Board denies zoning change to allow shelter roofs on private piers; will revisit controls in one year
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Summary
After hearing a VMRC representative explain state rules for open-sided 400 sq ft pier gazebos, the Board voted 3–2 to deny an ordinance revision allowing shelter roofs on private noncommercial piers and agreed to revisit the matter in one year to explore regulatory controls.
The Board of Supervisors voted Feb. 12 to deny a proposed revision to the county zoning ordinance that would have removed the prohibition on shelter roofs for private noncommercial piers.
Jeff Madden, representing the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), explained the Code of Virginia exempts construction of an open-sided gazebo-style structure (up to 400 square feet) on riparian piers when adjacent property owners concur; such structures are strictly open-sided, with no flashing or siding, and are aesthetic in nature. Madden said multiple Virginia localities have adopted similar provisions and that VMRC relies on local review to determine whether a structure meets the open-sided standard.
Board debate centered on aesthetics, storm and debris concerns, and the potential for property owners to use the allowance to build structures inconsistent with the county’s waterfront character. Supervisor AC Fisher moved to deny the draft revisions; the motion carried (Aye: James M. Long, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris; Nay: James W. Brann, Chip Williams).
Separately, the Board voted to revisit the issue in one year to see whether additional state or county controls could be developed; that motion passed with unanimous support.
Supervisor Fisher said he would consider reviewing the matter again if staff and VMRC propose specific controls. Chairman Brann asked whether the Board could revisit the question in a year.
The denial preserves the county’s current prohibition on shelter roofs for private noncommercial piers pending possible controlled reconsideration.