Planning commission recommends denial of special-use permit for camper at Cherrystone Lake over sewage and precedent concerns

The Pittsylvania County Planning Commission on May 5 recommended denial of a special-use permit that would have allowed a travel trailer to remain on a lakefront parcel at Cherrystone Lake.

Terry Stafford asked for a special-use permit (S-26-010) to allow storage and occasional occupancy of a travel trailer on a 2.02-acre parcel on State Road 803, saying the unit had been used as a storage shed and that she wanted weekend and occasional family use. "I just want a little camper that we can spend—wake up and have a cup of coffee," Stafford said, describing long family use of the site and a desire to comply with county rules.

Staff read the conditions included in the staff report: one travel trailer maximum, occupancy limited to 180 days in any 365-day period, current Virginia DMV registration and roadworthy condition, required permits per the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, a septic system or permitted privy approved by the Virginia Department of Health, periodic pump/inspection at least every five years with written proof to the county, and flood-zone development requirements. "The applicant is required to construct a septic system or underground concrete vault privy approved and permitted by the Virginia Department of Health," staff said while reading the report.

Neighbors and a written objector raised concerns about precedent and water safety. A letter read into the record from H. Victor Milner II warned that an outhouse shown on the survey could be susceptible to flooding and leakage into the reservoir drinking-water supply. Jason Ball, who owns several adjoining parcels, testified that past enforcement had removed some campers but that unpermitted structures remain and said approving the permit could encourage others to seek similar allowances. "If approved, this camper will inspire a dozen campers or shacks around the lake, probably without sewer," Ball said.

Commissioners said they sympathized with Stafford’s desire to use her land but expressed strong concerns about setting a precedent that would be difficult to enforce and might threaten the county’s drinking water. After discussion, Miss Me moved that the commission recommend denial of S-26-010 to the Board of Zoning Appeals; the motion was seconded and passed 5–0.

The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the Board of Zoning Appeals will make the final determination on the special-use permit.