Jonathan Vaughn seeks partial rezoning for turf and landscaping business; commission flags truck access and guardrail work

Jonathan Vaughn requested a partial rezoning of his property at 3351 Oak Park Road from A‑1 (agricultural) to B‑1 (business general) to operate an artificial turf and landscaping/hardscaping business out of an existing building. Staff said the area proposed for rezoning is approximately 1.7 acres of a roughly 27‑acre parcel.

Alan (staff member) reported the applicant abandoned an earlier plan to install a new entrance at a steeper grade because the slope made semi‑tractor access impractical; Vaughn told staff he plans to accept deliveries by box truck and that he has an agreement with an adjoining property to receive larger deliveries temporarily. Staff said Vaughn has an active building permit for his personal residence and is seeking to live on the property full time.

Commission discussion: Commissioners focused on entrance and truck access, with one commissioner noting the proposed rezoning would constitute spot zoning but could be appropriate on scale. "It probably would be an example of spot zoning," one commissioner said, "but because this one's out here in the country, this might be a place where it's appropriate to have a conditional rezoning."

VDOT and permits: Alan said he was told the applicant obtained a VDOT permit to relocate a guardrail and widen the entrance, but staff had not yet received a copy of the permit. Commissioners suggested including VDOT documentation in the next packet.

Next steps: The case is at its second workshop; staff will request a copy of any VDOT permit for guardrail relocation and clarify the entrance design and truck‑access strategy before the joint meeting and public hearing.

Ending: Commissioners said rezoning to B‑1 likely fits the applicant's business plan and that staff should confirm VDOT permits and any site‑plan details before the joint hearing.