Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors' Oct. 20, 2026 agenda included several land-use and development items: a proposed new M-3 Life Sciences/Advanced Manufacturing zoning district, large rezoning of 374 acres to B-2/M-3, two conditional-use permit requests for communications and aviation facilities, courthouse renovation procurement items, and a proposed abandonment of Cemetery Road.

Discussion Points

•Rezoning request to change ~374.03 acres from R-1 to B-2 and M-3 and its relation to the comprehensive plan.
•Staff proposed new M-3 district with enumerated permitted uses and development standards including heights, coverage, tree cover and buffers.

Oct

Board of Supervisors

Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors met Oct. 20, 2026. Board approved rezonings and a purchase framework for part of the Central State Hospital site, adopted a new M‑3 life‑sciences zoning text, approved tower permits, awarded a courthouse construction contract (not‑to‑exceed $22,105,960) and discussed new Medicaid work requirements and community concerns about potential data‑center development.

Discussion Points

•Applicants and FAA representatives emphasized community benefits (coverage, navigation safety).
•Board discussed goals of job creation and site readiness for Central State redevelopment.
•Committee noted procurement followed RFQ/RFP two‑step process and expected contingency reductions during design.
•Residents cited infrasound, diesel emissions, traffic and historic‑resource risks as reasons to limit uses.
•Residents raised historic‑preservation, stormwater, cemetery and health concerns.
•Speakers asked for CUPs, covenants, archaeological work and stormwater protections before any sale or tenant approval.
•Staff confirmed setbacks, co‑location capability and periodic condition reviews.
•Staff described exemptions and logistics for verifying work‑activity hours (80 hours/month) and the longer interview process for applications and renewals.
•Staff explained HPB requirements and impacts to scope and cost.
•Staff stressed data centers and certain high‑risk research are excluded by the ordinance text.
•Supervisors asked about whether volunteer work (e.g., food banks) could count and about staffing capacity for verifications.

Decisions

•Adopt M‑3 text amendment A‑26‑5 (approved).
•Approved HPB exemption and authorized SB Ballard selection.
•Approve rezoning P‑267 and B‑2/M‑3 boundaries (approved).
•Authorize county administrator to execute purchase agreement framework up to $8,575,000 (authorized).
•Award construction manager contract to SB Ballard for courthouse renovation (approved).
•Both CUPs approved with conditions.

Directions

•County to negotiate purchase agreement and return for final approvals and funding conditions.
•Proceed with construction management selection and negotiate design development to reduce contingency.
•Proceed with site plan, engineering and compliance reviews under conditions specified.
•Return to board with GMP by early February.
•Staff to coordinate outreach on volunteer opportunities and to monitor verification staffing needs ahead of budget season.
•Staff to perform required site and environmental reviews; planning and economic development to pursue grant funding and traffic studies.

Oct

Planning Commission

Dinwiddie County Planning Commission met in October 2026 to hear wide public comment opposing a proposed nearby data center, review preliminary plats, and take two recommendations on zoning amendments and rezonings (including a new M-3 life sciences district and rezoning of part of the Central State Hospital site). Commissioners voted to recommend the M-3 text amendment with CUPs and recommended two rezoning cases to the Board of Supervisors.

Discussion Points

•Applicant explained parcel constraints and preference for residential infill.
•Commissioners asked about driveway placement and lot splits (3 and 4 pattern).
•Commissioners balanced economic-development aims with requests to refine definitions and protections for historic and cemetery areas.
•Commissioners highlighted traffic and driveway-count concerns along Weekley Road and asked staff to consider ordinance language encouraging fewer curb cuts where feasible.
•Commissioners worried the draft definition was broad and could allow unintended uses; several urged either more specific permitted-use language or CUPs.
•Public comment reinforced concerns about environmental and community impacts if high‑impact uses locate nearby.
•Public comment urged preservation of historic hospital land and cautioned about shrinking mental-health capacity.
•Residents asserted low-frequency noise (infrasound) and traditional noise could harm health and quality of life.
•Residents raised groundwater and diesel-spill risks, emergency-response capacity, and impacts to historic/battlefield resources.
•Speakers alleged the applicant’s sound study used values at 70% rather than 100% capacity and questioned night-time noise modeling.
•Staff explained acreage breakdown (374 acres under rezoning consideration; 350.5 to M-3; 23.5 to B-2) and said the rezoning is tied to grant-readiness.
•Staff explained the purpose and narrow intent of M-3 for economic-development purposes.
•Staff presented a by‑right preliminary plat for 16 lots and explained required next steps (construction plans, stormwater, VDOT coordination).

