 (Frontier Drive) — motion to approve with variance (lot frontage); mover: Robert "Bob" Moss; second: Anthony Ramella; vote: 5 yes, 0 no, 2 absent; fee: $109 (check #1311, paid 7-14-2023).

Key documents and ordinance references recorded in the minutes include the Sub-Division Ordinance (8-19-03 Sec. 4-2; Sec. 4-4-5; and Sec. 4-5-2) cited in each motion for variance justification. The commission's minutes reflect recommended approvals from Engineering Director Kenneth Dunford Jr. and concurrence from County Attorney Chase Collins on the variances and fee requirements.

(Report compiled from the Tazewell County Planning Commission minutes, July 13, 2023.)