Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Inpatient Sud topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Harrisonburg planning commission backs special‑use review for inpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities
Summary
Ton Dang, deputy director of Community Development, presented a staff‑proposed amendment to add and define “inpatient substance use disorder treatment facility” and to make the use subject to special‑use permit review in R‑3 and B‑2 districts.
Ton Dang, deputy director of Community Development, presented a staff‑proposed zoning ordinance amendment to add a definition for “inpatient substance use disorder treatment facility” and to make that use allowable only by special‑use permit in the R‑3 (medium‑density residential) and B‑2 (general business) districts.
Dang told the Planning Commission that the change responds to state procedural requirements and local concerns: “We learned that the Code of Virginia requires that Planning Commission first take an action, or make a motion rather to, direct staff to initiate making zoning ordinance amendments,” and staff recommends the change so each proposed inpatient facility “could be evaluated on a case by case basis.” Dang also told the commission that staff is not aware of any inpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities currently operating in Harrisonburg but that a building permit was submitted in September for a property zoned R‑3.
During deliberations Vice Chair Porter said she supports having inpatient treatment capacity in the community but urged caution about on‑site operations near residences, stressing “operational security and discharge protocols” as concerns that should be addressed if a facility applies under a special‑use review. Commissioner Kettler moved to approve the request as presented by staff; Commissioner Sites seconded. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward a favorable recommendation to City Council, which will consider the item on Nov. 25. If Council votes to approve on first reading, staff told the commission the second reading is expected on Dec. 10.
The staff presentation noted that, until any City Council ordinance change takes effect, an applicant who receives a building permit under the current ordinance could acquire vested rights and potentially become a lawfully nonconforming use if the ordinance is later amended.
What happens next: The Planning Commission’s favorable recommendation goes to City Council on Nov. 25. City Council’s vote on first reading would set a potential second reading on Dec. 10; if Council adopts the amendment, future inpatient treatment facilities in the affected districts would require a special‑use permit and public review.
Sources: presentation and discussion at the Planning Commission meeting; staff report and roll‑call vote.
