Board grants 12-foot setback variance to allow Pitzer dwelling site adjustment

Houston County commissioners on voice and roll-call votes approved a 12-foot variance to the road-center setback so Randolph and Sherry Pitzer can site a proposed dwelling closer to the road.

During the hearing the applicant, Randy Pitzer, told the board the relocation would provide more room at the rear of the lot for a mound septic system and allow contouring so runoff is directed into an existing ditch rather than onto Broadway or Prairie Ridge roads. "The plan is to... move my building a little closer to the road. Give my building more room for the septic on the backside of the house," Pitzer said.

Staff advised that a septic permit meeting state standards has been issued for the site and reminded the board that front-yard variances cannot encroach within 20 feet of the right-of-way. Board members discussed existing fill, driveway grades and erosion control; staff said soil-and-water erosion-control inspections would occur after ground is broken and that building‑permit conditions can require specific drainage measures.

After hearing discussion and finding practical difficulties related to topography, wells and prior-survey discrepancies, the board moved and seconded the motion to grant a 12-foot variance for both Broadway Drive and Prairie Ridge Road center-line setbacks. The motion carried on a roll-call vote; the board recorded that permit-stage erosion and drainage oversight will be enforced through normal permit conditions.