Supervisors approve special-exception for closed-door sterile compounding pharmacy on Lee Highway

Washington County supervisors voted unanimously to approve a special-exception permit allowing a closed-door sterile compounding pharmacy and office at 16235 Lee Highway in the Wilson Magisterial District.

Mr. Richardson introduced the application on behalf of Allison Page Stout, identifying the parcel (tax map 143A2-a-15) and noting the planning commission’s unanimous recommendation to grant the exception with five conditions that bar explosives, marijuana/CBD products, hazardous chemicals, chemotherapy agents and direct retail sales. The facility is proposed as two prefabricated structures: a sterile compounding pod and an attached office.

Kevin Smith, who said he will oversee the operation and serve as pharmacist in charge, showed a video of the modular “pod” facility and told supervisors the site will be a closed-door operation with about 12 employees, three-phase power, key-card access, 24-hour exterior and interior cameras and LED lighting. Smith said medications would be handled by a third-party courier rather than dispensed to walk-in customers.

Supervisors asked about what would remain tied to the property if ownership changed; planning staff said the special-exception conditions stay with the permit and any change in use or expansion would require return to the board for review. Supervisor Ball moved to approve the permit with the planning commission’s conditions and an additional requirement that exterior lighting be downcast to limit impacts on nearby residences. The motion was seconded and approved by the board.

The approval permits a closed-door sterile compounding operation only; no retail dispensing onsite was approved. The next procedural steps are to file the permit paperwork and ensure the permit conditions are met as the project proceeds.