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Board approves variance to split Cedarbrook parcel; applicant must show separate septic and water
Summary
Dorchester County’s Board of Zoning Appeals granted a variance to allow subdivision of a parcel in the AR district that contains two existing dwellings. Staff recommended approval because the lot was legally developed under an earlier zoning regime; the board conditioned the practical requirement that each new lot demonstrate separate septic and well service during subdivision review.
The Dorchester County Board of Zoning Appeals on April 22 approved a variance allowing a parcel owned by Cedarbrook Property Funding 3 LLC to be subdivided into two lots despite minimum lot-size and lot-width requirements in section 9.1.5A of the county zoning ordinance.
Staff told the board the parcel was legally developed with two dwellings under an older AOC zoning rule that allowed higher density (one unit per one-third acre) and that the 2021 ordinance change reduced permitted density to one unit per acre. Staff concluded the site’s existing condition created a unique circumstance and recommended approval of the requested variance, noting four findings in favor of granting relief.
The applicant, sworn in as Bella Amato, confirmed that each dwelling has a separate septic system and a separate well and said she can provide documentation to that effect. Staff reminded the board and applicant that proof of individual water and septic service will be required during the county’s subdivision and permitting review; compliance with those health-utility requirements is separate from the variance approval.
A board member moved to approve the variance based on staff’s findings and the existence of two dwellings on the parcel; another member seconded, and the board voted in favor by the usual signs. The board’s approval allows the owner to pursue the subdivision, subject to meeting the county’s utility and septic/well documentation requirements during the plat and permitting process.
