Board approves special-question exception for Margaret Johnson’s Cruz Hollow Road property to allow caregiver trailer

The Coffee County Board of Zoning Appeals on June 18 approved a special-question exception for property listed to Margaret Johnson on Cruz Hollow Road, allowing a roughly 1-acre trailer lot so a family member can provide in-home care. The board’s Chair (Speaker 2) said the decision hinged on confirmation that the proposed lot meets setback and infrastructure requirements.

Neighbor Mark (Speaker 4), who identified himself as acting for Margaret Johnson, told the board he has cared for the owner for years and is in the process of surveying and completing legal paperwork. “I’ve been upholding it,” Mark said, describing plans to create about a 1-acre parcel adjacent to an existing mobile home and to retain the remaining four acres for cattle. He added that the trailer and septic appear to meet the existing siting and separation needs but that a formal survey will be provided.

Board members pressed on technical compliance: members cited the current 50-foot side-setback standard for the A-1 zone and asked for a recorded survey to document distances from property lines and the road. Committee member (Speaker 6) moved to approve the special-question exemption contingent on satisfying the setback requirements and the enumerated special-question criteria; the motion was seconded and later recorded by the Chair as moved by “Mister Duke” and seconded by “Mister Tim.” The Chair called for ayes and declared the motion passed.

The Chair instructed the applicant’s representative to coordinate with county staff (Sandy and Kurt in the county office) to finalize documents and filings. The board’s approval was contingent on the survey confirming the required setbacks and no adverse effect on access or infrastructure.

Next steps: the applicant is to deliver the survey and any supplemental paperwork to county staff for final administrative processing.