Decisions

•Informational review only; no approval of construction plans taken.
•No formal permit or rezoning vote on the proposed data center occurred at this meeting; comments were entered into the record.
•P-26-6 recommended to Board 5-0.
•Planning Commission recommended A-26-5 to the Board with CUP additions (5-0).
•Planning Commission recommended P-26-7 to Board 4–1.

Directions

•Planning staff to work with county attorney to refine the M-3 definition and draft CUP language for Board review.
•Staff to continue coordinating with developer and VDOT on shared-entrance options and stormwater plans.
•Staff to continue reviewing the applicant’s noise study and utility coordination (Dinwiddie County Water Authority).
•Staff to include cemetery carve-outs and draft language to clarify uses before Board hearing.
•Staff to include lot-layout details in Board packet as needed.

Oct

October 06, 2026, Board of Supervisors Workshop. Minutes

Workshop meeting of the Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 6, 2026 included a presentation on a proposed M-3 zoning amendment and a demonstration of new Axon equipment for deputies; the meeting adjourned at 6:13 PM.

Discussion Points

•Demonstration of Axon equipment intended for deputies.
•Explanation of features and how technology supports officer safety.
•Formal motion to adjourn the meeting and unanimous approval.
•Presentation of proposed M-3 zoning amendment by planning and economic development staff.

Decisions

•Meeting adjourned at 6:13 PM.

Sep

September 15, 2026, Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting. Minutes

Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors approved several contract awards and two ordinance amendments after public hearings; residents voiced widespread opposition to the proposed Haven Oak Technology Center during public comment; the Board entered and certified a closed session and made several routine appointments.

Discussion Points

•Appointments were considered in closed session under personnel provisions and approved in open session.
•Board adopted BOE procedural and compensation amendments as proposed.
•Board voted unanimously on each contract.
•Chief Kissner and Director Cliborne presented equipment and service needs for emergency response and event support.
•County Engineer presented fee changes to align administrative recovery with workloads.
•Courthouse renovation negotiations continuing; Eastside center remediation nearly complete.
•Haven Oak application incomplete; potential Planning Commission review in Nov/Dec and Board consideration in Jan/Feb 2027.
•Multiple residents raised environmental, water, noise, light, property-value and transparency concerns about the Haven Oak proposal, including a claim the developer removed a prior well-water restriction in later submissions.
•Public comment urged reliance on current scientific research and monitoring data to guide stormwater standards.
•Resident alleged Vision software miscalculated impervious area and asked the county to proactively review similar properties.
•Virginia Tech economic analysis due around November; Oct. 6 workshop planned on zoning and Sheriff’s Office equipment.

Decisions

•Chelsea Nelson appointed as Deputy Animal Control Officer; other appointments approved as presented.
•No Board action taken on the application; it remains in Planning Department until completeness is achieved.
•No Board decisions recorded; administrative updates provided.
•Ordinance amendment adopted unanimously.
•Ordinance amendment to Section 9-19 adopted by unanimous vote.
•Three contracts approved unanimously.

Directions

•Board members advised that the application remains under Planning Department review and encouraged public participation at the Sept. 22 Tract meeting and forthcoming Planning Commission hearings.
•County administration to update personnel records and notify appointees.
•County staff should review the allegation concerning Vision calculations; no immediate county response recorded in the transcript.
•Procurement to execute approved contracts per packet terms.
•Staff to continue coordination and provide updates at upcoming workshops and meetings.
•Staff to update fee schedule and publish the adopted fees.

