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South Hill council denies request to open dance hall at 229 West Danville Street
Summary
The Town Council denied Special Exemption #2025-1, rejecting a tenant's request to use 229 West Danville Street as a dance hall/lounge after officials cited lack of safety and parking information and prior unpermitted events that were shut down by police.
The South Hill Town Council on April 14 denied Special Exemption #2025-1, a request to use 229 West Danville Street as a dance hall and lounge.
Code Compliance Official David Hash said the Planning Commission did not recommend approval. Councilors and staff raised concerns about the absence of an approved Life Safety Plan to establish building occupancy, unclear parking arrangements, and the lack of a security plan. Deputy Police Chief Ryan Durham told council that several events held at the location had been shut down because they were not properly permitted.
Councilor Jenifer Freeman-Hite repeatedly emphasized public-safety questions and asked for details about security measures. Councilor Michael Smith pressed for clarification on occupancy; Hash said a Life Safety Plan remains outstanding. Vice Mayor Gavin Honeycutt moved to deny the exemption; Councilor Smith seconded the motion. The roll-call vote recorded each council member voting in favor of denial.
The denial leaves the property owner or tenant to return with additional documentation or revised plans if they wish to pursue a licensed assembly use in the future. The council did not adopt any conditions that would permit interim events at the site without proper permitting.
