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Planning commission backs Dominion Academy special‑use permit for Westwood Shopping Plaza
Summary
The Fredericksburg Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a special‑use permit on Feb. 12 to allow Dominion Academy, a private school for students with special needs, to operate two classrooms at Westwood Shopping Plaza.
The Fredericksburg Planning Commission voted 7-0 on Feb. 12 to recommend approval of a special‑use permit for Dominion Academy to operate a private special‑needs day school at the Westwood Shopping Plaza.
Dominion Academy plans to open initially with two classrooms and up to 20 students; staff noted the building’s current occupancy allows up to 50 persons and the applicant will be subject to building‑code occupancy limits and required licensing. The academy’s representatives told the commission the program will serve elementary through high school students with specialized educational needs and will reduce travel burdens for families who otherwise must send pupils to distant programs.
Applicant representative Valerie (Dominion staff) told the commission the academy has operated other programs and receives regional referrals: “In 2024 we had 23 referrals from this area for students that were in need of a private day education,” she said. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the school operate in accordance with the submitted general development plan and that the applicant meet all applicable state and local licensing and building requirements. The commission approved the special‑use permit recommendation by a 7‑0 vote and directed staff to forward the recommendation and record to City Council for final action.
The academy is licensed through the Virginia Department of Education and holds accreditation through the Virginia Association of Independent Special Education Facilities and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, information staff included in its review. The school’s stated goals are to deliver specialized instruction, reduce travel times for families and provide wraparound supports and employment in the education and therapy field in the city.
Next steps: staff will transmit the planning commission’s recommendation and the hearing record to City Council for a final decision on the special‑use permit.