Sep

September 09, 2026, Planning Commission Regular Meeting. Minutes

Dinwiddie County Planning Commission on Sept. 9, 2026 heard multiple public comments opposing a proposed Haven Oak data center, recommended conditional-use permits for two communications towers (a 199-foot monopole and a 70-foot DME lattice tower) to the Board of Supervisors, tabled a small rezoning application by JVR Homes because the applicant was not present, and recommended approval of a 5-acre rezoning for Henry Lennon.

Discussion Points

•Applicant represented that Verizon RF approval exists and FAA and SHPO reviews were completed or cleared.
•Applicant said he sought a larger accessory structure and would not object to a no-livestock proffer.
•Commissioners sought clarity on right-of-way dedication and number of homes; applicant was absent and staff could not answer.
•Commissioners supported returning the parcel to A-2 as consistent with surrounding properties.
•Commission voted to table to allow applicant to provide requested information.
•FAA engineer described the beacon's function for Washington air-traffic operations center.
•No public opposition recorded.
•Residents contend the Haven Oak Technology Center conflicts with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan's goals to preserve rural character, open space, floodplains and air quality.
•Speakers raised water-supply concerns, including the potential for data-center water use to reduce private well yields and increase demand for deeper wells or public supply.
•Speakers urged county supervisors and state representatives to require further review and protections.
•Staff concluded setbacks and regulatory reviews were adequate and recommended approval with specified conditions.
•Staff emphasized the safety and navigational purpose of the DME.
•Staff explained the history of lot sizes in the area and why A-2 matches existing land use patterns.
•Staff explained the R-U district purpose and that public water and sewer are available.
•There were no public speakers during the case.

Decisions

•Case tabled until Oct. 14, 2026
•Recommend approval to Board of Supervisors
•Recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors with conditions

Directions

•Staff to obtain applicant responses before Oct. 14 meeting.

Sep

September 09, 2026, Planning Commission Workshop Meeting. Minutes

At a Sept. 9, 2026 Dinwiddie County Planning Commission workshop, staff introduced a proposed zoning-ordinance amendment to create a new M-3 industrial zoning district intended to support an economic-development grant; commissioners asked procedural questions but took no final vote. The meeting opened at 6:01 p.m., included a unanimous approval of the agenda, a presentation and Q&A on the M-3 proposal, a brief projects update, and adjourned at 6:54 p.m.

Discussion Points

•Commissioner Titmus asked whether the county could merge M-1 and M-2 regulations instead of creating a new district.
•Procedural approval of the agenda was recorded.
•Staff presented a proposed zoning-ordinance amendment to create an M-3 industrial zoning district.
•Staff presented the M-3 zoning proposal and provided project updates before adjournment.

Decisions

•Agenda approved; meeting adjourned.
•No formal decision recorded; the proposal was discussed and will return for further consideration.

Sep

Planning Commission

Dinwiddie County Planning Commission considered public comment on a proposed data center and heard staff presentations and votes on several conditional-use permits and rezoning requests, including wireless towers, an FAA navigational facility, and multiple rezoning cases; the commission recommended approval on multiple items and tabled one rezoning for applicant participation.

Discussion Points

•Applicant said FAA cleared the site and SHPO issued a no‑impact finding.
•Applicant volunteered to proffer language limiting future uses and said he wants only a storage building.
•Commissioners expressed concern about driveway spacing, Route 1 right‑of‑way and applicant absence.
•Concerns were raised about well‑water depletion, Lake Chesdin withdrawals, visibility and long‑term loss of rural character.
•FAA engineer described DME function and technical specifications (unmanned, ~1 kW power).
•Residents argued the proposed data center conflicts with the comprehensive plan and rural conservation goals.
•Staff confirmed setbacks and two‑year compliance review.
•Staff confirmed site meets comprehensive‑plan employment‑center designation and zoning setbacks.
•Staff noted VDOT spacing requirements and that public water and sewer would serve the site.
•Staff said A‑2 is consistent with surrounding zoning patterns and the comprehensive plan.

