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Bland County approves recreational‑facility permit for Hussein Mrad with multiple conditions after neighbors raise concerns
Summary
The Bland County Board of Supervisors unanimously rezoned several parcels to Commercial and approved a conditional‑use permit for a recreational facility proposed by Hussein Mrad, imposing conditions including bear‑resistant refuse, lighting limits, a 25‑foot undeveloped buffer, and prohibition on RVs as permanent residences.
At its Dec. 20 meeting the Bland County Board of Supervisors approved rezoning for Tax Map Nos. 46‑A‑18, 46‑A‑20, 46‑A‑21, 46‑A‑22 and 46‑A‑31A and granted a conditional‑use permit to allow a recreational facility proposed by Hussein Mrad.
Planning Commission Secretary Joel Cagle summarized the Planning Commission recommendations and conditions. During the public hearing adjacent property owner Michael Strader said he owns property next to the proposed facility and asked the board to “recognize and respect the quality of life of the surrounding property.” Joe Faraci also raised concerns with the Planning Commission's conditional‑use permit conditions.
The board approved the rezoning on a motion by Supervisor Keith Costello, seconded by Supervisor Adam Kidd, and then approved the recreational‑facility CUP on a motion by Supervisor Adam Kidd, seconded by Supervisor Stephen Kelley. Both votes were unanimous.
The approved CUP includes the following conditions recorded in the meeting minutes: fully contained, bear‑resistant enclosed refuse containers with regular pickup; outdoor lighting designed and installed, when feasible, to preserve night‑sky visibility for adjacent landowners; compliance with federal, state and local fire laws and safe practices to prevent forest fires; a 25‑foot undeveloped buffer for the proposed facility adjacent to identified neighbor parcels (excluding the pond and entrance driveway); prohibition on use of recreational vehicles (RVs) as permanent residences; requirement that RVs be road‑ready with no permanent structures attached; provision of adequate restroom and shower facilities; and designation of all lodging as transient occupancy with continuous occupancy limited to 30 consecutive days or less.
Neighbors' concerns about quality of life were recorded in the public hearing but the transcript does not show the board modifying the CUP beyond the listed conditions. The minutes do not record an appeal or legal challenge at the meeting; the board recessed to reconvene Jan. 3, 2023.
The Planning Commission recommendation, the public comments and the full list of CUP conditions are included in the official meeting minutes.
