Planning commission forwards two accessory-dwelling permits to supervisors

The Goochland County Planning Commission on June 18 recommended approval of two conditional use permits for detached accessory family housing units and scheduled both matters for public hearing before the Board of Supervisors on Aug. 6, 2024.

Ben Ellis, a county planner, told the commission that James Myers''s accessory dwelling at 4964 Shannon Road was first approved in 2003 and has operated for roughly 20 years without reported incidents. Staff recommended standard conditions, including limiting occupancy to the family of the principal dwelling, prohibiting separate rental, installing carbon-monoxide and smoke detectors, providing emergency access and setting a 15-year expiration for the renewed CUP. Applicant James Myers said the small house would let him remain on the property as he ages. The commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval.

In a separate item, Ellis presented a CUP application from Kevin and Deborah Roderick for a detached accessory unit at 494 Broad Street Road. Ellis said the applicants have begun construction on the accessory structure and would build the principal dwelling after CUP approval; staff recommended standard conditions and a five-year expiration. Kevin Roderick described plans to house his mother-in-law at the guest unit and proceed with the principal house afterward. The commission recommended approval 5-0.

Both cases will be heard by the Board of Supervisors on Aug. 6, 2024, with the planning commission's recommendations transmitted in the meeting packet. No formal opposition or substantive public objections to these two CUPs were recorded during the hearings.

The commission also noted standard compliance conditions (smoke/CO detectors and emergency access) and the expiration timelines recommended by staff; any change to those conditions would be decided at the Board public hearings.