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Planning Commission recommends Moses family farm market, food hub with conditions
Summary
The Lunenburg County Planning Commission on March 7 recommended the Board of Supervisors approve a conditional use permit for Jason and Ella Moses to operate a retail store, livestock auction and food hub at 368 KV Road, subject to conditions including building permits, health and safety compliance, parking limits and a two‑year deadline to obtain a commercial kitchen permit.
The Lunenburg County Planning Commission on March 7 unanimously recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a conditional use permit allowing Jason and Ella Moses to operate a retail store and accessory uses — including a livestock auction, flea market and a food service/food‑hub — on a 3.528‑acre parcel at 368 KV Road in an A‑1 agricultural district.
The applicants told the Commission they intend to revive an existing livestock market and add a store to sell farm essentials and farm‑fresh produce, provide education on healthy foods and homesteading, and operate a greenhouse that would provide jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. "What you see from the road is not all the space," applicant Ella Moses said, noting trees screen additional usable land on the parcel.
Staff and commissioners framed approval around a list of recommended conditions read into the record by Clerk Taylor N. King. Conditions require adherence to fire and uniform building codes, compliance with Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Department of Agriculture rules for food and livestock operations, provision of potable water and on‑site sewage or a sewer connection acceptable to health authorities, and sufficient on‑site parking to prevent roadside parking along Route 40. The permit is limited to the applicants and does not run with the land. The Commission added an amendment allowing porta‑johns to be cleaned "as needed." A building permit for the store/commercial kitchen must be obtained within two years of CUP approval or the applicants must reapply for a new CUP for that use.
Commissioners said they support the project while stressing the need for clear conditions to avoid future expansion or traffic issues. Commissioner Thompson moved to recommend approval with the amendment; Commissioner Drummond seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The recommendation now goes to the Board of Supervisors for final action. The Planning Commission also directed adherence to applicable VDOT commercial entrance standards and annual reporting to the Commissioner of the Revenue.
Actions and next steps: The Board of Supervisors will consider the Planning Commission's recommendation at a future meeting; the applicants must secure necessary building permits and state licensure before commencing food service or other regulated activities.