Smyth County bodies recommend approval for Saltville resident—s 30-by-40-foot workshop

The Smyth County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors recommended approval Thursday for a Special Use Permit allowing Saltville resident Gary B. Clear to construct a 30-by-40-foot accessory workshop on a vacant parcel beside 844 Allison Gap Road.

Clegg Williams, assistant county administrator for development, introduced the application and said because the site has no principal building a Special Use Permit is required under the county zoning code. Williams told the joint hearing that the applicant submitted an affidavit and site plan and that the public notice ran in the Smyth County News on Sept. 13 and 20.

At the hearing, Clear said he initially purchased the Allison Gap Road parcel years ago intending to place a manufactured home but later decided to build a personal workshop and provided plans and photographs for the proposed structure. Clear said the building would primarily be used for woodworking and acknowledged some drainage issues, noting he installed a French drain.

Commissioner Roscoe Call asked whether fabrication or woodworking would occur in the shop and whether the property lies in a flood zone. Williams and Zoning Administrator Becca Creasy confirmed the property is not in a flood zone. Commissioners also questioned setbacks and proximity to a creek; Williams said staff will explore every option and that if setback variances are necessary the matter would go to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

David C. Buchanan Jr. moved that the Planning Commission recommend the Board of Supervisors approve the Special Use Permit for an accessory building exceeding 750 square feet on Tax Map No. 28A3-A-42; Tony Dean seconded the motion. The commission recorded seven yeas and zero nays and unanimously recommended approval.

The recommendation will be forwarded to the Smyth County Board of Supervisors for final action.