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Planning commission backs private‑road waiver for Clearbrook storage/rail project
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a waiver allowing private internal access for a proposed rail‑served storage site off Route 11 near Clearbrook. VDOT reviewed the plan and did not object to a private roadway for the site; the commission will forward an approval recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
The Frederick County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a waiver requested by Storage Solutions to allow creation of lots that will use a private internal drive rather than direct access to a VDOT‑maintained public street.
Staff described the 27.12‑acre M‑1 zoned site east of Martinsburg Pike (Route 11) near the Winchester and Western Railroad and explained that the applicant proposes a rail trans‑load area and railcar storage in addition to truck and car access. The site plan shows a restricted right‑in only from Route 11 near the railroad and a full‑access driveway on Bruce Town Road; the island of private drives and internal access would serve the lot layout.
Under the subdivision ordinance, lots must generally have direct access to a public street. The county code allows a waiver where unusual hardship or practical constraints exist. Staff told commissioners that VDOT had reviewed the draft master development plan and had no objection to the proposed private roadway layout as long as the Bruce Town Road entrance meets current VDOT entrance standards.
Applicant representative Tim Painter said the private driveway approach is standard for sites that serve a small number of users—here, two users and three lots—and that the design improves site operations and limits through traffic. Painter said the entrance improvements and stormwater work would meet applicable standards.
After brief commissioner discussion, the commission voted to recommend approval; staff will forward the recommendation and the site materials to the Board of Supervisors for its June 11 meeting.