Decisions

•Case tabled to next meeting (7–0)
•Recommend approval to Board of Supervisors (7–0)
•Recommend rezoning to Board (7–0)

Directions

•Applicant asked to appear at next meeting.
•Staff to work with applicant to craft proffer language.

Sep

September 01, 2026, Board of Supervisors Workshop. Minutes

Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors held a workshop Sept. 1, 2026, where staff presented a proposed amendment to the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program ordinance addressing fees and reviewed the county's 2027 legislative program; the meeting adjourned at 6:11 PM following a unanimous motion.

Discussion Points

•Formal motion to adjourn by Mr. Chavis, second by Mr. Lee, and unanimous recorded vote.
•Presentation of 2027 legislative program and priority positions; materials in meeting packet (Book 26, pp. 532\u0013534).
•Presentation of proposed VESMP ordinance amendment focused on fees; materials in meeting packet (Book 26, pp. 524\u0013531).

Decisions

•Meeting adjourned at 6:11 PM

Aug

August 18, 2026, Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting. Minutes

Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors met Aug. 18, 2026. The board approved several public-safety and maintenance contracts, disapproved a conditional use permit for a proposed cell tower, approved rezoning P-26-3, appointed Anika Moore to the Design Review Board, and heard extensive public opposition to the proposed Haven Oak data center. County staff said the Haven Oak application has not been accepted and Fort Lee committed personnel to help restore the Sacred Heart Memorial Garden Cemetery.

Discussion Points

•Adjacency, setback and structural-safety concerns raised by Todd Adams.
•Board approved appointment to fill vacancy on the Design Review Board.
•Brief presentation by Planning & Zoning director; no substantive public comment during the hearing.
•Concerns raised about water demand, job guarantees, infrastructure costs, and impacts on rural character.
•Fort Lee offered support for cemetery restoration.
•Haven Oak application incomplete; may be revised by applicant.
•Presentations by Fire & EMS, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Communications and Schools on procurement needs.
•Residents criticized timeline and transparency of zoning process.
•RF emission measurement, monitoring and transparency raised by Justin Goodman.

Decisions

•All listed contracts and amendments were approved by roll call.
•Appointment approved.
•Conditional use permit was disapproved.
•No acceptance of Haven Oak application at this time.
•No decision on the data center at this meeting; application not accepted.
•Rezoning approved by recorded vote.

Directions

•Board to await formal acceptance of application by staff before Planning Commission review; county to publish any modifications.
•County will make submissions and modifications public and wait for applicant to submit required materials prior to Planning Commission review.
•Proceed with procurement and implementation as presented by departments.

Aug

Board of Supervisors

Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors met Aug. 18, 2026. The board approved several contracts (ambulance, fire equipment, police vehicles, 911 upgrade), confirmed an emergency chiller replacement request from Dinwiddie County Public Schools with two supervisors abstaining, denied a Dominion Energy tower conditional-use permit, and heard extended public comment opposing the proposed Haven Oak data center.

Discussion Points

•Applicant argued engineering containment and operational reasons for site selection.
•Applicant confirmed proposed building use as equipment storage and office.
•Board amended appropriation resolution to transfer from school operating fund rather than unassigned general fund balance.
•Board asked about timelines, costs and funding sources.
•Board discussed tradeoff between engineering assurances and resident impacts.
•Chief Kisner reviewed ambulance procurement, fleet upfits and ZOLL maintenance needs.
•Communications director described Intrado Viper 7 upgrade and VDEM grant.
•County attorney advised abstentions for supervisors with spouses employed by the school system.
•Ferndale River Road roundabout targeting September start pending contractor paperwork and weather.
•Maintenance crews working on patching, drainage and mowing schedules.
•Neighbors raised safety and setback concerns, liability and property impacts.
•Residents raised water-use, wastewater, noise and decommissioning concerns.
•Residents requested independent studies and tighter county standards and/or moratorium.
•Route 703 pipe replacement completed; paving PO cut and work to finish by end of week.
•Staff noted the application is not accepted/complete and remains subject to Planning Commission review.
•Staff summarized application and recommended conditions from Planning Commission.
•Staff summarized zoning history, surrounding land uses and compatibility.
•VDOT had no objection and Planning Commission recommended approval.
•Walters described chiller operating at 40–45% efficiency and need for replacement.

