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Board denies special exception for vehicle impound facility near Old Stage Road
Summary
Prince George County supervisors voted to deny a special-exception request to add a vehicle impound lot to a Family Auto property on Old Stage Road after residents raised aesthetic and neighborhood concerns and staff recommended strict conditions for visibility, hours and vehicle limits.
Jack Greenstein, the county planner, summarized a request to permit a vehicle impound facility on a 10.3-acre B‑1 parcel at 9300 Old Stage Road, saying staff recommended limiting the impound area to no more than 9,000 square feet, screening and fencing to prevent vehicle visibility from public rights of way and residences, a 20‑vehicle cap, a 90‑day maximum storage period, and customer release hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays with emergency appointments allowed.
Multiple nearby residents told supervisors they support the local family business that owns Family Auto but worry about the proposal's visual and nuisance impacts. Jennifer Canepa, who said she drove the corridor slowly, said she could not see the lot at posted speed and urged the board to allow the local business to grow and continue to employ county residents. Juanita Thorn, who lives on Old Stage Road, said she was "not against the family expanding their business," but asked the board to ensure the fence and screening are tall and effective so neighbors cannot see the lot. Several speakers emphasized the county's need for towing services and the value of local jobs.
Representatives for the applicant told the board they would comply with conditions and that the business primarily provides roadside assistance and auto repair rather than operating as a 24/7 storage yard. They said the lot is camera‑secured and that they would screen the fence.
Supervisors questioned the property's zoning history and whether wrecking/recording services were ever approved for the site, instructing staff to research prior approvals. After hearing community concerns and the staff presentation, a supervisor moved to deny the special-exception application. The motion was seconded and carried on a roll‑call vote, denying the request.
The board did not adopt new zoning language at the meeting; staff said it would return with findings about the property's prior approvals if the board requested further action. The denial means the applicant must not operate an impound lot on the site under the requested special-exception terms.
