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Henry County BZA approves small retail permit for Twigg farm with parking and VDOT condition
Summary
The board granted Terrilyn and Daryl Twigg a Special Use Permit (S‑26‑06) to operate a small retail space in an accessory structure at 4952 Chatham Road, with conditions requiring execution within three years, parking for at least six vehicles, a 50‑square‑foot maximum sign, and any VDOT‑required commercial entrance.
The Henry County Board of Zoning Appeals voted 4‑0 on June 24 to grant Terrilyn and Daryl Twigg a Special Use Permit (S‑26‑06) to operate a small retail area in a prebuilt accessory building at their farm at 4952 Chatham Road in the Iriswood District.
Terrilyn Twigg told the board the operation is a small veteran‑owned farm and that the planned 12x24 utility building (about 288 square feet) would sell baked goods, soaps, herbal products and local produce, offer pickup service, and host small classes for up to six people. “We are a small veteran‑owned farm looking to better their community with a very small retail area,” she said. The Twiggs said they expect only a handful of customers daily and that, if classes are held, those participants will not overlap with customer pickup times.
Neighbor Ben Gravely spoke in opposition, reading a prepared statement that raised concerns about property maintenance, potential traffic and parking impacts on a busy road with elderly residents, and sanitation relating to on‑site animals. The board noted those concerns and added conditions beyond the minimum code, including off‑street parking for at least six vehicles and a requirement to install a commercial entrance if required by VDOT. The permit also carries a three‑year exercise requirement and a 50‑square‑foot sign limit. The motion to grant, made by Jay Hudson and seconded by Paul Setliff, passed unanimously 4‑0 (1 absent).
The board clarified that agricultural zoning does not limit the number or type of farm animals and that the county’s tall‑grass ordinance does not apply to A‑1 parcels; the Twiggs said they are working to tidy the site, have controls for animals and will comply with any VDOT entrance standards prior to operation.
