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Smyth County Board denies special‑use permit for proposed Old Prater Lane junkyard after resident objections
Summary
Following public comment and a tied Planning Commission recommendation, the Board voted April 9 to deny a Special Use Permit to establish a junkyard on Old Prater Lane, citing visibility and neighborhood concerns and referring potential code conflicts to the Ordinance committee.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors on April 9 voted to deny a Special Use Permit (SUP) to establish a junkyard on Old Prater Lane after hearing citizen objections and a Planning Commission tie vote that left no recommendation.
Royal Oak District Supervisor Courtney Widener moved to deny the permit; Chilhowie District Supervisor Mike Sturgill seconded the motion, and the Board voted unanimously in favor of denial. Chair Charles Atkins asked that the matter be sent to the Ordinance committee to review any conflicts between State Code visibility requirements and county zoning standards.
Public comments and Planning Commission history: during Citizen’s Time several neighbors opposed the application, citing limited road width, bridge weight concerns and drainage issues. John Cooke said an online campaign had influenced local views. Supporters—including Jack Billings Jr. and a comment read for Gracie Billings—argued the facility would provide recycling capacity and local revenue. Applicant Zane Kit told the Board he had approvals and permitting from the Department of Wildlife Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality.
Planning Commission action: Planning staff reported that the Planning Commission’s most recent meeting produced a tie—three votes in favor, three opposed, and one absent—and therefore forwarded the matter to the Board without a recommendation.
Legal and code considerations: Royal Oak District Supervisor Widener raised concerns about State Code provisions requiring that junkyards be screened so they are not visible from adjoining properties; he said topography near the site makes full compliance unrealistic. Chair Atkins requested an Ordinance committee review to identify any conflict with county zoning code and State Code requirements.
What’s next: the Board’s denial stands; the Ordinance committee will review code conflicts and report back. The transcript records no further permit appeal or variance request at the meeting.
