Zoning board permits video gaming parlor property to add rentable storage, bars outdoor storage

The Tazewell County Zoning Board approved a special-use amendment to allow a nonresidential planned-unit development that would add rentable indoor warehouse/storage space to an existing building that houses a video gaming parlor.

The petitioner, identified in the case as Jerry (case 2517S), told the board the building contains multiple bays and that the rear portion previously used for personal storage would be converted to leasable storage. The property is in a C-1 neighborhood commercial district; staff reported no proposed building expansion and no traffic or safety concerns from the proposed indoor storage use.

During the hearing the land use planner explained that nonresidential planned-unit developments allow more than one principal nonresidential use on a single property or within a single building. The planner said staff had no conflict with the county comprehensive plan or zoning regulations and noted precedent for similar uses nearby.

Board members and staff discussed and agreed on a condition that there be no outside storage associated with the storage use. Members also confirmed the petitioner agreed to secure access between the video gaming parlor and the stored-unit space (locking door) to avoid cross-access that could trigger state inspections or regulatory problems for the gaming operation.

The board moved and seconded the findings of fact and approved the special use with the ‘‘no outside storage’’ condition. The community development staff will continue to enforce applicable security and operational requirements during permitting and occupancy reviews.

The petitioner said his preference was to find a single tenant but that, if needed, interior dividers and security measures would be installed so multiple tenants could occupy inside storage bays without shared access to other tenants’ units.