Amelia County adopts zoning text amendment tightening screening rules for tow lots and junkyards

The Amelia County Board of Supervisors voted May 27 to adopt a zoning text amendment that tightens screening requirements for tow lots and salvage/junkyard operations and clarifies nonconforming-use treatment for existing operations.

Community development staff told the board that the principal changes -- prompted by feedback at a prior public hearing -- standardize screening to match other sections of the zoning code and provide a compliance window for existing facilities. Options for screening now explicitly include a solid masonry wall, a uniformly painted solid board fence, an evergreen hedge at least six feet tall, or a combination of those methods to completely screen vehicles from public view.

Staff also revised the nonconforming-use language so that tow lots in continuous operation as of today's date for at least two prior years would be deemed nonconforming and given until July 1, 2028 to meet the screening standards. The amendment leaves unchanged the zoning districts where tow lots and salvage yards may be allowed by special exception (A5, RP5, B1, M1 and M2).

Supervisors asked for clarification that nonconforming sites would be limited in expansion under the nonconforming-use rules; staff confirmed that expansion rights are limited by the nonconforming section of the code and that parties seeking expansions could pursue special-exception permits or zoning amendments.

The board approved the amendment on a voice/hand vote. Staff said the change is largely administrative and intended to harmonize screening standards across the zoning ordinance and provide clear expectations for property owners and operators.