Kent County Board of Adjustment Meeting - February 19, 2026

The Kent County Board of Adjustment held a public hearing and business meeting on February 19, 2026, to consider two variance applications. The meeting opened with a roll call, pledge, and legal counsel's statement on the four-factor test for area variances. Six board members were present, constituting a quorum.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the meeting minutes from January 22, 2026, by unanimous vote.
• Approved application A2601 (no further details provided) by unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

Application A2603 – Sunrise Solar (Variance from 6-foot visual barrier)

• Jeff Corman, ag operator of the adjacent airstrip, testified in favor of the variance, stating that trees at the end of the runway would endanger his operation. He noted that trees and airplanes do not mix, and he had previously removed trees from his own airport for safety.
• No speakers in opposition.

Application A2604 – Myers RV Centers LLC (Variance from 20-foot setback for vehicle sales)

• Francis J. Webb, owner of the northern parcel, testified in favor, stating the property has been used for RV sales for 15–16 years without complaints. He noted he built a $12,000 fence for aesthetics and that the RVs have never hindered his farming operation.
• Gary Hosking, general manager of the RV business, testified in favor, describing a cooperative relationship with the farming neighbor and noting they move RVs when farming operations require space.
• No speakers in opposition.

Discussion Items

• A2603 – Sunrise Solar: The applicant (COO of Sunrise Solar) requested a variance from the six-foot four-season visual barrier along 665 feet of the rear property line on behalf of the neighboring airstrip (Irish Hill LLC). The barrier would obstruct the approach to the runway. The board discussed safety concerns and that the fence and solar facility are already in place. Staff recommended approval.
• A2604 – Myers RV Centers LLC: The applicant sought a variance from the 20-foot setback for motor vehicle sales to allow RV parking closer to property lines. Staff recommended denial for the rear and side setbacks (red areas) but conditional approval for cross-access easements (green areas). The applicant stated a five-foot setback would work. Board members considered the long history of the use, the mobile nature of RVs, good neighbor relations, and the financial hardship of a strict 20-foot setback.

Key Outcomes

• A2603 – Approved (6-0): Motion to approve the variance to remove the four-season visual barrier along the rear property line (approximately 665 feet) based on staff recommendation and public testimony regarding safety.
• A2604 – Two-part approval:
  1. Motion 1 (6-0): Conditional approval of a variance from the 20-foot side setbacks of the shared property lines (parcels 46, 48, 49) to allow parking across property lines as shown in green on Exhibit B, with the condition that a cross-access agreement be recorded prior to issuance of a certificate of use. This motion carried 6-0.
  2. Motion 2 (6-0): Variance to allow a 5-foot rear setback along the rear property line and the northern side property line of parcel 46 and southern side property line of parcel 49 for operational parking (red areas on Exhibit B). The board found exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in maintaining competitiveness and noted no impact on neighboring properties. Vote: 6-0.

The meeting adjourned following these decisions.