Page County schedules March public hearing for Golden Rock rappelling permit

The Page County Planning Commission on Monday voted to schedule a March 10 public hearing on a special‑use permit (SUP) filed by Checkers LLC and Downriver Adventure Company to operate guided rappelling trips at Golden Rock Campground on U.S. Highway 340 North in Rileyville.

Planning staff presented the application and draft conditions, noting the parcel (tax map 8A103) is largely located in the FEMA 100‑year floodplain, is within the agricultural protection tier of the comprehensive plan and is a nonconforming campground. Staff said VDOT had no traffic objections because trips will use the applicant’s existing shuttle transport, and the health department indicated portable toilets are acceptable for a campground of this scale. The commission voted to set the public hearing after a motion was made and seconded and a roll‑call vote recorded five yes votes.

Why it matters: The proposal would add scheduled, guided rappelling sessions to the campground’s existing river‑based offerings. Commissioners framed the issue as one of public safety and land‑use compatibility — pressing staff and the applicant for specific permit conditions that would reduce liability and unauthorized access risks.

Applicant and staff details Mark Harris, representing Downriver Adventure Company (d/b/a Downriver Canoe Company), described plans for seasonal (April–October) guided rappelling sessions limited to groups of up to 15 participants and lasting about two to four hours. Harris said operations would be coordinated with the landowner (Checkers LLC), that trips would be prebooked and that shuttle parking would be staged at the company’s Bentonville headquarters. "We control access and it's posted," Harris told commissioners, adding the operation will post signage, install cameras and monitor the area to discourage trespass.

Staff emphasized several standard preconditions: third‑party inspection of any rope/anchoring equipment (the building official will require an approved third‑party inspection), a requirement for proof of liability insurance on file with the county, and that any health‑department requirements (including approved sewage or portable facilities) must be satisfied before operation.

Key points raised by commissioners - Certification and oversight: Commissioners asked whether state or federal certifications apply to rappelling. Harris said there is no single state or federal certification for the activity; federal land managers (e.g., US Forest Service) may require permits and operations plans where activities occur on federal lands. - Inspections and insurance: Staff and commissioners insisted the permit include non‑exhaustive language requiring inspection of all equipment used ("including, but not limited to…") and a condition that current proof of liability insurance be maintained on file. Harris confirmed the operation carries a $2,000,000 primary policy with a $5,000,000 umbrella and said insurance requirements drive instructor certification and equipment testing. - Lease and operator entity: Commissioners required the applicant to submit a current copy of the lease with the landowner (and any future amended leases) for the county file; staff will make lease documentation a condition. Harris confirmed Downriver Adventure Company LLC is the lessee and will be the named insured. - Access and trespass: Commissioners asked how the applicant would deter unauthorized climbers arriving by river. Harris said site access is gated and trips are accompanied at all times; he said signage and cameras will be used to reduce illegal access but acknowledged the county cannot prevent people accessing cliffs from the river upstream or downstream.

Next steps and who will decide The commission voted to schedule the public hearing for March 10; staff will work with the applicant to finalize draft permit conditions, including language specifying inspection, insurance and lease documentation requirements. The hearing will give neighbors and other agencies an opportunity to comment before the commission makes a final decision.

Documents and authority Planning staff cited Page County zoning ordinance provisions governing commercial outdoor recreation areas and noted VDOT, the county building official and the health department provided input to be addressed as permit conditions.

Ending The public hearing on the Golden Rock rappelling SUP is set for March 10; staff will return recommended final conditions to the commission beforehand.