Buckingham Planning Commission schedules public hearing for Herndon campground application

The Buckingham County Planning Commission voted to schedule a public hearing on Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. for case 25SUP360, an application by Hunter Herndon to operate a campground with about 14 to 20 RV sites on a 57.11-acre A-1 parcel on South Constitution Route in the Slate River District.

The request is for a special-use permit to operate an RV campground on Tax Map 16, Parcel 37. Staff noted the application is otherwise complete but that Brian Locker’s traffic-impact analysis comments state the proposed entrance does not meet requirements because the property lacks road frontage and uses an easement for access. Commissioners discussed whether the access issue can be resolved before a hearing and noted the commission has authority to table a hearing if VDOT has not qualified the access.

Alan Herndon, representing applicant Hunter Herndon (owner listed as Hunter Herndon, 2618 Lone Oak Farm, Esmont), told the commission the 57.11-acre parcel could support the campground and that he and the family have identified multiple septic sites and may install multiple wells. He said they have completed soil work at three potential septic locations and are working with the property owner (referred to in the record as Ali) to secure access. "I wanna build something nice back here. I don't want... no concerts, nothing like that. I just wanna have small events," Herndon said.

Commissioners asked for clarification about several draft conditions in staff materials, noting condition 7 as printed appeared to limit the site to four campsites. Planning staff acknowledged that was a typographical error and said condition 7 should read 14 to 20, matching the narrative in the application. Commissioners also discussed a draft condition prohibiting surface effluent from camping unit hoses and whether wording could unintentionally restrict acceptable, permitted septic connections; staff said the intent is to require proper hookups and compliance with applicable federal, state and local health rules for private campgrounds.

The applicant and his representative said they have consulted a soil scientist (identified in the record as Steve Vargo) and contacted the health department (a contact named David Weichle was mentioned). The applicant said he has inspected a preexisting route—referred to in discussion as an old Rock Island Road alignment—and is working with the adjacent landowner to formalize legal access. Commissioners noted that if access is not qualified by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) the commission may choose to table the hearing.

After discussion, a motion to set a public hearing for case 25SUP360 on Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. carried. The motion passed; the transcript does not record an itemized vote tally for that motion.

A public hearing will be held at the commission’s next regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.; the commission may postpone or table the item if the access question is not resolved by VDOT prior to the hearing.