Board approves special-use permit to convert warehouse to banquet hall in Arrington despite nearby church concerns

The Nelson County Board of Supervisors approved Special Use Permit #25-0019 on April 8 to permit a banquet hall use within an existing warehouse at 99 Morse Lane in Arrington.

Dylan M. Bishop, director of planning and zoning, said the applicants (owners James and Crystal Harris) propose converting part of a warehouse into an event venue of roughly 4,200 square feet. The existing gravel lot provides roughly 50 parking spaces; VDOT reviewed the entrance and found it sufficient. The property has an existing septic system and spring-fed water; the applicant is working with Old Dominion Engineering on a septic capacity assessment and with a design professional for building-code changes that would be required if the assembly use proceeds.

Applicant Crystal Harris told the Board she has prepared the interior space and intends to rent it for events, estimating a capacity of up to 300. Neighbors had expressed concerns earlier in the day about proximity to two African-American churches and possible noise or alcohol sales; the Planning Commission had recommended approval by a 4–0 vote. Board members discussed neighbor concerns and potential scheduling sensitivities; Dr. Jessica L. Ligon suggested the applicant be mindful of church hours, and Mr. J. David Parr noted the owners were receptive to proposed conditions. The Board approved the special-use permit (motion by Dr. Jessica L. Ligon; second by J. David Parr), with a unanimous roll-call vote 4–0.

Why it matters: the approved conversion changes a property previously used for indoor vehicle storage to a venue that may host public and private events; neighbors raised concerns about community impact and consultation, which the applicant and planning staff said would be addressed through required capacity and code reviews.