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Board approves conditional use permit for large-animal clinic at 4160 Lexington Road
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Summary
The Danville County Board of Adjustments approved a conditional use permit on April 21 for Town and Country Animal Clinic owner Justin Murray to operate a large-animal veterinary hospital at 4160 Lexington Road. Supporters cited a shortage of large-animal veterinarians; no opposition was recorded.
The Danville County Board of Adjustments on April 21 approved a conditional use permit allowing Town and Country Animal Clinic owner Justin Murray to operate a large-animal veterinary hospital at 4160 Lexington Road, a roughly 20.87‑acre parcel zoned agricultural.
A staff member summarized the application and relevant standards, noting the zoning code’s separation requirement that any building or area used for an animal hospital be at least 500 feet from any residential use or district. The staff member said current surrounding parcels are agricultural and that the 500‑foot separation does not appear to be an issue now but should be monitored if new residential development occurs.
Justin Murray, the applicant, described plans for a large barn of about 13,000 square feet with 22 stalls and an internal layout that dedicates roughly 5,000 square feet for a hydraulic chute, sorting pins and an indoor treatment area with a central pharmacy and lab. "My goal is to provide the same view as it is now," Murray said, adding the clinic would handle large‑animal emergencies and daily care from the new facility.
Local farmers and residents spoke in support. Tony Dacosta, a local farmer, urged approval and said the county needs more large‑animal veterinarians: "We are in need of large animal vets," he said, adding that the clinic would keep services local and create jobs. Shana Colwell, a receptionist for Dr. Murray, said Murray currently spends most of his time traveling farm to farm and that the clinic would increase capacity for emergency calls. Neighbor Mike Tetrick, who said he lives adjacent to the property on three sides, said he supports the use and expects to be a good neighbor.
Board members discussed possible future compatibility issues if housing were later built nearer the site and clarified that an approved CUP permits the use at the site for the owner; any new nearby residence would be responsible for siting relative to the existing use. The applicant told the board the site will remain on septic and leach fields, that he plans surface drains and retention ponds for wash water and intends to capture roof rainwater to reduce potable water demand for cleaning operations.
A board member moved to approve the conditional use permit and the motion was seconded. The board voted in favor with members answering "Aye" and no opposition was recorded. The board did not specify individual vote tallies in the transcript. The Chair closed the public‑hearing portion and the meeting was adjourned.
The board record (minutes and any written conditions) will formalize the permit and any attached conditions; the transcript shows the board invited members to attach additional conditions during deliberation but no specific additional conditions were announced on the record.
