Planning commission recommends rezoning Sandy Road tract to A1 for private campground after flood‑risk debate

The Pittsylvania County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Supervisors rezone about 86.22 acres on State Road 765 (Sandy Road) from a double‑zone district to A1 agricultural to allow for a private campground, with any commercial use contingent on a later special‑use permit.

Jeff Love, who identified himself as representing the Pittsylvania County Campground Owners Association, urged the commission to deny the rezoning, saying a revised plat dated Oct. 15, 2025, shows part of the tract in a flood‑hazard zone. “Potential flooding is not only a concern for the safety and well‑being of any guests, but is also a concern for watershed and environmental contamination issues caused by flooded septic systems, release of raw sewage, and other toxic debris,” Love said. He also said the applicant had not submitted a required site development or concept plan and raised questions about septic, water, traffic and other feasibility studies.

The applicant, Mary Ellen Miner, spoke at the hearing and said the rezoning request is intended to allow limited private use by family members for hunting and short RV stays, not to create a commercial campground. Miner said she is aware of the flood‑zone limitations and that a local surveyor (Jeff Carr) had explained the site constraints.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on neighbor outreach and on how any future special‑use permit could be limited. One commissioner noted that any special‑use permit can be conditioned to reflect the owner’s stated limited, private use, and several speakers urged that enforcement of existing zoning be a priority so the change would not create a loophole for residential camping that undermines permitted campgrounds.

After closing public comment, the commission’s motion to recommend rezoning to A1 carried 5‑0. The planning commission record and staff packet were referenced during the hearing; the recommendation goes next to the Board of Supervisors, which has final authority on zoning changes.

What happens next: If the Board of Supervisors accepts the planning commission’s recommendation, any campground use would still require a later special‑use permit with site plans and any required environmental and health reviews.