Resident urges Pittsylvania supervisors to adopt updated zoning ordinance and require special-use permits for power stations

A citizen urged the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors to adopt a draft rewrite of the county zoning ordinance or, at minimum, the section that would require special-use permits for power-generation facilities.

Katie Whitehead told the board the county’s zoning ordinance is out of compliance with state law and has not been updated in 34 years. She said the draft ordinance developed over three years includes a provision requiring a special-use permit for power generation in industrial districts and that the county should be prepared for proposals similar to a previous project (Boleco) that had “major health impacts” on residents near the site.

Whitehead asked three things: approve the draft zoning ordinance as-is; if the board delays adoption, explain why; and if the board will not adopt the full ordinance immediately, at least adopt the power-station section now so the county will be ready for potential proposals. She argued the county should not rely on waiting for a new comprehensive plan before updating the ordinance.

The comment was made during the hearing of citizens; the board did not take immediate action on her request during the meeting but has scheduled further planning work and review through its land-use process.

Whitehead’s remarks highlight a recurring local concern about land-use readiness and public-health safeguards for proposed energy projects.