Board approves conditional use permit for Red Oak Excavating material yard, omits solar-panel storage condition

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors approved a conditional use permit for Red Oak Excavating to operate an open-material storage yard at 5192 Barnesville Highway in Red Oak.

Staff reported the property is jointly owned by Red Oak Excavating and Mary Ellen Hall, located in the county’s general agricultural district. The project will occupy about 20.33 acres of a 56-acre site (parcel references shown in the staff report) and would include a fenced open material storage yard and vehicle parking. No buildings are planned at this time. Dominion Energy intends to lease the site during a transmission-line project; Red Oak Excavating would retain ownership after the lease for other uses.

Planning staff said the planning commission recommended approval with four standard conditions but removed a specific recommended condition that had addressed the storage of damaged solar panels. Staff noted the applicant said they do not intend the site for damaged-panel storage but suggested the board consider language similar to that used for solar facilities to protect against future use for that purpose.

The applicant, identified in the record as Mr. Hall, told the board he supported the planning commission’s recommendation. A board member whose district includes the property moved to approve the conditional use permit as presented and specifically asked the board to approve it without the additional suggested condition on solar equipment storage. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Staff said the site meets setback and parking requirements (10 parking spaces planned) and access will use the existing 45-foot commercial entrance on the property. The permit remains subject to county zoning regulations and site-plan compliance; county officials retain the right to access the property for compliance checks and can revoke the permit for infractions.