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Hanover planners recommend approval for Wag Haven rezoning to allow veteran veterinary clinic
Summary
At its August meeting, the Hanover County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of REZ2025-00006 (Wag Haven LLC) to allow a 6,322 sq ft veteran veterinary clinic on a 2.95-acre site, subject to 15 proffers including traffic improvements proffered to satisfy VDOT.
The Hanover County Planning Commission on its August agenda recommended approval of rezoning case REZ2025-00006, clearing the way for a proposed veteran veterinary clinic on a 2.95-acre parcel at the intersection of West Haven Drive and Mechanicsville Turnpike.
Staff told commissioners the property is currently zoned B-1 (neighborhood business) with prior proffers from a 1992 rezoning that limited structures to 3,000 square feet. The applicant proposed a new building of 6,322 square feet while retaining an existing on-site art gallery; staff said the proposal requires an amendment to the proffers to permit the larger veterinary facility.
The staff presentation listed 15 revised proffers covering site layout, permitted uses and controls. Among the commitments: a prohibition on drive-through banks; hours of operation limited to 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closure of the existing access on Mechanicsville Turnpike before issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the new building; right-of-way dedication along Mechanicsville Turnpike; parking-lot and mechanical-equipment screening; monument signage; exterior lighting capped at 20 feet; and connection to public utilities. Staff also reported they would preserve trees where feasible and provide an enhanced thoroughfare buffer and other landscaping provisions.
Staff told the commission that the applicant’s traffic study projects about 270 vehicle trips per day and roughly 33 vehicles during the PM peak hour. Staff said the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) required an access management exception for a proposed entrance on West Haven Drive and stated it would support the exception only if a right-turn lane on Route 360 (Mechanicsville Turnpike) and a right-turn taper on West Haven Drive are constructed; the applicant has submitted the exception and proffered to install those improvements.
During a June community meeting, neighbors raised concerns about access from Mechanicsville Turnpike, potential barking and animals being boarded on the site. Staff said the applicant proffered that all construction traffic and long‑term access would be from West Haven Drive and indicated that no dogs would be kept outside and no animal boarding is anticipated.
A local speaker, Scottie Stiff, asked whether the wooded area behind the art gallery could be included in the tree‑preservation proffer, saying the green space is used by staff at his business as a place to take breaks. The applicant said they would discuss that potential addition with a business partner.
After discussion, Commissioner Martin moved that the commission recommend approval of REZ2025-00006 with proffers dated 08/01/2025; Commissioner Iverson seconded. The commission voted unanimously in favor with no recorded opposition.
The commission’s recommendation advances the application to the next step in the county’s review process; staff remain the source of the record details and proffer commitments. The record shows the Historical Commission reviewed nearby Civil War resources and determined the project would have no impact on mapped or surveyed sites.
Next procedural steps include the county’s formal public-notice and review processes before any board decision on final rezoning action.
