Commission backs Summit View plan amendment and special-use permit for electric substation

The Franklin County Planning Commission on Feb. 10 recommended a Comprehensive Plan map amendment to identify a new substation and transmission lines in the Summit View business park and approved a special-use permit for a major electric substation, a decision county officials said will strengthen electric infrastructure to support planned economic development.

County Administrator Steve Sandy presented both items. For the plan amendment, staff said the change updates Map #9.5 (Power Transmission Lines) to reflect a new substation and transmission lines within Summit View and would better position the county to market and serve planned economic development in the area. For the special-use permit, staff said the proposed electric substation and associated facilities would be located in the Summit View business park and that the site has been approved under the Electric Infrastructure Program. Staff noted the Virginia Economic Development Partnership certified site eligibility under Code of Virginia Sections 56-576 and 56-585.1:10.

Staff recommended approval of the special-use permit with six conditions, including development in general conformance with the conceptual plan entitled "APCO Brick Church, Alternate Site B - Eagle" (dated Jan. 16, 2026); downward-directed LED lighting limited to 0.5 foot-candles at property lines; required VDOT approvals; approved site, erosion and stormwater plans before construction; required building permits; and GIS addressing.

Public commenters raised concerns about aesthetics, noise, water tables and property values. Judy Sink, who said she moved to Snow Creek from Boone and had lost a home to Roanoke Gas, said the project threatened the character around Germantown Brick Church and expressed worries about possible health risks and lower property values. Kai Buemmes said he was concerned that utility work could affect water tables and generate noise. Roger McBride, a Germantown Brick Church member, asked technical questions about how lines would connect to the transformer and the size of the proposed lines.

An AEP representative, Robb Mann, told commissioners the substation should not affect health, that newer technology is quieter than older substations, and that AEP would tap into existing lines to serve new customers; he also said stormwater and environmental requirements will be met. Commissioners asked for clarification on line noise and routing; AEP said 138 kV lines planned for the project typically produce little audible noise compared with larger 765 kV lines and said AEP would drop the existing line and tie it into the substation.

Commissioner Angie McGhee moved to approve the special-use permit with the six staff conditions; Commissioner Ron Jefferson seconded. The motion passed by roll call, 5-0-2-0. The Board of Supervisors will hear the case on Feb. 17, 2026.

What happens next: If the Board approves the permit, the applicant must submit site plans, obtain VDOT and building approvals and satisfy the listed conditions before construction can begin.