Madison County denies zoning amendment and special‑use permit to allow single‑family residence in B‑1

Madison County officials voted on June 3 to deny a proposed zoning ordinance amendment that would have allowed single‑family detached residences in the B‑1 business district and to deny the related special‑use permit filed for 27 Jack Shop Road.

Staff explained that the county's Appendix 1, Article 8 currently does not allow single‑family detached residences in the B‑1 district and that an amendment (ZOA‑02‑26‑02) had been proposed to permit such residences by special‑use permit. Planning staff reviewed four options (allow by right, allow by SUP, rezone, or deny). The planning commission debated the policy but ultimately voted 4–3 to recommend denial to the board.

At the Board of Supervisors hearing, several members argued the requested change would undercut the purpose of B‑1 business districts and could set a precedent encouraging similar requests elsewhere along the Route 29 corridor. "Approving a primary residential use in a commercial district would set a precedent that weakens the county's ability to preserve business zone land for economic development," one board member said while supporting denial.

After discussion the board took a roll‑call vote and denied ZOA‑02‑26‑02. The related special‑use permit application (SUP‑02‑26‑02) to convert an existing business office at 27 Jack Shop Road to a residence was considered after the amendment denial; the board voted to deny the SUP as inconsistent with the B‑1 district and the county's comprehensive plan.

Outcome and next steps: Both the ordinance amendment and the SUP were denied at the board level. Staff advised the applicant that other options remain (for example, a residence in a primary structure or seek rezoning), and the planning department will include the denials in the record.

Source: Planning staff presentation (Nichols), public hearing record, planning commission recommendation and board roll‑call proceedings.