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Love Over Crisis seeks zoning change to allow emergency temporary housing; public hearing set
Summary
Love Over Crisis LLC asked the Charlotte County Planning Commission to amend zoning to allow temporary emergency housing; commissioners raised concerns about local support services and accepted staff materials from the Virginia Homeless Shelter Program. A public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 15.
The Charlotte County Planning Commission scheduled a public hearing for Feb. 15 to consider a zoning text amendment from Love Over Crisis, LLC that would allow "Emergency Temporary Housing" in the county.
Staff told the commission that the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s grant programs include basic facility requirements and provided the Virginia Homeless Shelter Program (VHSP) "Habitability Checklist" for commissioners to review. Staff also noted shelters do not fall under the Virginia Department of Health lodging inspection program and that DHCD does not itself perform shelter inspections.
Commissioners repeatedly said they were concerned that services typically needed by shelter occupants — case management, transportation and meal support — are not broadly available in Charlotte County and that more urban service districts are better equipped to provide those supports. Commissioners requested that Love Over Crisis clarify how it would provide or coordinate those services if the amendment is approved.
Shelley Mays‑Couch, executive director of Love Over Crisis, said the state is divided into service districts and shelters must be located within the appropriate district. She described a local pilot: "Love Over Crisis had operated a pilot program in a duplex in Charlotte County in 2020 with over twelve participants, with three of them being from Charlotte County," and said shelters offer "an opportunity to assess occupants’ needs, document their circumstances, and plan for a solution." She told the commission that the organization would supply some transportation, rely on faith‑community volunteers for meals, and seek funding as opportunities arise.
By consensus the commission asked staff to schedule a public hearing, and requested that a make‑up date be provided in case of adverse weather. No regulatory change was adopted at the meeting; the commission will take public testimony and consider the amendment at the February hearing.
What happens next: The Planning Commission will hold the public hearing on Feb. 15, 2022, where commissioners will receive public comment and additional materials; any recommendation from the commission would then proceed to the Board of Supervisors for final action if required by county procedures.
