Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Rezoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission forwards used-car dealership rezoning for Richmond Road parcels to Board
Summary
The planning commission recommended rezoning two parcels on Richmond Road (addresses 3240 and 3224) from A‑1 to B‑1 to allow a used‑car dealership relocation; staff noted the parcels were bought in Feb. 2025 and that a VDOT SmartScale highway project will affect parking and required turning lanes.
The Richmond County Planning Commission voted to forward a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to rezone two adjacent parcels on Richmond Road (tax IDs 15A‑110 and 15A‑111; addresses in the packet listed as 3240 and 3224 Richmond Road) from Agricultural General (A‑1) to Business General (B‑1) to permit a used‑car dealership relocation for applicant Hafezula Wafa.
Staff presented the application and noted the applicant purchased the parcels in February 2025. Staff said the planned highway restructure under a VDOT SmartScale project will substantially change the current parking configuration on Richmond Road, and that approval would be conditional on a finalized site plan, required permits, and identification of primary/reserved greenfield areas. "If approved for B‑1 zoning, [the applicant] will continue with plans of a car dealership meeting all local requirements," the staff presenter said.
The applicant (Speaker 7) said they would merge the two parcels and position the office and building according to engineering guidance, and committed to installing required turning lanes and lighting if the county or VDOT requires them. On timing, the applicant said they would submit site‑plan materials and begin studies as soon as they receive county approval.
Commissioners asked about turning‑lane requirements, night lighting and neighbor impacts; the applicant said lighting would be directional and placed "on the top of the building" to show cars at night and that they would comply with any required road improvements. There was no public opposition recorded on the transcript.
The commission moved and approved forwarding the recommendation to the Board of Supervisors by voice vote. Staff will brief the Board and the Board will hold a public hearing and make the final decision.
Clarifying details: the staff notice and applicant’s spoken name appear with multiple spellings in the transcript (Hafezula Wafa / Wafaa / Waka); the record identifies the parcels and notes the VDOT SmartScale project as a material factor affecting parking and access.
