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Amelia planning commission backs zoning committee recommendation on tow-lot, junkyard ordinance
Summary
After a detailed debate about whether tow lots should be allowed by right in industrial zones, the planning commission voted to forward the zoning committee's recommendation on the tow lots and junkyards ordinance to the Board of Supervisors.
The Amelia County Planning Commission discussed and voted to forward a zoning ordinance addressing tow lots and junkyards after zoning committee review.
Commissioners spent extensive time debating whether tow lots should be allowed by right in M1 or M2 industrial zoning or remain subject to special-exception review. One commissioner said it would “be a good idea to have at least one whether it's M1 or M2 as a by right for a tow lot,” arguing that distinguishing tow lots from scrapyards would help keep the county business-friendly while still allowing local control.
Other commissioners and committee members cautioned that making tow lots a by-right use in M1/M2 would remove local discretion over precise siting; one planning committee member said keeping tow lots under a special-exception permit “gives you the opportunity to decide where it goes” to avoid placing a tow lot directly across from an office entrance. The discussion included screening, fencing and grandfathering of existing lots.
Following debate, the commission accepted the zoning committee’s recommendation as drafted and voted to forward the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors with the committee’s report. The motion passed by voice vote.
The Board of Supervisors will consider the ordinance at its public hearing, where it may adopt the ordinance, request additional changes or place conditions on any approval.
