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Board OKs 'rural resort center' zoning definition with acreage and lodging limits
Summary
Warren County approved a text amendment creating a 'rural resort center' land use (15-acre minimum) with density, setback and occupancy guidance; the applicant said she plans to use an 18-acre site near Skyline Caverns for overflow lodging and events.
The Warren County Board of Supervisors voted Sept. 3 to add a "rural resort center" land-use category to Chapter 180 of the county zoning code, creating a path for properties of 15 acres or larger to host temporary lodging and complementary recreational activities under a conditional-use permit.
Planning staff explained the draft definition and supplementary regulations, which include a 15-acre minimum parcel size, a 100-foot building setback from adjacent property lines, limits on lodging-unit density (no more than 25 units on 15–30 acre lots and no more than 50 units on parcels over 30 acres), proximity standards (20-foot separation between lodging units), and lodging-unit size limits of roughly 250 to 1,000 square feet. The draft also allows the board to restrict permanent restaurant facilities on parcels under a specified size and retains a CUP process to set maximum occupancy and site-specific conditions.
Applicant Jennifer Winn told the board she has an 18-acre parcel in mind adjacent to Skyline Caverns and expects the resort center to provide overflow lodging and event space complementary to a Riverside hotel property she manages on the opposite side of John Marshall Highway. Winn confirmed the site would address access and VDOT concerns at the CUP/site-plan stage.
After questions about the 15-acre threshold and whether waivers or tax-amendment routes would be available, a supervisor moved that the board find the amendment appropriate for public necessity, convenience and general welfare. The motion passed by roll call vote; the amendment will be incorporated into county code and prospective applicants would pursue conditional-use permits and any required site-specific approvals.
