Planning commission approves short‑term rental and contractor‑storage CUPs, advances FEMA floodplain updates

The Planning Commission handled several routine land‑use items in addition to larger proposals: it recommended approval of a short‑term rental renewal for Beverly Thurston at 2151 Sheppard Town Road with standard conditions and a 10‑year expiration; it approved a request by Nicholas Fleming to amend a CUP to add a small contractor storage structure on 2 acres at 30673 Chop Road with conditions and plan‑of‑development review; and it recommended adoption of updated FEMA flood insurance rate maps and related zoning amendments so Goochland can continue participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Ben Ellis, a county planner, presented the Thurston renewal and outlined conditions including a four‑guest maximum and limits on amplified outdoor sound. Jamie Sherry presented the Fleming application and the countywide floodplain amendment, explaining staff had sent more than 2,000 notices about FEMA mapping changes; staff said three appeals to the new flood maps were accepted by FEMA during the appeal period. The commission deferred an accessory‑dwelling/proffer amendment case (Pleasant Grove Farm) to the Aug. 15 meeting at the applicant's request.

Motions recommending approval for the short‑term rental (CU202415) and the contractor storage CUP (CU202417) both passed unanimously (5–0); the floodplain ordinance amendment (ZOA‑2024‑2) was also recommended to the Board. The affected items will be heard by the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 3, 2024, except for the deferred Pleasant Grove Farm item, which will return to the Planning Commission on Aug. 15, 2024.

Commissioners and staff noted typical follow‑up requirements: plan‑of‑development review for new storage and contractor uses, retention of screening trees, septic and emergency access compliance for short‑term rentals, and the county's deadline to adopt FEMA maps and ordinance amendments to keep NFIP participation.