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Roanoke County board approves rezoning of 5.06 acres on Bandy Road to allow hobby farm
Summary
The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning from R‑1 to AR for about 5.06 acres at 3169 and 3225 Bandy Road, allowing limited agricultural uses for a family hobby farm; the county planning director and planning commission recommended approval and no public opposition was recorded at the hearing.
The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a rezoning request for about 5.06 acres at 3169 and 3225 Bandy Road, moving the land from R‑1 (low‑density residential) to AR (agricultural residential) to allow limited agricultural uses for a family hobby farm. The motion was made by the vice chairman on behalf of an absent member and was adopted on a roll‑call vote recorded by the clerk.
Mister Thompson, the county’s director of planning, told the board the request covers two parcels totaling roughly 5.06 acres in the Vinton Magisterial District. He said the applicants plan to retain single‑family residential use while adding limited agricultural activities allowed in the AR district — examples discussed included small orchards, accessory structures, livestock fencing and a potential private stable. The planning commission held a public hearing on May 5, heard no speakers, and recommended approval.
Michelle Ellison, who identified herself as a petitioner and resident at 3169 Bandy Road, told the board the family intends a “small hobby farm” primarily for education and family use. “Hobby farm means that you’re not going into production for sale,” Ellison said, adding the family hopes to raise sheep, chickens and possibly goats and to keep the historic character of their roughly 125‑year‑old house. She said the family has begun restoring the property and intends to be respectful of neighbors.
When the vice chairman moved to approve the rezoning, he read three findings into the record: that the request is consistent with the county’s adopted comprehensive plan; that the rezoning represents good zoning practice; and that it would not result in substantial detriment to the community. A second was heard in the meeting but the transcript does not identify who seconded the motion. The clerk then called the roll; the transcript records affirmative responses by the members on the roll, after which the chair congratulated the petitioners and the rezoning was approved.
The transcript does not record any public opposition during the hearing, and no conditions or amendments to the petition were read into the record. The board moved on to routine reports and other county business after the vote.
