The Board of Supervisors on Jan. 8 postponed a decision on proposed ordinance language to permit 'sun shelters' or roofed canopies on private docks after a lengthy public hearing and board discussion.

The planning commission had recommended approval, but multiple supervisors and members of the public raised concerns about noise reflection over water, visual clutter in waterways, parity with existing rules on boathouses and docks, and the potential for increased electronic equipment and speakers on waterways. One supervisor urged the board to consult the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) and to review how neighboring counties have handled similar requests; staff said King George and Essex counties allow similar shelters while Lancaster County had declined to permit them.

Planning staff told the board that the proposed language would allow administratively approved installations when there are no objections from nearby property owners, and require a conditional-use process if neighbors objected. Several supervisors asked staff to bring a VMRC representative or neighboring-county official to the next meeting to provide additional context. The board voted to postpone consideration to the next month and requested supplemental information.

Next steps: staff will reach out to VMRC and neighboring counties for guidance and return with comparative practice and any suggested ordinance tweaks at the next meeting.