The Madison County Board of Zoning Appeals tabled a variance request from Aaron Blakey to subdivide a roughly 2.6-acre parcel so an adult child could live on a newly created lot to provide medical care.

County staff told the board the applicant was not present at the hearing but had been described to staff as undergoing medical care. Staff summarized the request and explained the zoning constraints: the R‑1 district requires a minimum lot size of 1.5 acres where public water and sewer are not available, and the proposed subdivision would create at least one nonconforming lot without a variance.

Staff also described alternatives and technical obstacles the applicant would face, including the need for an approved drain field and reserve areas for new septic systems if public utilities are unavailable. Staff noted temporary housing permits are available for medical circumstances; those permits are issued initially for up to six months and may be renewed in six‑month increments up to a total of 24 months.

Board members expressed concern about setting a precedent for creating nonconforming lots and favored giving the applicant an opportunity to appear in person. A motion to table the matter to the next scheduled BZA meeting (December) passed by unanimous voice vote.

The board asked staff to reach out to Blakey and invited him to present the case in person at the next meeting so the board can consider hardship evidence and any further technical information (survey, drainfield feasibility) before acting.