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Planning commission backs special-exception permit for contractor equipment yard on Boundary Line Lane
Summary
The Rockbridge County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of Boundary Line Lane LLC's special-exception permit to operate a contractor equipment storage yard and shop in Lexington, subject to county and VDOT approvals and timing conditions (start within 12 months, completion within five years).
The Rockbridge County Planning Commission on July 8 recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a special-exception permit allowing Boundary Line Lane LLC to develop a contractor equipment storage yard and associated shop/office on two parcels along Boundary Line Lane in Lexington.
Staff presented the application as two parcels (tax map 4910‑16, 0.45 acres; and 4910‑17, 1.001 acres) in the B‑1 General Business district and introduced Walter Garrett, the managing member who told the commission his landscaping and hardscape business operates with about five employees and uses one‑ton trucks and trailers and occasional mini‑excavators. Garrett said he intends to keep the neatest material visible from the road and that heavier tractor‑trailer deliveries would be infrequent.
Commissioners and staff focused on access and permitting constraints. County staff said sight distance for a low‑volume entrance off Boundary Line Lane was not the primary concern but that turning movements — specifically the safety of tractor‑trailer turns off Route 11 onto Boundary Line Lane — are a limiting factor for larger deliveries. Staff also noted portions of the parcels lie in the 100‑year floodplain and that approvals would be required from the Rockbridge County Building Department, erosion and sediment control/stormwater management authorities, the Public Service Authority and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
To address timing and implementation concerns, staff proposed draft conditions tying approval to substantial compliance with the Garrett Landscapes draft site plan dated 06/04/2026, necessary county and VDOT approvals, and a timeline for implementation. Commissioners discussed the Code of Virginia default six‑month implementation window and agreed to specify a longer schedule: start implementation within 12 months of permit issuance and complete the project within five years, with grading deemed sufficient to demonstrate implementation. Walter Garrett said he expected to begin grading as funds allow and asked for reasonable time to proceed without large loans.
A commissioner moved to recommend approval with the draft conditions; the motion passed unanimously. Staff said the commission's recommendation will be placed tentatively on the Board of Supervisors agenda for July 27, when a second public hearing will be advertised and held.
The commission record shows no in‑person or remote public commenters on the application during the planning commission hearing.
Action and next step: the commission recommended approval to the Board of Supervisors; staff will advertise the supervisor public hearing for July 27 and pursue required county and VDOT approvals before permit issuance.
