Commission approves special exception for mechanical equipment at 1138 Rose Hill Drive, requires synthetic fence material

The Charlottesville Planning Commission recommended approval of a special exception permitting an expanded mechanical equipment pad at 1138 Rose Hill Drive, a city-owned property occupied by the Blue Ridge Health District, after hearing a staff presentation and questions about screening and ADA access.

NDS Planner Dan Okonnell presented the request, noting the property is zoned NX3 and that the proposed expansion replaces and slightly reshuffles existing equipment to accommodate a new chiller. "The pad has to expand slightly," Okonnell said, explaining the change results from replacing the chiller and adjusting equipment layout. He recommended approval, noting similar screened and unscreened front-yard equipment elsewhere on Rose Hill Drive.

Commissioners focused on the applicable screening code and fence design. Commissioners and staff reviewed code requirements for ground equipment screening (a wall at least 6 inches taller than the equipment and 75% opacity). The applicant described plans for a double-sided fence—with a visible face of 6-inch boards and an interior board layer to allow airflow for equipment operation—so the chiller can function while meeting screening requirements.

A neighboring commissioner raised an accessibility concern: the fence expansion will extend about two feet into a parking approach near an ADA-designated space. The applicant said all on-site handicapped spaces would remain accessible but advised staff should confirm ADA approach clearances.

During debate, a commissioner proposed an amendment to require the screening material be TX (synthetic) rather than unfinished natural wood; the amendment was accepted. The commission then voted, with five recorded yes votes, to recommend approval of the special exception with that condition.

Outcome and next steps: the planning commission's recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action. Staff was asked to confirm ADA approach clearances and to ensure the fence meets the 75% opacity and height standards referenced in the code.

Direct quote: "It will be a double-sided fence...so that there's free air flow through the fence so that the chiller itself can operate properly," the applicant said during the presentation.

The commission recorded the roll call vote: Commissioners Solates (yes), Harnesses (yes), Yoder (yes), Mitchell (yes), and Chairman Schwarz (yes).