Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Meeting Actions And Followup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission initiates solar zoning changes, holds closed meeting and moves June date; staff offers condolences and to draft smoke-shop proximity language
Summary
The commission voted to hold a closed meeting for legal consultation under Virginia Code 2.2-3711(A)(8), approved changing the next meeting to June 18, initiated zoning amendments addressing solar energy storage/generation, and staff said it will prepare draft proximity restrictions for smoke shops after enforcement concerns were raised.
At its May 28, 2026 meeting the Caroline County Planning and Zoning Commission took several procedural actions: it voted to hold a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel under Virginia Code 2.2-3711(A)(8); it amended the 2026 meeting calendar to move the June meeting from June 25 to June 18; and it voted to initiate zoning ordinance amendments to address solar energy storage and related utility and power-generation matters.
Leon Hughes, identified as the county director, offered staff condolences on the passing of Bob Schwarz and praised his contributions; commissioners responded in agreement. During general matters, Commissioner Steve Rollins raised concerns about a business in Ladysmith selling THC or related products and its proximity to a daycare and church. Staff reported they had researched the issue and will prepare draft ordinance language to impose proximity restrictions if the commission wants that approach; staff noted existing businesses are "more than likely" to be grandfathered.
The commission approved the closed-meeting motion and later performed a certification stating that only lawfully exempted matters were discussed; during certification Dr. Carol Horton stated "Uh, no," indicating she did not concur with the certification as read. The closed meeting motion cited Virginia Code 2.2-3711(A)(8) for consultation with legal counsel regarding newly adopted laws and statutory changes.
Next steps: staff will draft potential ordinance language regarding smoke-shop proximity and will prepare recommended language for solar-related amendments; the calendar change makes the next regular meeting June 18, 2026.
