Board directs re-advertising and planning‑commission review for storage‑facility amendment after applicant request

A planned amendment to a previously approved special exception for a self‑storage facility was deferred after county counsel advised that changes to a special exception require a public hearing process and planning commission review.

Applicant representatives said the requested change was minor — an increase from 14‑foot to roughly 16‑foot wide units — and asked for swift administrative processing. The applicant said units and gravel pads are in place and that project delays had caused rust and financial loss. The applicant requested expedited treatment.

County attorney and legal counsel advised that, under Virginia law and county procedures, an amendment to a special exception must follow the same public‑hearing process as the original approval unless the zoning administrator formally determines the change is a minor modification. Given uncertainty, the county recommended re‑advertising the change, routing it to the planning commission, and returning to the Board for final action. Board members discussed the procedural balance between administrative efficiency and preserving formal public‑hearing rights and directed staff to re‑advertise; staff said they would attempt to expedite scheduling and waive applicant fees where permitted.

Ending: Staff will re‑advertise the requested amendment, send it to the planning commission for review and return to the board at a future meeting; the applicant was told staff would try to expedite the process and consider fee waivers.