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Planning commission approves Mechanicsville Mini Storage permit with conditions limiting vehicle displays and requiring site improvements
Summary
The Hanover County Planning Commission approved CUP2024-00023 to allow used-vehicle sales on a 0.37-acre Mechanicsville Turnpike lot, imposing conditions including a 32-vehicle display limit, a 6-foot vinyl fence, landscaping, prohibited outdoor speakers/attention-getting devices, and deadlines for site plan and improvements.
The Hanover County Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use permit (CUP2024-00023) allowing used-vehicle sales at Mechanicsville Mini Storage LLC, located on Mechanicsville Turnpike, with a set of staff-recommended conditions intended to limit impacts on the surrounding business district.
Staff planner Gretchen Biernat outlined the proposal and the revised sketch plan, saying the 0.37-acre parcel is zoned B-3 (general business). The plan limits displayed vehicles to no more than 32 at any time, requires a six-foot white vinyl fence along the rear property line, and calls for specified landscaping (including Nellie Stevens hollies along the eastern property line). Staff said the use currently violates zoning due to vehicle storage; approval of the CUP and an approved site plan with completed improvements is required before any sales or storage may occur.
Other conditions require removal of non-accessory stored items by the end of the calendar year, no outside speaker systems or attention-getting devices (exposed bulbs, pennants, tents, spotlights), submission of a site plan within 60 days of CUP approval, and completion of all site improvements (landscaping and fencing) within 90 days of site-plan approval or within eight months of CUP approval, whichever is sooner. Staff also specified that the driveway must be paved with an approved all-weather material within two years of CUP approval. The staff report estimated the site would generate about 31 vehicle trips per day and roughly 4.25 trips during the peak hour.
Applicant representative Scott Courtney said the applicant had worked with staff on revisions up to the meeting and agreed to the conditions. Commissioners asked for clarification on which existing storage buildings would remain and which must be removed; Courtney said structures accessory to the car-sales use may remain but non-accessory buildings must be removed.
Commissioner Heizer moved to approve CUP2024-00023 with conditions; Commissioner Parker seconded. The commission approved the motion by voice vote with all members present voting in favor.
The commission’s approval applies the listed conditions; the CUP and the required site-plan and improvements must be completed before vehicle sales or storage resumes under the new use. The applicant must also provide a state license to sell used cars prior to commencing the use.
