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Planning panel forwards Harris Home Improvements special permit to supervisors, 3‑2
Summary
The commission voted 3‑2 to recommend a Category 2 major home occupation permit allowing Harris Home Improvements to operate from a Miles Lane property with conditions limiting employees, vehicles, screening and access; neighbors raised enforcement and access concerns and staff said an open code case exists.
The Fauquier County Planning Commission voted 3‑2 Sept. 19 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve a Category 2 special permit allowing Harris Home Improvements to operate a small contracting (HVAC) business from 6103 Miles Lane in the Cedar Run District, subject to conditions.
Staff described the application as an expansion from a minor home occupation to a major home occupation. The proposal allows up to five on‑site employees (including up to two nonresident employees), storage of up to five business vehicles or pieces of equipment overnight, and hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with weekend emergency service as needed. Staff recommended conditions limiting employees and vehicles, requiring screening and prohibiting storage within a Dominion easement; an alternate set of conditions would require access only from the existing residential driveway and removal and revegetation of the gravel access in the utility easement.
Applicant Sandra Harris told the commission the family built the gravel access partly to allow Dominion (utility) maintenance and said the proposed conditions generally work for them. Neighbors including Erin Strobas and attorney Greg Ashwell objected, citing noise, traffic, an ongoing code enforcement case for the existing minor home occupation and the use of a gravel access within a Dominion easement. Staff confirmed an open code case and said coming into compliance would close that case.
Commissioners debated enforceability of vehicle and subcontractor limits and whether the location is appropriate for business growth. After discussion, a motion to recommend approval with modified (alternate) conditions carried 3‑2. The matter will go to the Board of Supervisors for final action.