Decisions

•Board approved emergency replacement resolution; two supervisors abstained per conflict-of-interest guidance.
•Board approved listed contracts; staff to implement following procurement rules.
•Board voted to disapprove conditional-use permit CD-26-11.
•Rezoning PD-26-3 approved by board.

Directions

•Applicant to proceed to site-plan and design-review as required under Route 1 overlay.
•Finance to implement amended transfer and staff to proceed with procurement once school confirms fund balance.
•Planning staff to update case record and notify applicant of decision and next procedural steps.
•Procurement to execute contracts and report back on delivery timelines and budget impacts.
•Staff to continue processing application, request outstanding materials from applicant; Planning Commission to review when application complete.
•Staff to coordinate temporary chiller hookup if weather requires immediate cooling.
•VDOT to forward schedule dates to county staff when available.

Jul

July 21, 2026, Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting. Minutes

Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors met July 21, 2026. The board approved multiple rezoning and zoning-text amendments, appointed a real estate assessor, heard multiple public comments opposing a proposed data center near White Oak and Claiborne Road, and disapproved a conditional use permit for Field Day of the Past.

Discussion Points

•Applicant volunteer acknowledged past concerns (nonpayment) and asked for approval; Board cited zoning code compliance as basis for disapproval.
•Board emphasized these are regulatory changes for future project review, not project approvals.
•Board members recognized partners and the newly named Christmas Mother.
•Foundation described volunteer capacity, partner organizations, and program reach (400+ children).
•Multiple residents raised concerns about water use, noise, proximity to residences, potential impacts to historic Civil War earthworks, and transparency regarding utility corridors and agreements.
•No substantive public comment; staff presented findings supporting statutory public-purpose criteria.
•Public commenter raised safety and transparency concerns regarding battery storage and transmission corridors; staff presented amendment rationale.
•Staff presented technical amendments; no public comment; Board found amendments advance public necessity and good zoning practice.
•Staff presented the VACo award context and described DELA’s goals and stipend structure.

Decisions

•A-26-2 adopted.
•A-26-4 adopted; future applications will be evaluated under new standards.
•C-26-4 disapproved by Board.
•No formal Board action on the data center during the July 21 meeting.
•Rezoning P-26-2 approved by Board.

Directions

•County staff will continue review; application may be scheduled for Planning Commission in September or later.

Jul

Board of Supervisors

Regular meeting of the Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors on 2026-07-21 covering routine appointments and several land-use public hearings, approval of multiple zoning text amendments, a smart-scale transportation resolution, and a lengthy public comment period focused on a proposed data center application.

Discussion Points

•Applicant stated entrances had VDOT permits and gravel work was ongoing; representatives said they would resolve outstanding invoices.
•Board expressed support and appreciation for staff and VDOT assistance.
•Board focused on traffic on private road, potential growth of vehicle storage, and enforceability of numeric limits; applicant agreed to a 9–5, Monday–Friday schedule and maximum of 15 vehicles.
•Board members raised concerns that the applicant had unresolved invoices for sheriff services from a prior event and that recurring events could strain county fire and EMS resources; VDOT entrances and on‑site parking were discussed.
•County Administrator explained the review timeline: staff multi‑agency review followed by Planning Commission hearings and then a board decision; he denied county recruitment of the developer and said no NDA with Dominion Energy exists.
•Foundation emphasized volunteer base, distribution logistics and grants; students described work placements and skills learned.
•Planning staff described consistency with the Town Center area of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the RU zoning purpose of facilitating infill development.
•Project scope: extend Albemarle Street right-turn lane to improve merging from I‑85 ramp; MPO provided $1,000,000 leverage funding.
•Public commenters voiced opposition to high-energy-use facilities and battery storage near residential areas.
•Residents raised environmental, historical, property‑value and transparency concerns about a proposed data center; several asked the board to deny any such application in residential areas.
•Staff confirmed conditions can be written to include numerical vehicle limits and VDOT driveway requirements.
•Staff emphasized these are code changes required by the General Assembly (HB 655, HB 198, HB 94) and explained key technical changes (manufactured housing allowances, appeals language, event and energy facility standards).

