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Planning commission backs Living Earth School’s request to establish nature‑education camp on Red Hill Road
Summary
After residents and staff discussed environmental protection, traffic and emergency access, the Planning Commission recommended approval of a special‑use permit for Living Earth School’s proposed camp near Walnut Creek Park with specific conditions on events, emergency access and annual review.
The Planning Commission on March 11 unanimously recommended approval of a special‑use permit to allow Living Earth School to establish a nature‑education campus on a 287‑acre parcel off Red Hill Road adjacent to Walnut Creek Park.
Community development planner Scott Clark presented staff’s analysis of the application (SP 2024‑22), which proposes a campus with a welcome pavilion, a main camp hall, up to six staff residences, primitive tent camping areas, and a southern riverside pavilion. Clark summarized the proposed programming: up to eight weeks per year of summer overnight camp for up to 250 attendees, year‑round day and overnight programs for up to 100 participants and a program cap allowing up to 12 events per year with up to 200 attendees and up to six fundraising/community events per year with up to 500 attendees.
Clark flagged two technical items: the applicant requested a small critical‑slopes waiver to improve sight distance at the entrance, and Albemarle Fire Rescue requested a 20‑foot improved access…
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