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Commission approves variance to split double lot in Legion Heights
Summary
A homeowner, Erin Hendrickson, received a variance to divide her 13,900‑square‑foot double lot in Legion Heights into two smaller lots slightly under or near the R‑2 minimum lot size; commissioners cited historic platting as justification and voted unanimously.
The Benton City Planning Commission granted a variance that will allow homeowner Erin Hendrickson to split a double lot at 1107 13th Street into two parcels.
Planning staff told the commission the existing parcel is 13,900 square feet and the R‑2 minimum lot size is 7,200 square feet. The proposed split would create Lot 1 at about 6,812 square feet and Lot 2 at about 7,098 square feet; staff described the request as the minimum necessary to preserve the applicant's property rights and said the subdivision was platted in 1950 before current lot‑size requirements.
"I've lived at 1107 13th Street for 16 years ... I'm a single mom with a child in college, and I'm a teacher," Erin Hendrickson told the commission. She said her plan is to remain on the slightly larger lot and sell the back parcel.
Commission discussion noted the parcel's historic platting and that nearby parcels are already divided; staff advised any new dwelling would still have to meet setback requirements. A commissioner moved to approve the variance (noted in the record as BV25‑A/variance 25‑01); the motion was seconded and approved by roll call, with Commissioners McLeod, Wallace, Lynn and Hamilton recorded as "Yes." Staff said they will prepare the required findings and follow up administratively.
The variance clears the way for the owner to proceed with a short plat and subsequent building permit activity for a new unit on the divided lot, subject to standard permit reviews and setback requirements.
