Planning Commission recommends proffer amendment to allow accessory automotive sales at 5050 Prince George Drive

Chairman Bresco opened and the Prince George County Planning Commission on May 22 voted to forward rezoning/proffer amendment RZ-25-2 to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation for approval. The amendment would modify conditions attached to a prior M-2 rezoning for a 3.74-acre property at 5050 Prince George Drive to permit automotive sales as an accessory use to the site’s existing contractor and metal roofing fabrication operations.

Staff presented the request and said the parcel is currently zoned M-2 and is designated for industrial uses on the county’s comprehensive plan. The proffered amendment includes a list of additional permitted and prohibited uses, and it adds screening and buffering standards and specific rules for automotive sales as an accessory use. Planning staff recommended acceptance of the proffers, concluding the proposed changes are consistent with the comprehensive plan and surrounding zoning and land uses. The presentation noted that VDOT had no objection and that any structural alterations would have to comply with the Virginia State Building Code, per the county building official.

Applicant and property owner Mark Mueller attended the hearing and answered questions from the commission about on-site vehicle inventory. Mueller said, “I mean, I think Tim and I discussed 20 or less. No more than 9. Be a reasonable number.” No members of the public spoke during the advertised public hearing, and no written comments had been submitted before the meeting, staff said.

After closing the public hearing, a commissioner moved to forward RZ-25-2 to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation for approval; the motion carried on a roll call with the following recorded votes: Mr. Bresco — yes; Miss Anderson — yes; Miss Coneppa — yes; Mr. McDonough — yes; Mr. Howe — yes. The Planning Commission vote is advisory; the Board of Supervisors will hold a separate public hearing and make the final decision. Staff indicated the case is expected to go before the Board the next month.

The commission’s packet and staff presentation identify the property, the proposed proffers, and the technical comments from affected departments. Any future building changes on the site will require compliance with the state building code and local permitting processes.