VMRC approves retention of roofs and new lifts at Urbana Boatyard; waives civil charge

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted 8-0 July 22 to approve a request by Urbana Boatyard and Marina to retain an 8-by-10-foot open-sided fuel-dock roof, a 143-square-foot enclosed ice-house/storage shed constructed under an existing boathouse, and to install 12 uncovered boat lifts at an existing commercial marina on Granite Creek in Middlesex County.

Staff described a complicated local permitting history: the shed had been constructed within an existing enclosed 8-slip commercial boathouse and initially contained a bed, which violated the town zoning ordinance until the bed was removed. Staff reported subsequent coordination with the town of Urbana and Middlesex County building/zoning officials; a 2023 town letter confirmed the shed is allowed as storage after the bed was removed. Staff said county inspections had occurred and that the town now supports the applicant's use.

Staff recommended approval with standard permit conditions and a triple permit fee (noted as $900 by staff for the bridal permit fee), and left it to the commission's discretion whether to impose an additional civil charge for unpermitted structures. After hearing from applicant counsel Earl Stanley Murphy and property owner representatives, Associate Member Erskine moved to accept staff recommendations (including triple permit fees) but not to add a civil charge; Associate Member Branson seconded. The commission voted 8-0 to approve the staff recommendation without an additional civil penalty.

Staff told the commission the marina would use the shed for ice storage and offloading catch for commercial watermen and that the shed will support local commercial operations; staff concluded the proposed additions will not adversely affect navigation or marine environment and recommended permit approval with standard conditions.