Pittsylvania County BZA grants special-use permit for gym on Oak Hill Road

The Pittsylvania County Board of Zoning Appeals on May 1 granted a special-use permit allowing a private recreational facility (a gym) on 95.6 acres along State Road 862 (Oak Hill Road) in the Tunstall Election District.

The decision followed a brief public hearing and a unanimous board vote to approve the permit with conditions requiring on-site parking per Pittsylvania County Code and shielded exterior lighting so that illumination will not impact neighboring properties.

The Planning Commission had recommended approval on April 1 by a 6-0 vote, with staff-recommended conditions included in the board packet. Miss Ragdale, board staff, read the case into the record under the Pittsylvania County zoning ordinance and cited County Code section 35-179 as the applicable authority.

Katie Ingram, representing petitioners Timothy and Kimberly Barber, told the board the petitioners operate a downtown gym that is open 24/7 but said the Oak Hill Road location will likely not operate overnight. "We're leaning towards not doing 24/7," Ingram said, citing residential proximity and family concerns.

A board member noted nearby businesses and residents would help monitor the site; that member said, "they're gonna keep a good eye on things. So I'd recommend a positive motion." The motion to grant the special-use permit was made by Odie (BZA member) and seconded by another board member. The roll-call attendance recorded seven members present; the motion carried unanimously.

The board closed the public hearing at 6:06 p.m. The record did not specify an operational start date or additional permit steps required before the gym can open at the Oak Hill Road site.

The board also confirmed it will meet next month, on June 9, when two cases involving replacement double-wide manufactured homes are scheduled.