Planning commission recommends conditional rezoning for electrical contractor after applicant expands proffered hours

The Planning Commission recommended City Council approve a conditional rezoning from SF‑6 (single family suburban) to conditional CC (community commercial) for Electric Surges LLC at 1421 Kemptsville Road, a property the applicant plans to convert to an electrical contractor’s office.

City staff described the 0.78‑acre site (former daycare) and said the applicant proffered conditions limiting uses on site to office and contractor’s office and initially offered hours of operation of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Neighbors and commissioners raised questions about vehicle types, early arrival times and weekend activity. Commissioner questions prompted the applicant to revise the proffer during the public hearing.

Bradley Miller, representing Electric Surges, said crews often arrive before 7 a.m. and asked flexibility to access the office earlier some mornings; he described the business as a small local contractor with roughly 10 employees and small trucks and a bucket truck. “We usually get there 6:15, 6:30,” Miller said of crew arrival times, and added that weekend visits occur occasionally. After discussion, Miller proffered revised hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week to cover arrival and incidental access while limiting heavy equipment deliveries; staff and commissioners noted the proffer will be recorded in writing and must be signed by the applicant.

Staff recommended approval subject to proffered conditions and the commission approved the rezoning recommendation by majority vote. Planning staff reminded the applicant that, under the Code of Virginia, an applicant may revise proffers during the public hearing but must sign the revised proffer sheet for the record before the packet goes to City Council.

The commission will forward the recommendation, the applicant’s signed revised proffers and the staff report to City Council for final action.