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BZA tables request to allow pavilion and future cabins on Blue Bluff Road; petitioners told to supply engineering and stormwater plans
Summary
Owners seeking a use variance to operate a small-event pavilion (25–30 people) and possible future cabins on Blue Bluff Road asked the Martinsville BZA how to proceed. The board tabled the request, and staff and city advisers outlined permitting and stormwater requirements.
Owners Jeffrey Allen and Jeannie (Jeannie) Martin, represented in part by Elliot Burkett, sought guidance Tuesday from the Board of Zoning Appeals about operating a small-event pavilion and future short-term cabin rentals on a 2.48-acre parcel on New Blue Bluff Road (legal description: S33T12R1E, PTSC Northwest 1).
Burkett told the board the proposal is intended to host small weddings and events for approximately "25 to 30 people" and could later add 8 to 12 cabins in phases. He asked whether the owners should apply for rezoning or request a use variance. Board staff and the city adviser explained the two paths: a rezone would go before the planning commission and then city council; a use variance could be considered by the BZA.
City staff and a city adviser raised two operational concerns: roadway condition/access and stormwater/runoff onto Blue Bluff Road. A staff speaker said the city plans to resurface Blue Bluff Road in the spring or early summer and expressed concern that debris and runoff from the parcel could damage the new pavement. The adviser recommended an outlet/culvert and a grate system to contain runoff before it reaches the city roadway.
The city’s fire/building official reminded petitioners that even if the BZA grants a variance, separate building, stormwater and fire-permitting processes must be completed before construction: "you'll have to go as stormwater. We have a port as for stormwater, and that prevention plan is pretty detailed in nature," he said.
Petitioner Jeannie Martin described the site as "a beautiful, magical place" and said the owners seek to build a pavilion for "micro weddings" and later luxury cabin rentals to draw visitors to downtown Martinsville.
Board members and staff said the application’s submitted findings of fact were too general for a use-variance approval and asked for more specific materials: a scaled site plan, parking layout, stormwater/culvert details and proposed findings tied to the BZA’s variance criteria. The board voted to table docket number 25008 to the next meeting and required petitioners to submit the requested materials and be present to answer questions.
Ending
The BZA tabled the application and asked the petitioners to return with detailed plans and the stormwater strategy. Staff will advise petitioners on the required building and stormwater permits before work may begin.
