Cumberland planning panel approves rezoning for 5 Old Buffham Road with VDOT entrance condition

The Cumberland County Planning Commission voted to approve rezoning request RZ-24-01 (Dowdy/Daviot Halls) for 3.249 acres at 5 Old Buffham Road, changing the parcel from R-2 residential to B-1 business with a stipulation that any commercial entrance improvements meet VDOT requirements at the time of site-plan review. Stephanie Johnson, the county planning director, presented the application and said the owners, heirs of the former occupants, plan to demolish the existing house "after the rezoning is approved."

Johnson said the parcel sits at the corner of Route 13 and Route 60, just outside the Cumberland Courthouse Village Center on the county's December 2023 comprehensive plan map, and that adjoining parcels to the east and west are already zoned B-1. She noted the site lies within the county's mandatory public water and sewer connection area but that the standing house currently uses a private well and septic system. Johnson added that "the existing entrance on Route 60 does not meet the commercial entrance requirements" and that "the extent of improvements to the entrance and any turn lanes needed will be addressed by VDOT at the submission of a site plan for development."

The motion to approve the rezoning included language to ensure entrance and capacity requirements follow VDOT determinations. The motion was moved by Commissioner Steve Donahue; a second was requested by the chair but not identified in the record. Commissioners who verbally registered support included Matt Seal, Steve Donahue, Hubert Allen, Steve Rosen, Gary Donahue and William Clippen. The transcript records these commissioners responding "Yes" during the roll call.

A nearby resident, David Lance, addressed the commission during public comment to urge caution, saying the "biggest reason is due to an issue of noise" and recounting a prior rezoning (around 2012–2013) where neighbors later experienced persistent noise and property damage. Lance said residents have had mailboxes and fencing damaged and at least one neighbor is moving because of impacts. His remarks were presented as concerns to be weighed alongside planning factors; no additional mitigation measures beyond the VDOT entrance condition were added on the record.

Planning staff noted no formal traffic study or development plan accompanied the rezoning application, so potential traffic impacts to the corridor remain "unknown" until a site plan is submitted. The survey shown at the hearing was dated January 9, 1970, and the application packet referenced permitted B-1 uses such as childcare, retail, offices and clinics.

Next steps: with the planning commission's approval recorded, the rezoning proceeds in accordance with county procedures; required entrance and site improvements will be addressed at the VDOT/site-plan stage. The planning director offered to accept follow-up questions by email and noted the applicant was not present for the hearing.