Nottoway County Board of Supervisors members discussed zoning changes on June 12 to create an aviation-focused overlay for roughly 83–84 acres of county-owned land adjacent to Blackstone Municipal Airport.

The proposal would add an airport/aviation district or overlay to guide uses on the timbered parcel the county recently cleared, allowing aviation research and development, manufacturing and assembly, manned and unmanned flight training, fuel facilities, terminals, aircraft charter services, police/fire/spot rescue stations, motor vehicle parking and accessory uses. The draft also lists businesses compatible with an airport environment such as vehicle rental, travel accommodation and retail, though supervisors said they may narrow hospitality and lodging to direct visitor stays to nearby towns.

A county staff member described the intent as an economic-development tool. “We want to dedicate that to aviation businesses,” the staff member said during the discussion. The staff member and other supervisors said the overlay would permit many aviation uses “by right,” so businesses that meet the standards could locate there without a separate special-use permit process.

The county will coordinate with the Town of Blackstone and the Department of Aviation. Town officials would remain the airport owner and would be eligible for Department of Aviation grants for airport improvements; supervisors said Blackstone could apply for certain grants that the county itself cannot. Supervisors and staff discussed using an airport safety/compatibility plan (described in the draft as an Air Force safety plan adaptation) and amending the county code to add the new definitions and district language.

Supervisors asked staff to bring a formal draft to the planning commission for review before any ordinance is advertised. A supervisor said the initial overlay would cover the 83–84 acre parcel adjacent to the airport fence, with the possibility of expanding across the highway later if demand supports it.

Board members and staff also noted intergovernmental and grant-related constraints: Blackstone owns the airport and therefore is the eligible applicant for many aviation grants; the town and county plan to partner so the town can apply and the county can provide the land or zoning changes needed to attract businesses.

Supervisors did not take a formal vote on an ordinance during the work session; they asked staff to prepare a draft for the planning commission and return with options.

The county intends to keep the overlay focused on aviation uses and accessory businesses and to refine the language before formal adoption.

The supervisors said they expect to return to the issue in upcoming meetings after the planning commission reviews the draft.