(Cleveland)- Action taken by the White County Board of Commissioners Monday will save some residents time and money by allowing the staff at the Planning Commission Office to administratively approve variances that provide access by easement and second dwelling on a parcel of land for intra-family agreement.
In the past, such action was covered under the White County Code of Ordinance, and the applicant would have to pay a fee and go before the Planning Commission Board to obtain approval.
White County Community and Economic Development Director John Sell told the commissioners during the meeting that since June 30, 2023, his office has received 67 requests for access easement, most of which were from family members, and none of those have been denied. Also, 25 second dwelling requests on family property were made, and all have been approved.
“Instead of making people go through paying a hundred dollars, coming to a meeting on a Monday night, go through all that process, they can come to the office and tell us what it’s for and we can approve it right there,” said Sell.
The staff approval can be made if all other requirements of the code have been met.
The commission action would also require the applicant to sign an affidavit pertaining to the use of the property.
With the approval of this streamlining process, White County Commission Chairman Travis Turner commented, “What a concept—government’s going to save our citizens time and money.”
