The Madison County Board of Zoning Appeals heard an application from Edward Williams seeking setback and lot-area variances similar to those the board approved in prior years, but the board tabled the request to the next meeting so Williams may appear and respond to questions.

Staff recounted the case history: a similar variance was approved in October 2019, with conditions including a two-year build requirement and nontransferability; a subsequent approval in October 2021 carried similar conditions and required the proposed dwelling to be permitted prior to 10/21/2023. Staff said Williams applied again but that the prior variance had expired, and staff has had no recent direct contact from the applicant.

During discussion, staff noted the health department had issued a permit for drain-field construction on the site but there was no reserve area for a new septic system, raising practical questions about how a new dwelling could meet the county’s requirements. Board members questioned the nature of the hardship, why previous deadlines were missed and whether another extension was appropriate without the applicant present.

A motion to table the matter until the next scheduled BZA meeting was moved (the transcript records board member Suzanne as the mover), seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote. Staff told the board the minutes of the prior meetings are in the packet and offered to work with the applicant if he attends the next hearing.