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Planning commission approves subdivision waiver to let resident build family home; waiver to sunset after 48 months if construction not completed
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Summary
The commission approved subdivision waiver SW2601 allowing an 11-acre parcel to be split so the applicant can build a home for her elderly mother; vote 4-3 with an added condition that the waiver expires after 48 months if no certificate of occupancy is issued.
The Prince George County Planning Commission on March 26 approved a subdivision waiver (SW2601) that allows an 11-acre parcel to be divided into two lots so the applicant can construct a single-family home for her 81-year-old mother.
Staff (presented by April Brenton) said the waiver seeks relief from Code section 77-56(c), which requires shared entrance easements for residential lots with access to certain road types. The parcel is near Petersburg, has significant wetlands and was rezoned for a family subdivision in 2025; staff noted VDOT would permit a new driveway if the county grants the waiver and that the health department had approved a well and an alternative septic approach after a site evaluation.
Applicant Natalie Jones told the commission she has pursued the family subdivision for about four years so she can bring her mother closer. "I've been trying to get it so that I could bring my mom closer probably for about 4 years," Jones said, describing plans for a three-bedroom ranch and a timeline that would allow construction to begin within months of receiving approvals.
Commissioners discussed timeline and construction certainty. One commissioner proposed — and the commission approved — an additional condition that the waiver "sunsets after 48 months if no home is constructed and a certificate of occupancy has not been issued." County counsel clarified that when the 48-month period expires the waiver is no longer a permitted access for the second house and the applicant would have to return to request a new waiver if needed.
On the final roll call the motion passed by 4-3 (Yes: Mr. McDonough, Mr. Paul, Mr. Howe, Mr. Mayton; No: Mrs. Kanapa, Mr. Briscoe, Mr. Womack). Staff noted next steps include permit applications for driveway access, well and septic work under existing health-department approvals and compliance with the ordinary permit conditions in the staff report.
The commission’s approval is conditional and includes the 48-month sunset; applicants must still obtain any required permits and meet conditions before building.
