Powhatan panel recommends approval for Virginia Propane storage and distribution site

The Powhatan Planning Commission on July 7 recommended approval of a conditional use permit for Virginia Propane LLC to operate a bottled‑propane storage and distribution facility on roughly 3.08 acres in the South Creek I Business Park.

Planning Director Webb described proposed improvements including a 30,200‑square‑foot office/garage, two 60,000‑gallon above‑ground propane tanks in a secured fenced area, parking, stormwater measures, and dual access points to support truck circulation and emergency access. Webb noted VDOT had no objection to the proposed entrances in concept, while final entrance spacing and geometry will be reviewed during site‑plan review.

Mark Kronenthal, counsel for the applicant, said the company serves roughly 70 Powhatan customers and expects the facility to function as a regional distribution base; he said initial build‑out may begin with a single tank and the full tank inventory would be added over time as demand grows. He added the applicant was prepared to reserve outside‑fence area for potential future cross access to adjoining parcels and to provide required emergency access features such as a Knox box.

Members of the public questioned traffic, tank inventories, fence height and future growth; an applicant representative said the submitted plan is a full build‑out and the company expects to grow over time but initially will operate with fewer employees and fewer tanks on site. After discussion, the commission voted 5–0 to recommend approval subject to the proposed conditions; staff noted the site plan process will address detailed engineering, VDOT and NFPA compliance.