Commission approves modification to allow contiguous flag lots for family land division

Dorchester County commissioners approved a modification to section 20.1.2.b of the county land development ordinance to allow two contiguous flag lots as part of an intra‑family division of property on Maple Branch Road.

Staff said the parcels meet minimum lot size requirements and that the strict application of the ordinance would create practical difficulties because most of the parent tract’s acreage lies to the rear of the parcels. The request — intended to divide a family property as part of a life‑estate transfer to two sons — met the ordinance criteria that permit modifications when application of strict rules would create undue hardship and when the public interest is protected.

Commissioners confirmed the resulting parcels will remain single‑family tracts (roughly two 11‑acre tracts were described) and that the modification would not nullify the ordinance’s intent. The motion to approve the modification passed by voice vote.