[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6214248,"mediaKeyId","3670904-2bbb53305b011033f907820caaa2448c","parentId",3670904,"title","Planning committee forwards 86‑acre ‘Madison Hills’ event venue proposal after broad agency review","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",2411000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3670904-2bbb53305b011033f907820caaa2448c&start=2411&end=2411","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3670904-2bbb53305b011033f907820caaa2448c/thumbnail_2411000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6214248/Madison-County/Virginia/Planning-committee-forwards-86acre-Madison-Hills-event-venue-proposal-after-broad-agency-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214248-4370da91b788032b9e9b209e029a1a73/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148996&Signature=G6CSjybUEydgr-QAh9eXasl7sNe8pXZ35cwh8N-ecpY0B-6Y8~sdfHmoOSdcRt8cVhXYq6nXKCxMrpzd7ucu06rAFz1hqUnlvCjjdM8PGtnz8E0JS5omjRjVUQ5lr7aH0EMe5oZV~OpwrtsKwOp1tnZyzBH4D5kPJmrsXEy5hTWg~m3yd6PqAjGinc5VnfaejLygT~S~h9gplxoeutQXQIkj-A~RNefjK4Om583FxqQbiTm0AQ5cJDvO2uTgD~n4zjCwJ4TFu0H8mH7UN5pLkX-DPOeqfbwjXvz6Cm7l3GZ6iw4pcaomBnFEaXVTtwlyvHhhhs5K70pgnZ6zTYgmxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Madison County, VA","date","2025-06-04T03:29:41Z","article","An exploratory application for an event venue on three parcels totaling about 86.476 acres was advanced to the Madison County Planning Commission after a lengthy presentation by applicant Molly Wilshire and questions from planning staff, VDOT, health officials and community members.

Wilshire described a seasonal, walk‑through holiday light show and accompanying vendor marketplace to be sited on the property; she said the proposed trail is roughly three‑quarters of a mile and that the venue could accommodate up to 840 parking spaces on the site. “The average guest experience is about 45 minutes,” Wilshire said, and she described vendor stalls, an open air 60‑by‑100 building for performances or shelter, porta‑john restroom service for events and potential solar canopies over parking.

Agency staff raised multiple technical items that must be resolved before the Planning Commission public hearing. VDOT stressed that the proposal likely requires a commercial entrance and possibly turn lanes and that the applicant must submit an entrance plan showing stopping‑sight distance in plan and profile. A VDOT representative said the applicant should provide engineered entrance documentation and that staff would issue a letter if sight‑distance and other standards are met.

Public‑safety planning was another focus. County emergency‑management staff and the sheriff’s office were referenced as necessary participants in advance planning. Wilshire discussed hiring EMS‑trained personnel for events and said she would work with county emergency management; she also proposed an 85‑foot clearing on site that could serve as an emergency helicopter landing area if needed.

Health‑department staff noted the site will need an appropriate restroom strategy; Wilshire and staff discussed using large porta‑john fleets and contracted cleaning rather than installing a permanent septic field given seasonal use. Wilshire said food vendors would be separately permitted and required to meet state health requirements.

Neighbors raised concerns in public comment about traffic, light and noise impacts, and whether the site’s rural roads—County routes 634 and 722—can absorb weekend event traffic. A nearby landowner asked the committee to pause the request for additional work and documentation before any referral; committee members and staff instead recommended the applicant complete preliminary engineering and agency coordination and then proceed to the Planning Commission.

The committee voted to forward the application to the Planning Commission with direction that the applicant coordinate with VDOT on entrance design, with the county health department on restroom and food‑service plans, and with county emergency management on on‑site public‑safety staffing and response plans.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Premiminary Development Review Committee 6/3/2025","oneSentenceSummary","A proposal for a seasonal walk‑through light show and multi‑use event venue on roughly 86.5 acres was advanced to the Planning Commission; staff and agency representatives signaled that traffic, entrance design, emergency services, parking, restroom provision and neighbor impacts must be addressed before a public hearing.","taxTitle","Madison County, Virginia","taxId",37279,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6214253,"Committee advances ‘Polly of the Blue Ridge’ vintage‑camper permit after health‑department concerns",1390,2668000,4058000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3670904-2bbb53305b011033f907820caaa2448c&start=2668&end=4058","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3670904-2bbb53305b011033f907820caaa2448c/thumbnail_2668000.jpg","/articles/6214253/Madison-County/Virginia/Committee-advances-Polly-of-the-Blue-Ridge-vintagecamper-permit-after-healthdepartment-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214253-d2aecf09eee6613df944cbc102161f64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148996&Signature=EFI71PZ2w9u4UUdJn~Ufp7DOcsa05ORgLHXsDcua5VxCwTv8Plb2u0jck1KXFnrjxNDZR3XKN10-T9VtYFS5G7avhk2VbdfqCHv~0q1XUJl39OmfmR8AJ697kqQwpmoaZ6-7mpD8sinzB6~MsX-D3bA0weXi~8UvwDaC0winJxypMetAn2H3KR1JBxMj~S5GQaMOdx0KFKg2Pq8bNk7su0HbAacPMAuIU9ngqWCtL6DP6uOAUhaC~D9uR43bV0RxDXRULKgN38qho5w4XjWYzoXV5kWSgrwoDBxUfYuWlGEDMSQMy0HoYw~fnOleXMt~fMcSaciMJYvSsi6j1JUrAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The planning committee moved a special‑use permit application forward for “Polly of the Blue Ridge,” a proposal to operate one vintage camper for short‑term rental on an 18.273‑acre parcel (tax map 56‑7a), but county staff and the health department raised questions about gray‑water disposal and wastewater handling.

