Commission previews two zoning text amendments: new self‑storage use and code enforcement language to align with state law

Dinwiddie County staff presented two proposed zoning text amendments at the Jan. 8 planning commission meeting: (1) a draft ordinance to add a defined use titled “self storage facility” and (2) an edit to county code enforcement language to align the code with state law so courts may abate zoning violations.

Staff said the proposed self‑storage definition would describe a building or group of buildings divided into rentable compartments for storage, with activity inside individual units limited to storage. The draft proposes the self‑storage use be permitted by conditional use permit (CUP) in certain commercial and industrial districts; staff noted the proposed treatment was CUP in M‑1 (and discussion indicated M‑2 would be handled consistently) to give the local review process discretion over design and materials. Staff said construction materials and design details would be addressed through the CUP review.

On a separate amendment, staff described a change to county code section 20‑219 (zoning enforcement language) to align it with the Virginia Code after a recent court matter revealed a mismatch. Staff said the proposed language mirrors the state code and clarifies that courts may order abatement of zoning violations; the discussion noted that the Virginia Code also sets fine limits (staff cited the state language that allows fines of not more than $1,000 in relevant provisions). Staff asked the commission if it was comfortable moving both drafts forward; commissioners agreed and staff said the amendments will be advertised for public hearing at the February meeting.

No vote on final text occurred; staff indicated both items will be advertised and brought back for public hearing and formal action.