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Smyth County Board denies special-use permit for proposed Old Prater Lane junkyard
Summary
After widespread citizen opposition and a tie at the Planning Commission, the Smyth County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to deny a special‑use permit for a proposed junkyard on Old Prater Lane and referred the matter to the Ordinance committee to review conflicts with state code.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors voted April 9, 2026, to deny a special‑use permit to establish a junkyard on Old Prater Lane after extensive public comment and a tied recommendation from the Planning Commission.
Royal Oak District Supervisor Courtney Widener moved to deny the permit; the motion passed with all voting members in favor (AYES: Charlie Atkins, Mike Sturgill, Courtney Widener, Rick Billings, Jason Parris, Kristopher Ratliff; ABSENT: Roscoe Call). The Planning Commission had forwarded the matter to the Board without a recommendation after successive tie votes at its meeting.
Multiple residents spoke during Citizen’s Time opposing the proposal. Rebecca Blevins raised concerns about limited road space, bridge weight capacity and lot drainage; John Cooke cited online opposition campaigns. Supporters, including comments read on behalf of Gracie Billings and remarks from Jack Billings Jr., argued for added local recycling capacity. Zane Kit stated he had received permitting from the Department of Wildlife Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality, but the Board emphasized local visibility and topography issues under state code as decisive factors.
Chair Charlie Atkins asked that the denial be sent to the Ordinance committee to review any conflicts between state code and the County zoning code before further action.
