Commission approves Reynolds Inc. special exception for self‑storage on Lee Highway with lighting, road‑maintenance conditions

The Washington County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a special exception permit for a proposed four‑building self‑storage facility at 25139 Lee Highway, near the intersection of US‑11 (Lee Highway) and Pilgrim Lane.

Planning staff described the site plan and building footprints, noting two buildings about 180 by 32 feet, a 150 by 30 feet unit, and a larger 80 by 200 feet building. "They're proposing 4 buildings and you can see the measurements," said Mr. Richardson, the planning presenter. Staff told the commission that a stormwater plan and a VDOT commercial entrance permit must be approved before any building permits are issued.

Applicant Seth Ratliff, who provided his address on the record, said the stormwater retention area shown in the packet is conceptual. "The stormwater retention area is just for conceptual purposes on this map. We don't have that completed yet," Ratliff said, adding that final designs will follow county and VDOT review.

A nearby resident who identified themselves in the record as "Larry Clan" and later was referred to in discussion as Mr. Klein raised multiple concerns about Pilgrim Lane, which he said is a private 50‑foot right of way maintained by residents. He asked for more detailed grading and construction plans and said he worried about lighting and potential impacts to deeded utility lines. "I am concerned about the lighting … hopefully it's downcast where it won't travel beyond the property line," the resident said.

The applicant responded that Pilgrim Lane itself will not be altered and that grading would reach the proposed pad outside the existing pavement. Ratliff said the project would not alter water or power lines and that power would be taken from Lee Highway. On security, Ratliff said the plan includes a chain‑link fence, downcast lighting and code access; cameras remain under consideration.

A commission member moved to approve the special exception permit with two conditions: (1) implement downcast lighting throughout the facility; and (2) the developer either maintain the section of Pilgrim Lane near the access or enter a cost‑sharing agreement with landowners to protect existing residents. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The commission noted the recommendation will go to the Board of Supervisors for final action.

The commission also asked the applicant and nearby residents to exchange contact information to coordinate details about road maintenance and neighbor concerns. The Board of Supervisors hearing was scheduled for Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m., staff said.