Decisions

•All three zoning text amendments adopted by roll call.
•Board disapproved the CUP as presented.
•CUP C2326-3 approved with amended conditions.
•No board vote on the data center at this meeting.
•Resolution of support passed; application to be submitted.
•Rezoning P-26-2 approved by roll call (all aye).

Directions

•Amend CUP conditions to specify hours (9AM–5PM, Mon–Fri) and max 15 automobiles on-site.
•Staff to continue objective technical review and post application materials online; planning commission consideration expected in September/October.
•Staff to submit Smart Scale application by August 3 and continue coordination with MPO/VDOT.

Jul

July 08, 2026, Dinwiddie County Planning Commission Workshop Meeting. Minutes

At a July 8, 2026 Dinwiddie County Planning Commission workshop, staff briefed commissioners on recent 2026 Virginia General Assembly bills affecting zoning (notably utility-scale solar, battery storage, ADUs, manufactured housing and data-center assessments) and discussed draft Comprehensive Plan language for utility-scale solar.

Discussion Points

•Bill language prevents localities from treating manufactured homes more restrictively than single‑family homes.
•Commissioners did not act but were informed of the expanded enforcement possibility.
•Commissioners discussed potential need to include similar assessment requirements in local ordinance or CUP conditions.
•Commissioners noted these conditions could limit the bill's applicability in the county.
•Commissioners questioned whether SB 443 is linked to HB 711 and how local permitting will be affected.
•County Attorney Tyler Southall summarized HB 711 and constraints on banning solar; commissioners discussed the types of conditions that remain available under state law.
•HB 14 allows localities to institute actions on behalf of tenants when a landlord’s material noncompliance creates a fire or life‑safety hazard or other unremedied serious condition.
•HB 655 requires conversion to real property, certificate of occupancy and placement on individual lots for manufactured homes in residential zones.
•HB 888 permits administrative review for parking reductions of not less than 20% in qualifying localities.
•Planning Director Mark Bassett presented model Comprehensive Plan language and solicited additions from commissioners focusing on prime soils protections.
•SB 388/HB 1279 would require by‑right housing on qualifying tax‑exempt religious/nonprofit properties subject to a 60% affordability threshold and other locational/ownership conditions.
•SB 443 allows battery storage by right on sites with an approved solar CUP and limits the battery capacity to the solar facility's nameplate capacity.
•SB 531's definition of ADUs and potential for growth in the county.
•SB 94 requires a site assessment prior to rezoning or CUP approval for High Energy Use Facilities, including a sound profile review for residences and schools within 500 feet and optional evaluation of water, agriculture, parks, historic sites and forestland.
•Staff and commissioners discussed where ADUs might be appropriate and regulatory approaches.
•Staff must confirm whether Dinwiddie meets the population threshold and whether the commission wishes to pursue an ordinance.

Directions

•Staff and county attorney to analyze ordinance and permit language implications for battery storage projects.
•Staff to evaluate if county should adopt local assessment requirements consistent with SB 94 for high‑energy facilities.
•Staff to note HB 14 for potential enforcement and code review.
•Staff to prepare regulatory options for ADU oversight if the commission requests them.
•Staff to review county code and identify any necessary updates to align with HB 655.
•Staff to track implementation guidance and report to commission.
•Staff to verify population applicability and draft ordinance options if requested.
•Staff will draft Comprehensive Plan language and potential ordinance language to address utility‑scale solar and protections for prime soils.

Jul

July 08, 2026, Dinwiddie County Planning Commission Regular Meeting. Minutes

Dinwiddie County Planning Commission on July 8, 2026 recommended approval of two rezoning applications and three zoning ordinance text amendments, including rules to allow manufactured homes countywide and new siting requirements for high-energy-use facilities. All recommendations were forwarded to the Board of Supervisors by unanimous votes.