Applicant Anne Gore said the 1973 camper she restored is a one‑bed unit with a kitchenette and a sink; she told the committee she uses an RV‑style holding tank and contracts with a local service (K and S) for porta‑john servicing. Gore said she intends the unit to be seasonal and not operate in freezing months.

Madison County Health Department staff explained state rules classify gray water as sewage and that an approved sewage system or engineered solution is required for commercial use. The health representative said the county would require engineered septic plans or an approved pump‑and‑haul arrangement for the gray water; bacterial testing of the domestic well would also likely be required because the well will be used by paying guests.

Committee members suggested options the applicant could pursue before a hearing: remove the sink to eliminate gray‑water discharge, secure an integral RV‑holding tank with an accepted pump‑and‑hauler arrangement, or arrange a written service plan with a certified porta‑john/pump‑and‑haul vendor for regular disposal. A county official recommended on‑site inspection of the camper to confirm it meets safe occupancy standards and building/fire safety guidance for temporary lodging.

The committee voted to forward the special‑use permit application to the Planning Commission with the expectation that the applicant will work with the health department and planning staff to resolve wastewater and safety items before a public hearing.","An applicant seeking a special‑use permit to host a single vintage camper rental on an 18.273‑acre parcel was advanced to the Planning Commission; the county health department flagged gray‑water (sink) disposal as an issue and recommended engineered solutions or use of approved porta‑john services.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6214258,"Owner seeks to rezone split‑zoned parcel to agricultural to allow future subdivision",655,2002000,2657000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3670904-2bbb53305b011033f907820caaa2448c&start=2002&end=2657","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3670904-2bbb53305b011033f907820caaa2448c/thumbnail_2002000.jpg","/articles/6214258/Madison-County/Virginia/Owner-seeks-to-rezone-splitzoned-parcel-to-agricultural-to-allow-future-subdivision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214258-1e23077d63c046d2fef78237eba5c311/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148996&Signature=Jiz9nGMny7xE2XjGiFm9xh0FFQil5GCUZQlPzQiQsRdys7cwjyFE55yhFAcxWt5VKlmD5RKBbITulKBiqbRTRBMek84cZEPIwKeIytumfCpSdZjUAkXBotc9FTE142Q8ywlV53EJHjtVOW0OMulO0rJvbysqjYxZeqEMjGj~elRPzcBBkmR3wWH7QQEVmu0z8HkcAeDz3lF4~5vtXB5R~5CU0IS7xgRGSvAcHyb1Ht3uqjAIxBqrd-9-0T0IgbpELon2fCaBB6X0avv9r~iB~uMorXoBopTmKfqLzd2gP-zJtHGAquWef4wM9ZXyDlDq8ZR65-Xtt4SV7eWSFJpP7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","John Wright (who also identified himself as “Steve” in the meeting) presented a request to the Madison County planning committee to rezone a split‑zoned parcel identified as tax map 46‑39a from a split A‑1/C‑1 designation to A‑1 only so he can pursue a boundary adjustment with adjacent parcels and enable future subdivision.

Wright said that a lower portion of the parcel currently in the conservation (C‑1) zone contains a two‑bedroom mobile home rented on a long‑term basis; he told the committee his plan is to clarify zoning so the parcel could be more easily subdivided in the future. “I was unaware of the fact that we had split zoning here,” Wright said; he described the property’s use as historically agricultural and noted an existing farm entrance on the state road.

Alan Nichols, the county planning and zoning administrator, and committee members examined aerials and topography and noted that much of the land shown as C‑1 appears in active agricultural use. A committee member observed that conservation zoning lines are sometimes drawn for reasons that may include steep slopes or forested areas, but in this instance the parcel’s visible terrain and existing dwellings do not appear to match the usual conservation intent.

The committee questioned access and frontage and concluded the parcel has sufficient road frontage to meet subdivision access rules. Wright and staff discussed that a boundary adjustment to increase acreage (from 5.573 to approximately 6 acres) would be required to meet subdivision minimums for a lot split if he pursues a division.

