Planning Commission backs text change and permit path for mini‑warehouses; Thweatt seeks to convert vacant factory

The Smyth County Planning Commission recommended a zoning text amendment allowing 'mini‑warehouse' (mini‑storage) as a use permitted by Special Use Permit in the Industrial District and later recommended approval of an application from local owner Charles Melvin Thweatt to develop secured mini‑warehouse units at properties on Atkins Tank Road.

At a March hearing, Thweatt explained he purchased the vacant Virginia House Furniture factory and wanted to convert an existing storage building into secured storage units. Commissioners and at least one supervisor expressed support for reuse of a vacant industrial building. The Commission voted at that session to recommend adding 'mini‑warehouse' to the Industrial District's Special Use list.

At a May follow‑up public hearing, Thweatt applied for Special Use Permits for parcels identified by multiple Tax Map numbers (including 48B‑1‑1 through 48B‑1‑6 and others) and reiterated that units would be secured and accessible only when employees were present. The Planning Commission recommended approval (recorded vote: 6 yays, 1 abstain on the permit recommendation due to a conflict by the chairman). The record shows staff had notified adjoining owners and placed required advertisement. The recommendation proceeds to the Board of Supervisors for final action.