Clay County Board of Zoning Adjustment approves variance for Prairie Field lot

The Clay County Board of Zoning Adjustment on March 24, 2026, approved variance PZ26-109 to allow a single-family home to be built about 21.2 feet from the rear property line of a nearly quarter-acre lot in the Prairie Field subdivision.

Scott Wagner, who identified himself as western commissioner and chair, opened the meeting and sworn in witnesses for the evening’s single variance case. A staff member summarized the application and the controlling rules in the county’s land development code, saying the RSDM zoning (residential services district, multifamily) normally requires a 35-foot rear setback but that the subdivision’s planned unit development (PUD) had previously reduced that setback to 25 feet. The staff presentation said the applicant proposes a home approximately 21.2 feet from the rear lot line and noted that standard public notice was mailed (108 letters to property owners within 1,000 feet) and that staff had received no calls or written oppositions.

The applicant described the request as "pretty straightforward," saying most homes built in the area have two bedrooms and that some residents nearby have mobility issues and want a third bedroom, which requires extending the house footprint. "They've got some mobility issues and they're wanting a third bedroom, which causes us to extend the home," the applicant said. A staff speaker added that open space lies behind the lot and compared the situation to a prior pool-setback case, noting the PUD-platted setbacks shown on the subdivision plat.

Commissioner John Carpenter moved to approve case PZ26-109; a second was given (speaker not identified). The board voted by roll call, with John Carpenter, Joanne Lawson and Chair Scott Wagner recording affirmative votes. The motion carried and the variance was approved.

The board’s director announced there will be no meeting in April. With no further business, Chair Scott Wagner adjourned the meeting.