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Planning Commission approves driveway exception for Payne Road property with conditions
Summary
The commission approved SOE20250001 for Walter E. Norman to add an additional access drive onto Payne Road, citing topography and environmental constraints; staff required recording of revised plat documents within 30 days and found no threat to public safety.
The Goochland County Planning Commission on Aug. 21 approved (5‑0) a subdivision ordinance exception, SOE20250001, allowing an additional driveway access onto Payne Road (State Route 681) for a Lot 1 parcel owned by Walter E. Norman.
Carrie Ragland, the county planning manager, presented the staff report. She said the 17.95‑acre parcel is in the Agricultural General (A‑1) district and designated Rural Enhancement in the comprehensive plan. Ragland described topographical and environmental constraints, including an unnamed creek that crosses the property and steep slopes; staff measured approximately a 74‑foot elevation change from the stream to the proposed house site and a localized area exceeding a 15% slope. The applicant proposed a different driveway location to the north to avoid the steepest areas.
Ragland said the subdivision ordinance requires Planning Commission review when a minor subdivision proposes more than two access drives onto an existing road. Staff concluded the request meets the ordinance exception criteria based on unique property conditions and is not detrimental to public safety, welfare, or health. Staff recommended approval with a condition that exhibit A (the recorded plat revision) be recorded among county land records within 30 days and a copy provided to the Director of Community Development.
Commissioners asked about sight distance, fire and rescue standards, and whether the existing shared access easement would be vacated. Ragland said county engineering staff reviewed the proposed location and concurred it provides better sight distance than the previously approved shared access. She explained the recording would show the existing shared access easement becoming a driveway for Lot 2 and the new separate driveway for Lot 1.
A commissioner moved to approve the application with the staff‑recommended condition; another commissioner seconded. The roll call recorded aye votes from Mr. Kimberly, Mr. Petuk, Mr. Cosby, Ms. Kawalski and Mr. McLaughlin; the motion passed 5‑0.
Discussion vs. decision: The Planning Commission approved a formal exception to the subdivision access standard (a decision). Commissioners’ questions focused on site safety and standards; staff confirmed the driveway will be subject to applicable standards and coordination with fire/rescue during permitting. No additional variances were granted.
Clarifying details: the parcel is approximately 17.95 acres, located on the southern end of Payne Road about one mile south of its intersection with Shannon Hill Road; the request was based on topography, stream crossings, and slope constraints; staff required recording the revised plat (Exhibit A) within 30 days.
What’s next: The applicant must record the revised plat in the county land records and provide a copy to the Director of Community Development as a condition of approval.
