Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Nightlife Permitting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission backs dance-hall permit at 130 Jackson Street with conditions including public-dance permit and no pyrotechnics
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional-use permit for a dance-hall use at 130 Jackson Street (Olyca), with staff conditions requiring a public-dance permit, no pyrotechnic effects, added exterior lighting and security cameras, and a sign permit.
The Blacksburg Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of Conditional Use Permit CUP 25-3 for a dance-hall use at 130 Jackson Street Northwest, proposed by restaurateurs behind Olyca.
Staff said the property, a vacant 3,411-square-foot first-floor space in the downtown commercial district, has a permit history (previous use as Blue Ridge Axe Throwing) and that building permits for a restaurant/bar use, demolition and a sprinkler system have been submitted. The applicant proposes a restaurant operation that could convert to a dance configuration after 10 p.m.; staff described occupancy limits of 188 for the dining configuration and 292 for the dining-and-dancing configuration, with operating hours for dance permitted through 2 a.m. per the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) framework.
Staff recommended conditions that the property be developed in substantial conformance with the July 31, 2025 application; that the applicant obtain and maintain an approved public-dances and dance-hall permit as required by Town Code chapter 4, amusements article 4; that no pyrotechnic effects or fireworks be allowed; that additional exterior safety lighting and security cameras be installed; and that a sign permit be submitted and approved prior to placing exterior signage.
Applicants described the concept for Olyca as a dining and events venue with programming including dance lessons, live performances, stand-up comedy, and club meetings. They said the operator team has experience running the BERG restaurant and would use similar operational practices. Applicants confirmed plans to remove tables after 10 p.m. to create a dance area and to store tables in on-site storage.
Commissioners asked about safety, noise, parking and occupancy compliance. Staff noted that the police department reviews public-dance permits and advises council on approval; the department also manages noise enforcement. The applicants agreed to the staff conditions, including the no-pyrotechnics restriction; they are responsible for submitting the required information to the police for the dance permit.
The motion to recommend approval with staff-recommended conditions passed unanimously. As a recommendation, the CUP will proceed to Town Council for final action.
