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Marine Resources Commission approves Schultz pier and boathouse at 659 Villa Road over neighbor objection
Summary
The Marine Resources Commission approved a 144-foot private pier with a dual-slip boathouse at 659 Villa Road (Surry County/Claremont area) despite objections from a neighboring owner who said the structure would block her view and pose safety risks; the commission recorded one abstention.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission on Dec. 2 approved a private, dual-slip pier and boathouse at 659 Villa Road in the Town of Claremont after a contested hearing that included testimony from the applicant and an adjacent property owner.
Chief Owen told the commission staff recommends the project with conditions after reviewing prior local approvals and noting the applicant supplied revised drawings to show return walls. The proposal calls for a 144-foot pier with a covered, open-sided dual-slip boathouse; the proposed roof would sit about 17.7 feet above the pier deck.
Applicant Corey Schultz told the commission the family had modified the design to address concerns and said he had been a neighbor for generations: “I know she—s got a safety concern. I get it.” Protestant Barbara Ziner said the boathouse, lifts and associated structures would “block our view, will devalue our property, and that the large boats calling on this pier will be a safety hazard for her friends and family.”
Commissioners questioned staff and the applicant about property lines, the town—s treatment of quitclaims, the pier—s placement and whether adjacent piers already have similar features. Associate member White moved to approve the permit as submitted; associate member Erskine seconded. One commissioner, identified in the record as Hand, abstained; the chair announced the motion carried with no recorded opposing votes.
The commission—s action authorizes the pier and boathouse permit as presented; staff had emphasized that required, revised drawings showing return walls must be submitted before the permit is released. The commission did not attach additional conditions limiting the structure—s dimensions beyond what was shown in the submitted drawings.
The matter was heard while VMRC was acting as the default local wetlands board for Essex County in a separate agenda item; staff noted the earlier county wetlands approval had expired and that VMRC review was therefore required. The applicant may proceed with permit finalization once required revised drawings are accepted by staff.
The commission thanked those who testified for remaining civil during the hearing. No further appeals or next procedural steps were announced on the record.
