BZA approves variance allowing existing manufactured home to stay as accessory dwelling on Somerset Lane

The Dorchester County Board of Zoning Appeals voted May 27 to grant a variance permitting an existing manufactured home to remain as an accessory dwelling unit at 287 Somerset Lane (TMS 127-00-00-089) while the owners place a new home on the lot.

Staff had recommended approval, saying the parcel’s unusual configuration — a roughly 5.75-acre lot that is nonetheless too narrow to be subdivided under current R-1MA standards — creates an undue hardship. Staff told the board the property would be roughly 20 feet short of the 80-foot minimum width required to subdivide and that the lot’s width-to-depth ratio prevents recreation of the parcel under current rules. Staff also noted the accessory unit exceeds the county’s 900-square-foot limit for ADUs and that the county ordinance normally prohibits manufactured homes from serving as accessory dwellings, but concluded the variance findings were met and recommended approval.

Applicant Megan Hasselbeck testified that the family bought the lot more than a year earlier, that the existing home still has useful life and is needed to accommodate older relatives and children, and that a new home would be placed in front of the existing dwelling. She said photos were provided to staff and offered to verify sewer and water service if the variance were granted. "We have 4 children ... we do have older parents that have special needs," Hasselbeck said, explaining the household’s need for the additional living space.

Neighbors spoke in opposition. Tommy Fagan, a nearby resident, told the board granting the request would "open the floodgates" to similar approvals and would be unfair to neighbors who followed subdivision rules; he added concerns about past placement of mobile homes and potential impacts on schools and traffic. Charlotte Shepherd, speaking during public comment, urged the board to respect staff’s analysis and the existing rules.

Board members questioned staff about parcel dimensions and precedent. Staff said the plat lists 153.93 feet at an angle and that the practical usable width is closer to about 140 feet, making the lot about 20 feet short of the 80-foot width required per lot to allow subdivision. Staff emphasized that similar lots exist along Somerset Lane but that the particular combination of acreage and narrow width is uncommon and supported the hardship finding.

Committee member S9 moved to approve based on staff recommendation; the motion was seconded and the board voted to approve the variance. The chair announced the motion carried and the variance was granted. The staff report noted two emailed objections from nearby residents that were forwarded to the board and are available in the file.

The board moved on to its next agenda item after approving the variance.