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Planners recommend airport-variance for Knight Road garage with FAA lighting and reporting conditions
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a variance allowing a garage at 641 Knight Road to exceed the airport horizontal surface by 14 feet, provided the owner installs and maintains an obstruction light per FAA guidance and complies with reporting requirements; the Smyth-Wythe Airport Commission and state/federal agencies advised the condition.
On July 27 the Smyth County Planning Commission recommended approval of a variance for Brandon Farmer to construct a garage at 641 Knight Road whose finished elevation would be 2,722 feet MSL, exceeding the Airport Safety Ordinance's horizontal surface floor (2,708 feet MSL) by 14 feet.
Zoning Administrator Clegg Williams presented the application and the required agency opinions from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Virginia Department of Aviation. Williams read the Smyth-Wythe Airport Commission's unanimous recommendation that the structure be permitted provided the owner install and maintain an obstruction light consistent with FAA Advisory Circular 70/7460-1L (red lights) and follow FAA reporting procedures (including NOTAM notification at (877) 487-6867 for outages). Williams noted the County had published notice in the Smyth County News and mailed adjoining owners as required by state code.
Brandon Farmer answered commissioners' questions during the hearing. The Planning Commission's motion to recommend approval included conditions: installation and maintenance of the obstruction light, compliance with FAA and state reporting requirements, and (as recommended in discussion) a backup power source for the light. Commissioner Robbie Doyle moved the recommendation; Commissioner David Spence seconded. The commission voted 7-0 in favor.
The recommendation will go to the Board of Supervisors; any building permit will also require compliance with FAA, state aviation guidance and county airport-safety regulations.
