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Bland County approves rezoning and conditional use permit for recreational facility at Tax Map 32‑A‑12
Summary
On Oct. 24, 2023, the Bland County Board of Supervisors unanimously rezoned Tax Map 32‑A‑12 from Agricultural to Commercial and approved a conditional use permit to operate a recreational facility with 20 guest units and seven conditions addressing access, lighting, waste and water protection.
The Bland County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Oct. 24, 2023, to rezone Tax Map 32‑A‑12 from Agricultural to Commercial and to grant a conditional use permit allowing a recreational facility on the property.
The board approved the rezoning on a motion by Supervisor Patrick Groseclose, seconded by Supervisor Randy Johnson. Opponents who spoke during the public hearing urged caution. Wilbur Smith, a neighboring property owner, said he opposed the re‑zoning and the conditional use permit. Keith Beckett, another adjacent property owner, said he had mixed feelings and asked the board to take more time. Connie Saunders, whose property directly borders the parcel, raised concerns about traffic and environmental impacts and asked the board to slow its decision.
Kevin Sullivan, representing the applicant Roseland Farms, LLC, responded to board questions about the proximity of proposed structures to neighboring properties, anticipated traffic changes, plans to renovate a bridge over a creek, and maintenance of an existing pond. The board closed the public hearing before voting.
The conditional use permit was approved subject to seven Planning Commission‑recommended conditions: a limit of 20 guest structures; maintenance of first‑responder vehicle access by the owner with input from the Grapefield Fire Chief and approval of the Building Official; no obtrusive lighting; completion of the project within 18 months of board approval; fully contained, bear‑resistant enclosed refuse containers with regular pickup; compliance with federal, state and local fire laws and safe practices to prevent forest fires; and protection of surface and groundwater pursuant to applicable regulations.
The board’s motions to rezone the parcel and to approve the conditional use permit were recorded as unanimous (Mr. Groseclose, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Costello and Mr. Kelley voting yea). There was no vote recorded to delay consideration. The applicant will be required to satisfy the listed conditions before and during operation of the facility.
The board did not specify a follow‑up date; project completion is required within 18 months of approval.
