Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Permit Revocation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board declines to revoke special permit for Lee District farm after neighbors and farmers testify
Summary
After receiving complaints and an enforcement update, the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors declined Sept. 11 to revoke the special permit for Luis Paso Fino Farm (SPPT25024530). Community Development said violations had been investigated and mostly remedied; the board asked staff to continue monitoring the operation.
The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors heard a public hearing on whether to revoke special permit SPPT25024530 for Luis Paso Fino Farm in the Lee magisterial district and decided not to revoke the permit on Sept. 11.
County staff outlined the complaint history: neighbors alleged the operator had run a second, unauthorized business and had not complied with permit conditions (including delivery hours and logkeeping). Staff said investigations found evidence of a secondary business early in the complaint process but that the property owner subsequently told Community Development the secondary business was no longer operating and had provided required logs. Staff issued notices of violation, met with the owners repeatedly, and said remaining issues appeared to be addressed.
A string of public speakers — including bordering landowners, customers and local equine professionals — urged the board not to punish a small farm business. Supporters said the bedding business provides high‑quality materials used by local horse owners and that deliveries often need to occur early or late to match barn schedules. Mark Marturek (speaker introduced in the hearing) described the complainant as a habitual complainer and said the Weese family keeps their property in good condition. Equine veterinarian Helen Poland and other speakers said the bedding supplier supports local stables and that restricting deliveries would harm horse care.
The board discussed the distinction between permitted delivery hours and general farm vehicle use, and members noted the owner had made adjustments after staff outreach. Several supervisors said they preferred to let Community Development continue monitoring rather than pursue revocation; they urged neighbors to communicate directly when issues arise. No revocation motion passed; Community Development will continue enforcement and monitoring.
Next steps: Community Development will continue to monitor compliance with the special permit conditions and follow up on any new violations. The board reserved the right to revisit revocation if problems recur.
