Council approves zoning changes and a special use permit to allow temporary buildings for transit facility work

Williamsburg City Council approved two related land‑use actions to allow temporary buildings to support construction at a transit maintenance facility. Planning staff explained that PCR 24‑030 would add temporary buildings and associated structures to the list of uses requiring a special use permit in the limited industrial district for up to two years unless council approves otherwise. Staff said the change is compatible with the comprehensive plan and applies to two parcels in the limited industrial district, including the WADA property at 7239 Pocahontas Trail.

Following the text amendment, WADA requested PCR 24‑031, a site-specific special use permit to place temporary buildings on the 13.38‑acre WADA parcel to facilitate continued operations and to improve contractor interest in bidding by allowing workers to be located outside active construction areas. Staff reviewed the six special‑use criteria, concluded the proposal meets them, and noted the planning commission recommended approval.

No members of the public spoke during the hearings. After brief council discussion about visibility from Route 60 and procurement/bid considerations, council moved and voted to approve both the text amendment (PCR 24‑030) and the special use permit (PCR 24‑031). The approvals allow temporary structures for construction and tie utility use to existing service; council directed that such placements be reviewed under the special‑use process and conform to site/landscape standards.

Next steps for WADA are to follow the approved special‑use permitting and any site plan conditions already reviewed by the planning commission.