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Planning Commission schedules public hearing for Whiteside–Pence event venue after septic and historic‑character discussion
Summary
After detailed discussion of septic sizing, occupancy, preservation of a barn's historic character, and removal of a proposed penalty schedule, the Commission voted unanimously to send the Whiteside–Pence banquet/event special-use permit to public hearing on April 28.
The Page County Planning Commission voted March 24 to schedule a public hearing April 28 for a special-use permit application from Whiteside and Pence to operate a banquet/event facility. Staff presented a conceptual parking plan and a representative from Racey Engineering answered commissioners' questions about septic/drainfield sizing and time-dosed discharge strategies for intermittent heavy use.
Commissioner Ken Johnson pressed for clarity about maximum event frequency and septic capacity, and the Racey Engineering representative explained that designers can size a holding tank and drainfield to accommodate higher-frequency use but that the final design requires Virginia Department of Health approval before occupancy. Vice Chair Catherine Grech and Commissioner Sandy Davis expressed concern that a 150-person capacity and 75 parking spaces would be excessive for the site's access and may be inconsistent with local road geometry and rural character.
Commissioners also added a condition asking that the barn "maintain its essential form and historic character," language intended to preserve scenic and historic qualities without imposing formal historic-preservation registration or strict architectural standards. The Commission removed the proposed violation/penalty schedule language pending future policy work and voted (5–0) to send the application to public hearing.
The public hearing will allow neighbors and the Health Department to comment on septic sizing, occupancy, parking and traffic impacts before any final recommendation is made.
