Planning commission approves permanent permit for four modular classrooms at Virginia University of Lynchburg

The Lynchburg Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use permit allowing four modular classroom buildings to remain permanently on the Virginia University of Lynchburg campus at 2057 Garfield Avenue.

Planning staff summarized the petition and recommended approval, saying the approximately 6-acre property is shown as institutional on the city's future land-use map while retaining R-3 medium-density residential zoning. "The classrooms have been in place on a temporary basis since August 2024," planning staff said, adding that, according to the petitioner, the units "did not increase student enrollment" and that impacts on surrounding properties should be limited. Staff also noted the city's technical review committee reviewed the petition on Jan. 6 and that outstanding technical comments would be handled through the site-plan review process.

A representative for the petitioner identified himself as Russell Morrison; another attendee said they were "with Parkinson Morrison." The petitioner's team told commissioners that required stormwater improvements are documented on the project cover sheet and would be brought up to current standards during the site-plan stage. In response to a commissioner question about future development, the petitioner's representative said the proposed stormwater design is sized for the four modular units and adjacent sidewalks and would not necessarily accommodate larger future campus configurations without additional work.

Commissioners discussed the mismatch between the future land-use map and the current zoning, and planning staff said the university previously considered an institutional rezoning but withdrew that petition and has relied on conditional use permits while campus planning continues. Commissioners who visited the site described the modular buildings as roughly five years old and "present well," and expressed concern only about codifying dilapidated structures; one commissioner said they inspected the units and found them to be maintained.

A motion to approve the CUP and the accompanying site-plan modification was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote. Chair (Speaker 1) called for the vote and stated, "Passes unanimously." The commission did not record individual vote tallies in the transcript.

The petitioner was thanked and encouraged to present the council-level item before the City Council. The commission also discussed upcoming agenda items, including a draft data-center ordinance and a downtown retail zoning update, and raised the possibility of a future discussion on affordable and accessible housing.

The commission adjourned following the decision; an officer-election item was postponed until the commission reaches full membership.