Board approves Knight‑Berkshire mixed‑use special use permit allowing 15 units above dental office

The board voted to approve a special use permit and related special exceptions on Nov. 6 for a proposed four‑story mixed‑use building at 615 Woodbrooke Drive that would preserve a ground‑floor dental practice and add up to 15 residential units above. Planning staff recommended approval after concluding the proposal is consistent with the Places 29 master plan and county zoning considerations.

The applicant’s civil engineer, Kendra Moon, said existing utilities and a sanitary main that cross the current parking area limit how the footprint can be arranged and explained the need for a shared‑parking arrangement: "Because these uses coincide very well with residential mostly being needed at night and the dentist office mostly needing parking during the day, these work well for a shared parking agreement," she said. The owner indicated willingness to continue discussions with Albemarle County Public Schools about a pedestrian connection to Agner Hurt Elementary despite ACPS’ initial reluctance, and staff noted the special‑exception language can be drafted to preserve the applicant’s commitment without forcing the district to accept a new access.

The Board adopted the special use permit and both exceptions by roll call. The project includes a sidewalk and stormwater tie‑in to existing infrastructure and a condition to memorialize the applicant’s commitment to include affordable units if the full 15 units are built (three units at 20% affordability under the county’s policy), which staff said will be included in the adopted resolution.