Commission recommends 3-acre rezoning at 1553 Shawnee Road for family lot split

The Franklin County Planning Commission on March 19 recommended approval of Rezoning Application #2602-0072 to rezone roughly 3 acres of 1553 Shawnee Road from Residential Estate (R-E) to R-3A (Single Family Residential, three-acre minimum) so the applicant can split the parcel and allow a child to build a home.

Planning Director Nathan Boyd described the proposal as a common family lot split: the applicant would divide an existing ~14-acre parcel, convey roughly 3 acres for a new residence, and retain roughly 11 acres with the existing home and outbuildings. Boyd said the lot is not in a special flood hazard area, on-site septic is feasible per a soils report and well maps show productive wells nearby. Notice to nine surrounding property owners produced no formal comments for or against the request.

Applicants Tate, Sierra and Eric Jackson told commissioners they want their children to be able to live nearby and said high land prices made a small split preferable. Eric Jackson said the family plans a modest house of about 800 square feet. Commissioners asked follow-up questions about proximity to other R-3A properties, lot dimension compliance, and whether new entrances would meet public-works spacing requirements. Boyd told the commission a rural water district is studying possible line extensions through Centropolis but gave no timetable and noted county regulations do not permit cisterns for potable water.

On a motion by S. Hornbuckle and seconded by B. Rodina, the commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of Rezoning #2602-0072 to the Board of County Commissioners. The recommendation is advisory; final approval rests with the county commission.