Public comment was not raised during the preliminary hearing, and a committee member moved to forward the rezoning request to the Planning Commission for formal review and public hearing. The motion carried. Planning staff told Wright they will follow up on next steps and schedule the case for the Planning Commission, where the applicant will need to supply a completed application and any supporting materials required by staff.","John Wright requested preliminary review to rezone a split‑zoned parcel (46‑39a) to A‑1 only to enable a boundary adjustment and future subdivision; the planning committee voted to forward the rezoning request to the Planning Commission after brief discussion of access and conservation zoning boundaries.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6214262,"Madison County panel advances short‑term rental request for 15‑acre parcel after preliminary review",1705,131000,1836000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3670904-2bbb53305b011033f907820caaa2448c&start=131&end=1836","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3670904-2bbb53305b011033f907820caaa2448c/thumbnail_131000.jpg","/articles/6214262/Madison-County/Virginia/Madison-County-panel-advances-shortterm-rental-request-for-15acre-parcel-after-preliminary-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214262-aab805dbd5e40f13ec3e6e8fd28f7d86/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148996&Signature=mpPNZPsYQyBtShWLnU~AcNy2aFylURIAVFlFvOgw41VHm9C5YIccXr8xI-GUuafClabvnNmIDRa5cs1DWVtEIxwVC-IfRD4539rtkIQKKKsDrsmkhEBd6eqfoO9DgeMG-NQLjMbKX9hXoWP8NdYJ4pttx0f4NIzR-sq7FvqyTTmUkYW2qIRnqXF8ac78SXLO71FNotS~lDlYq59DqzSHfX0Ccmfu~1-tu3YyKvhkZm06UWXcsObqvOb5seypXIxnvigKvh4h30iCt-7s10Rk~BO21qn6Yv7CKYX4UaPisPGljxq8drh66TRj4LoPqwDqIF9Z-piqjhOP5yvVNapKJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Madison County planning committee advanced a proposal Monday to the planning commission that would allow two dome‑style short‑term rental units on a 15‑acre parcel identified as Madison County tax map 30‑5c, with staff advising the committee to tag the application as both a short‑term rental and primitive campground under the county zoning code.

The proposal came from Kelsey Schlein, a planner with Schimpf Engineering, who said the applicant intends to build dome tents on deck platforms with electricity and plumbing; Aida Alamo, identified in the meeting as the property owner, confirmed the existing house on the parcel already operates as a short‑term rental.

County planning and zoning administrator Alan Nichols said the project “needs a little bit of deliberation” because the applicant has applied for decks and platforms and staff must determine whether to permit the sites under short‑term rental rules, primitive campground rules, or both. “I think that it may be pertinent to get them permitted under the short‑term rental provisions and just tag a primitive campground along with it,” Nichols said.

Why it matters: the parcel is 15 acres in Agricultural‑1 (A‑1) zoning and the county’s ordinance limits dwelling density by acreage; Nichols and committee members discussed how a 15‑acre parcel could support multiple permitted structures and that, under current ordinances, the parcel could support up to five dwelling‑equivalent sites with a special‑use permit. Committee members and staff also flagged public‑safety and infrastructure questions that must be resolved before a Planning Commission hearing.

Committee and agency concerns focused on three issues. First, the ownership and safety of an unfinished framed structure on the parcel: committee members advised the owner to secure or board that building so guests—particularly children—cannot access it. Second, health‑department review of water and sewage: Schlein and Alamo said they have a construction permit and a sewage feasibility report; a Madison County Health Department representative told the committee that the department must review engineered septic plans, wastewater characterization and potentially require bacterial testing of the well because the proposed units will be a commercial use.

Third, access and easement questions emerged. Several committee members noted the parcel accesses Route 231 via a driveway that appears to cross or pass near neighboring property owned by a Jim Durham, and they recommended deed research and conversations with adjacent landowners about easement rights. VDOT staff present said the project would likely require documentation demonstrating stopping‑sight distance and that, if the use intensifies above a private residence, VDOT could require a low‑volume commercial entrance or other entrance improvements.

No formal conditions were adopted at the exploratory meeting. A motion to advance the application to the Planning Commission as a short‑term rental special‑use permit carried; staff said they will follow up with the applicant on next steps and documentation needed for septic, well testing, easement/deed research and any VDOT entrance materials.

The committee’s referral to the Planning Commission means the applicant must supply the requested supporting materials and that the proposal will receive a public hearing at a later date. Planning staff told the applicant they will circulate procedural guidance and a checklist for the planning‑commission submission.","A planning committee voted to advance an applicant’s request to the Madison County Planning Commission to permit two dome-style short‑term rental units and tag a primitive campground designation for a 15‑acre parcel on tax map 30‑5c, subject to health, VDOT and deed/easement review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning committee forwards 86‑acre ‘Madison Hills’ event venue proposal after broad agency review

Committee advances ‘Polly of the Blue Ridge’ vintage‑camper permit after health‑department concerns

Owner seeks to rezone split‑zoned parcel to agricultural to allow future subdivision

Madison County panel advances short‑term rental request for 15‑acre parcel after preliminary review