The Winchester City Planning Commission on Nov. 5 reviewed a CUP application (C.U.P. 25235) from Steven Petler representing Lanzetta Properties LLC to operate automobile and truck sales and accessory installation at 2500 Valley Avenue (the former BB&T/Truist branch) in the Cedar Valley Neighborhood Design District (NDD).

Staff described the property as a highly visible banking-turned-vacant site with a drive-thru that could be adapted into service bays. New auto sales uses in the NDD core are conditional because they conflict with the NDD's mixed-use redevelopment goals (buildings close to the street, reduced surface parking). Staff noted the site has mature landscaping that screens the parking area and that nearby car dealerships exist outside or at the edge of the NDD core.

Applicant representative Steve Petler said the property sale contract predated the NDD implementation and argued the proposal is an adaptive reuse and transitional use appropriate for the parcel. He noted a pending Board of Zoning Appeals case addressing whether the site might be grandfathered for auto sales; Petler said the applicant prefers to secure a CUP rather than litigate.

Commissioners questioned whether the existing building meets NDD form standards (minimum height, setbacks), discussed parking-count requirements under NDD rules, asked for conditions to prohibit parking on landscaped islands, and raised monument-sign and streetscape expectations. Commissioners also suggested time-based or use-continuity conditions (e.g., CUP expiration if the use ceases for a specified period) as ways to protect long-term redevelopment goals.

No final vote was taken. Staff and applicant indicated willingness to craft conditions that address landscaping, signage and parking; the item will appear on the regular meeting agenda with a recommended form packet and potential conditions for the commission's formal consideration.