Prince George Planning Commission deadlocks on impound-lot special exception; forwards case to Board without recommendation

The Prince George Planning Commission on April 23 deadlocked on a special-exception request to allow a vehicle impound lot at 9300 Old Stage Road, forwarding the application to the Board of Supervisors with no recommendation after a tie vote.

Staff presented the request, saying the 10.3-acre property contains an existing auto repair business and that the proposed fenced impound lot would be located within the portion zoned B-1. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions intended to mitigate off-site impacts—maintenance of screening and the fence, coordinating emergency access with police and fire, and obtaining any required permits—while noting two letters in opposition were filed after the staff report was published.

Neighbors who opposed the proposal raised concerns about property values, visual blight, noise and lights from rollback trucks, theft and vandalism at impound lots, and potential environmental contamination. "It's gonna depress surrounding property values," said Tamara Griggs, a nearby resident, adding that wrecked cars visible from the road would discourage future home buyers.

Other speakers defended the business and its owners. "They are affordable, they're responsive, they're prompt," said Kristen Dibler, who described using Family Auto and Towing in emergencies. Supporters said the impound area would be screened from the road, that the business already provides local emergency towing, and that adding a formal impound lot would centralize storage on land the company already owns.

Applicant Aaron Williams told the commission the business has operated in the area for years and said the facility would generally operate daytime hours, "8 to 5, Monday through Friday," with occasional after-hours releases for emergencies. He also said the company maintains its own commercial accounts and has sought to meet police-list requirements that include having a fenced storage area.

After public comment and commissioner questions about visibility, traffic and police requirements, a motion to recommend approval subject to staff conditions was made and seconded. On roll call the commission reported a tied result; the chair announced the case will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors without a Planning Commission recommendation.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation is advisory; the Board of Supervisors will hold a separate public hearing and make the final decision.