Planning Commission recommends rezoning of Harper property at Hwy 107 and Valley Road to Commercial

At a March 28 joint public hearing, the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors heard public comment on rezoning parcels identified as Tax Map Nos. 41A4-1 and 41A4-2 (intersection of Hwy 107, Valley Road and South Wood Lane) from Agricultural/Rural to Commercial. Staff noted the Planning Commission had previously recommended denying James Craig Harper’s special-use permit request for a service business and the Board asked for public input on a map amendment instead.

Neighbors urged stipulations if rezoning were approved, including fencing, limits on vehicles, and clarity on what uses would be allowed; staff clarified farming is not permitted in the Commercial District and that only a special-use permit could include site-specific stipulations. After public comment and discussion about VDOT entrance requirements and definitions of an automobile graveyard, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the rezoning. The minutes record the Commission’s motion and a vote of 6 yeas, 0 nays, 1 abstain in favor of recommending rezoning to Commercial.

Subsequently, staff reported the Board of Supervisors approved the rezoning of Craig Harper’s property from Agricultural/Rural to Commercial at a later meeting as noted in the May minutes.