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Planning commission recommends reauthorization of Riverside Heating and Air contractor shop with outdoor storage
Summary
The York County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a special-use permit reauthorizing Riverside Heating and Air Conditioning’s contractor shop and outdoor storage yard at 8529 George Washington Memorial Highway, subject to conditions including an opaque 8-foot fence, evergreen screening and a 35-foot transitional buffer.
The York County Planning Commission voted to adopt resolution PC25-22 recommending approval of a special-use permit to reauthorize Riverside Heating and Air Conditioning’s contractor shop with outdoor outdoor storage at 8529 George Washington Memorial Highway.
Staff told the commission the application largely repeats conditions from a 2022 permit and adds a new site plan showing a 13,200-square-foot building with office and warehouse space, and a 6,000-square-foot gravel laydown area enclosed by a privacy fence connected to the main structure. Planning staff recommended approval subject to the conditions in resolution PC25-22.
According to staff, the storage yard will sit behind the proposed building, accessed through a 20-foot-wide gate on the building’s left side facing Cockleton Road. The approved site plan shows an 8-foot chain-link fence screened with evergreen plantings to provide visual buffering, and a 35-foot transitional buffer along the northern and western property lines where the site adjoins R-20 residential zoning. Staff also recommended that buffer plantings extend along the property’s full Cockleton Road frontage. "The applicant has also confirmed that no stored materials will extend above the fence line," staff said, and included a condition to enforce that requirement.
Vehicular access will be provided by two driveways meeting Virginia Department of Transportation entrance standards. Staff cited Institute of Transportation Engineers trip-generation data and VDOT 2023 counts, estimating about 82.5 vehicle trips per weekday and saying staff "does not expect any noticeable impacts on traffic in the area." The site plan provides 38 parking spaces, including two Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant spaces, exceeding the minimum 12 spaces required for the combined uses.
Commissioners asked whether the outdoor area would produce noise or on-site production; staff answered, "No. It's just storage." Several commissioners expressed support for the application and for the improved renderings that comply with the Route 17 corridor overlay standards.
After public comment from the applicant, Taylor Rowe, who said he was available to answer questions, Commissioner Brooks moved to adopt resolution PC25-22. The motion passed on roll call. The recommendation will move forward to the Board of Supervisors for final action.
The application record shows the original SUP approval in 2022, an approved site plan dated 04/01/2024, and building permits issued in July (as stated in the planning presentation). Land disturbance for permitted, by-right work has already begun; the SUP request applies only to the outdoor storage yard.