Discussion Points

•A-26-2 was presented as a state-law compliance measure (HB 655) and to add a local dwelling orientation standard.
•A-26-3 was presented as a statutory alignment with HB 198 and Va. Code §15.2-2314.
•Applicant confirmed current business and intended mixed office/storage use.
•Item drafted in response to HB 94 to require site assessments for high-energy-use facilities drawing 100 MW or more.
•No public comment; staff recommended approval.
•Staff clarified that the threshold is 100 megawatts and described required studies for sound, water, agricultural, parks, historic sites and forestland.
•Staff estimated minimal impacts to public safety and approximately one student added to schools at build-out.
•Staff presented that R-U allows 5,000 sq. ft. lots and addresses nonconforming lot sizes in West Petersburg.
•VDOT comments require a commercial entrance and noted AADT of 9,900 VPD; no objection to rezoning.

Decisions

•Commission recommended approval to Board of Supervisors (5–0)
•Commission recommended approval to the Board of Supervisors (5–0)

Jul

Planning Commission

Dinwiddie County Planning Commission held its regular July meeting to consider three rezoning cases and three zoning text amendments required by recent Virginia legislation; all items were recommended to the Board of Supervisors. Commissioners also debated whether staff should disclose prior zoning violations in staff reports.

Discussion Points

•A-26-2 implements House Bill 65655; manufactured homes allowed if converted to real property and CO within five years.
•A‑26‑4 adds a 100 MW threshold to define high energy use facilities.
•Applicant said the use would be office and storage; VDOT will determine if turn lanes are required at site plan review.
•Commissioners argued that factual enforcement history (e.g., number of inoperable vehicles) is relevant to land‑use decisions.
•County counsel explained certiorari as the circuit court\u0002s mechanism to review BZA decisions.
•New lot‑orientation rule requires main entry to face the street except where lot is 105 feet or more from the centerline.
•No public speakers; commissioners moved to recommend approval.
•Staff and counsel said land use merits should remain the focus and that enforcement/compliance is pursued through other processes (violation letters, CUP requirements).
•Staff cited Gerdau Steel as an example of the scale of facility the definition targets.
•Staff described parcel size (0.71 acres) and proposed 24x40-foot building.
•Staff presented A-26-3 to align local appeals with new state law.
•Staff reported no new information beyond the packet and recommended dispensing with a full reading.

Decisions

•No formal policy change adopted; commission asked staff to evaluate reporting options
•Recommend A-26-2 to Board of Supervisors
•Recommend A-26-3 to Board of Supervisors
•Recommend A-26-4 to Board of Supervisors
•Recommend approval to Board of Supervisors
•Recommend rezoning to Board of Supervisors

Directions

•Staff to consider whether and how to provide factual enforcement context without prejudicing land‑use deliberations
•VDOT to participate in site plan review; full commercial entrance will be required if warranted.

Jun

June 17, 2026, Board of Supervisor Joint Meeting with Town Council of McKenney. Minutes

The County of Dinwiddie Board of Supervisors met jointly with the Town Council of McKenney on June 17, 2026, to exchange updates on county and town initiatives, review priority projects, and discuss collaboration opportunities; the session included a parks and recreation briefing and adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Discussion Points

•A motion to adjourn was made and seconded.
•Board and Town Council discussed shared funding, grant opportunities, and coordination for priority projects.
•County Administrator provided an update on initiatives and capital improvement projects.
•Discussion of maintenance needs and partnership opportunities.
•Emphasis on partnership and grant opportunities with McKenney.
•Mayor Abbey described municipal projects and economic development efforts in McKenney.
•Mayor Abbey reviewed municipal activities and infrastructure improvements.
•Officials discussed coordination needs and timelines for shared initiatives.
•The Board recorded unanimous ayes and no nays and adjourned the meeting.
•Update on county initiatives and capital projects.
•Update on parks programs, facility improvements and events.

