Planning Commission approves variance for Terry property split in Speedwell district

The Wythe County Planning Commission voted unanimously Aug. 3 to grant a variance that will allow Levi and Anna Terry to split approximately 0.5 acres from Tax Map #54-90 on SR 652 (Cinnamon Run) in the Speedwell magisterial district. County Planner Lisa Shelton told commissioners the parcel proposed for division would not meet the 100-foot state road frontage required by the subdivision ordinance without a variance.

Shelton said the survey for Tax Map #54-90 shows "approximately 33 feet of state-maintained road frontage off of SR 652, Cinnamon Run," information that factored into the commission’s consideration of whether the smaller lot could be permitted. The Terrys had proposed shifting 100 feet of frontage from the adjoining Tax Map #54-89 to bring the new lot into compliance; staff and commissioners discussed how the proposed change would affect access for neighboring houses.

Neighbor Phillip Miller asked whether an existing right-of-way across Pamela Clark’s property would be abandoned; staff said that access for house number 110 would remain and that the right-of-way would not be abandoned. After discussion, Commissioner Christopher C. King moved to approve the variance; Robert A. Epperson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The approval allows the property owners to proceed with the division subject to any administrative steps required to record the change.