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Council approves special‑use permit allowing Settlers from Mars to expand cider production at 110 S. Lewis
Summary
Staunton approved a special‑use permit for cider production at 110 South Lewis Street, allowing Settlers from Mars to move bulk production to the site; council clarified the production area will be about 2,200 sq. ft. and conditions require building permits and historic‑district approvals for exterior changes.
Staunton — The council approved a special‑use permit for cider processing and manufacturing at 110 South Lewis Street, allowing Settlers from Mars to relocate bulk production to the location while keeping a tasting room across the street.
Planning manager Tim Hartless told the council the property is in a B‑2 General Business district and that the proposed industrial production use is permitted only by special permit. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions including a building permit to change the use group, compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, and a requirement that any exterior alterations or signage in the Newtown Historic District receive a certificate of appropriateness.
Representatives from Settlers from Mars (Jeremy Whitby and Nikki West) and property owner BCS Holdings (Seth Lisky) described the need to expand production to meet wholesale demand. Whitby clarified that the main production area is larger than the 1,808 sq. ft. shown in the packet and the council adjusted the approved production footprint to about 2,200 sq. ft. as part of the motion.
Council adopted the resolution and approved the special‑use permit with the updated square footage and standard building‑permit and historic‑district conditions. Staff said any future expansion of the processing area would require a new special‑use permit.
