Board schedules public hearing for IVR riding stables SUP; Planning Commission recommended approval 4-0

Planning staff presented a special use permit application from IVR Corporation for riding stables and academies at 2948 Oak Forest Lane (tax map cited in staff memo). Staff said the property contains 36.71 acres, is zoned agricultural, and the applicant proposes to use existing stable structures (roughly 3,000 square feet) and two shelters (about 100 square feet each) for horse training, trail riding, boarding and grooming.

Staff summarized agency comments: VDOT's land development engineer said the proposed use is not expected to negatively affect Route 644 (Oak Forest Lane) and that the site entrance meets low-volume commercial entrance standards; VDOT reserved the right to require right-of-way modifications or a land use permit if site-specific work is proposed. The health department said it had no objections. The county building official said any existing structure used for a riding stable should be evaluated by an engineer before use.

Staff noted Planning Commission review: the commission introduced the SUP and, after a public hearing on Jan. 14, 2025, recommended approval by a 4-0 vote; no members of the public spoke at the commission hearing. The board moved, seconded and voted to schedule a public hearing on March 17, 2025, and directed staff to provide required public notice under Virginia law.

One supervisor who had visited the site said the operation includes an agricultural component and could be a resource for school outreach; staff said draft conditions and supporting materials were included in the board's packet and that applicant representatives were present to answer questions.