Planning commission recommends approval of three conditional use permits; limits firearm testing to 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

LUNENBURG COUNTY, Va. — The Lunenburg County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval Nov. 2 of three conditional use permits covering an event venue, a firearms business and an excavating fleet maintenance shop.

Chairman James Tharpe read applications for the permits after the commission confirmed a full quorum. Commissioners approved the consented minutes of the Oct. 5 meeting before taking up the conditional use permit (CUP) items.

For CUP 5‑23, Parrish View Farms sought authorization to operate an event venue on two parcels totaling 73.06 acres at 2571 Dundas Road in Kenbridge. Clerk Taylor N. King read the proposed conditions and, after a brief question from Commissioner Garrett about VDOT’s entrance classification, Commissioner Trent moved and Commissioner Jennings seconded a recommendation of approval; the motion passed unanimously.

CUP 7‑23, filed by Justin Clement for Impact Arms, LLC, proposed a retail and personal‑service business that would include manufacturing and gunsmithing, mail‑order sales and a federally licensed firearms sales operation on a 17.819‑acre parcel at 3028 Poorhouse Road, Victoria. Commissioners raised the question of when on‑site firearm testing would be allowed. Assistant County Attorney Drew DiStanislao advised that testing hours could be added as a condition tied to the county’s noise ordinance. Commissioner Trent moved to add the condition limiting testing hours; Commissioner Shell seconded and the commission approved it unanimously. The condition reads: "Comply with the County's Noise Ordinance and be permitted to start firearm testing no earlier than 9:00 a.m. and complete testing no later than 8:00 p.m." The commission then recommended approval of CUP 7‑23, with the amended condition, by unanimous vote.

CUP 9‑23, for Jonathan and Jessica Shelton, would allow a retail/shop and office primarily to repair and maintain the Shelton fleet for Shelton’s Excavating, Inc. and Shelton’s Outlaw Trucking, Inc., on an 18.52‑acre parcel at 12570 Courthouse Road in Victoria. Applicant Jonathan Shelton described his business history and the need for the additional shop space. Commissioners questioned where trucks are currently serviced and how many vehicles would be present; Shelton said he owns seven trucks with typically five to seven on site on weekends and as needed during the week. Public comments submitted in writing and read by Clerk King included a request from a neighbor that the shop not be visible from their property; two adjacent or related parties submitted statements in support. After the hearing, the commission recommended the permit, unanimously.

Votes and motions recorded in the meeting packet show all three CUP recommendations passed by roll call with Commissioners Drummond, Garrett, Jennings, Pennington, Shell, Tharpe, Thompson and Trent voting in favor.

What happens next: The commission’s recommendations will be forwarded to the applicable review/approval body (as required by county process) for final action. The meeting also included staff reports and a continuation of the Solar Facility Study discussion.