Commission recommends mini-storage rezoning on Lighthouse Drive; VDOT requested turn‑lane analysis

The Campbell County Planning Commission recommended approval of PL-25-124, a rezoning request to allow construction of a mini-storage facility on a parcel along Lighthouse Drive (identified in hearing materials as Map 12A/9781).

Norman Walton, representing the developer and property owner, said the project would include storage buildings and a small on-site office requiring water and sewer service. Walton said mini-storage typically generates low traffic and that the project would likely use building-mounted, down‑shielded lighting rather than high poles. He said the backs of buildings are planned to face Lighthouse Drive and that the site layout provides a triangular area that could be used for stormwater detention and buffering between the facility and adjacent townhouse development.

Planning staff told the commission the parcel is in an area designated high-density residential but adjoins Lynchburg's low-density residential area and other businesses. Staff said the property would be served by public water and sewer and that the Planning and Environmental Commission (PEC) recommended approval with minor comments; as of the hearing staff had not received comments from the city of Lynchburg. The Virginia Department of Transportation requested a turn-lane analysis for access to the site.

Commissioners asked about lighting, buffers and stormwater. Walton said the design would follow county ordinance requirements for buffers where the site adjoins residential property and that the project team was evaluating above- versus below‑ground stormwater detention.

A commissioner who had attended the PEC meeting moved to approve PL-25-124 and the motion was seconded; the commission voted to recommend rezoning to the Board of Supervisors. Staff will forward the recommendation and permit‑application steps; a VDOT turn‑lane analysis and final site engineering remain outstanding items prior to development approvals.