Planning commission backs reopening of Fork Union Drive‑In with conditions

The Fluvanna County Planning Commission on June 10 recommended approval of a special‑use permit that would allow a reopening of the Fork Union Drive‑In as an outdoor entertainment site, voting 5‑0 to move the proposal to the Board of Supervisors.

The permit covers two parcels at 159 Winsville Drive (tax maps 51‑A‑61 and 51‑A‑62) totaling about 2.75 acres. Planning staff told commissioners the applicant proposes to rebuild the screen, add ADA restrooms and widen two existing entrances to meet VDOT commercial standards; VDOT has approved the entrance permit.

The county planner said the applicant proposes seasonal hours and noted several recommended conditions, including compliance with VDOT and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), adherence to the zoning code’s outdoor light control standards and a site curfew that the site be vacated by 2 a.m.

John Lamb, who the applicant said will operate the drive‑in, and Ron Understall, representing the family owners (the FFI Family Trust), described plans to rebuild the screen and concession facilities and to stage a soft opening in September with a target full reopening in April of the following year. “We have an online petition, which is up to, as of 10 minutes ago, 1,131 positive signatures,” Understall told commissioners.

Public comment at the hearing was overwhelmingly supportive. Dozens of residents — including Sandra Lindner Turner of Fork Union and Jason Sweeney of Lake Monticello — said the drive‑in would restore activity to the Fork Union village and provide a family‑friendly venue. Several speakers offered practical suggestions about hours, traffic management and community events.

Planning staff noted water service options: the site currently uses a community well that serves nearby warehousing, and the applicant is coordinating with the Virginia Office of Drinking Water on any transition to commercial service; connecting to a sanitary district was identified as an alternative. The county’s technical review committee flagged VDH permits for any food service and that the site would need to meet fire‑safety access standards.

Commissioners asked about potential non‑movie uses. Planning staff said the SUP is specific to the drive‑in use; larger events such as outdoor concerts would require separate special‑event permits to be approved by the Board of Supervisors and could be conditioned by the board.

After the public hearing the commission voted to recommend approval of the SUP. The motion to forward the recommendation passed unanimously; the record shows the commission’s action will be considered by the Board of Supervisors at a subsequent public hearing.

If the board approves the permit, the permit conditions discussed by staff — including the 2 a.m. vacate requirement, compliance with VDH and VDOT, ADA restroom requirements and limitations tied to the county noise and outdoor light rules — will guide operation and any future special‑event approvals.