Board conditionally approves rezoning of 6-acre Antioch Road parcel to R-80

The Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 on Jan. 22 to conditionally approve Petition No. 1370-25, a request from the Jean Allen Living Trust (Parcel 0448 013) to rezone 6.00 acres from Agricultural‑Residential (A‑R) to R‑80 (Single‑Family Residential) for a family residence on Antioch Road.

Planning and Zoning Director Debbie Bell told the Board the lot met the requirements for R‑80 and that the county’s Future Land Use Map designates the area as "rural residential 3" (three‑acre minimum). Because the existing house was legal nonconforming and did not meet R‑80 minimum floor area and side‑yard setback standards, staff and the Planning Commission recommended conditional approval with two conditions: the applicant must obtain a variance to the minimum floor‑area requirement or modify the house, and obtain a variance to the side‑yard setback requirement or make appropriate modifications, both within 180 calendar days or before applying for final plats or permits.

Petitioner Jerome Allen said the request was for family residential purposes and agreed to the conditions. Commissioner Eric K. Maxwell expressed concern that the 6‑acre parcel might not provide sufficient acreage to meet a 3‑acre per unit expectation under the Future Land Use Map but the petitioner acknowledged he understood the potential limitations. County Attorney Dennis Davenport clarified that if the variances were not approved the conditions require the structure to be modified to meet setback requirements.

The Board approved the conditional rezoning 4-0. The decision includes the two conditions recorded in the staff recommendation; follow‑up will occur if the required variances are not obtained.