Decisions

•Adjournment approved.
•The meeting adjourned by unanimous vote after a motion from Dr. Mark E. Moore, seconded by Casey M. Dooley.

Jun

June 16, 2026, Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting. Minutes

Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors met June 16, 2026, approving multiple county contracts and ordinance changes, disapproving a rezoning and conditional use permit for 14417 Courthouse Road after resident opposition, and approving zoning updates related to solar projects.

Discussion Points

•Alleged shocks near transmission lines at sports complex, request for county investigation and public notification.
•Need to expand alerting capability across county departments
•Program purpose: officer safety training and equipment upgrades
•Resident concerns: 50–75 truck trips/day cited in county materials, narrow 22-foot roadway without shoulders, proximity of school-bus stops, potential groundwater impacts from truck washing, and compatibility with historic courthouse area.
•Standardize software and support across county departments
•Technical corrections to effective date and ordinance introductory language; House Bill 711 limits local implementation choices.

Decisions

•Contract approved
•Contract approved as presented
•Ordinance amendments adopted
•Rezoning P-26-1 disapproved; CUP C-26-2 denied.

Directions

•Fire & EMS to finalize vendor contract and report implementation timeline to Board
•IT to manage rollout and licensing
•Planning & Zoning to file formal denial and notify applicant; update records.
•Planning & Zoning to publish adopted ordinance with corrected language and effective date.
•Sheriff's Office to finalize procurement and schedule

Jun

Board of Supervisors

Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors met June 16 to consider routine consent items, multiple contract awards (including a new mass notification system and a five-year Axon public-safety contract), transportation and planning updates, zoning and text amendments (including a solar ordinance to comply with new state law), and a contested rezoning/conditional-use request for a truck logistics/support facility in the Dinwiddie Courthouse area.

Discussion Points

•Allegation that induced voltage from transmission lines has caused shocks at the sports complex and that a worker was hospitalized per an OSHA report; resident said Dominion had not responded to documentation requests.
•Bid results; need for an additional $2,395.15 to complete project in FY‑26.
•Board member remarked that the state legislation constrains local land‑use discretion.
•Conflicting traffic/operational figures in materials (50–75 vs. applicant's revised ~10 trucks/day); safety risks on narrow Courthouse Road (bus stops, shallow wells, lack of shoulders); concerns about policing and enforcement of hours and truck routing.
•Frequency of FOIA requests for body‑worn footage; daily operational uses and evidence needs; scope for Animal Control and Commonwealth's Attorney access.
•Legislative change permits county to remove clutter and cut grass on small agricultural parcels not actively farmed; staff explained thresholds and examples.
•Necessity of adoption before July 1 to avoid enforceability gap; limited local discretion under HB711.
•Planning Commission recommended disapproval of the CUP; staff outlined 10 recommended conditions (screening, hours 8AM–6PM M–Sat, in‑building screening of repairs, compliance with codes, annual zoning review).
•Staff noted the trail clearing contractor had already commenced work on the trail component.
•VDOT to begin Ferndale Roundabout construction in late August; a daytime ramp closure on July 24–25 for paving; traffic counts guiding secondary road overlays.
•Vendor selection rationale; departmental uses beyond emergency calls (Parks & Rec team notifications).

Decisions

•Board accepted the report; no formal vote required.
•Contract awarded; additional operating funds approved.
•Contract awarded; no recorded dissent.
•Contract awarded to Everbridge; board approved unanimously.
•Matter entered into the public record for follow‑up by county staff.
•Ordinance amendments adopted unanimously.
•Rezoning P‑26‑1 disapproved 4–1; CUP hearing to continue for parcels currently zoned B‑2.
•Zoning text amendment A‑26‑1 adopted with immediate enactment (all voting aye).

Directions

•Adopt text amendment immediately and publish ordinance changes.
•Authorize contract award and release operating funds as requested.
•Execute contract; coordinate licensing and training across departments.
•Implement ordinance changes and update enforcement protocols.
•Proceed with conditional‑use permit consideration for three parcels already zoned B‑2 and apply recommended conditions if approved.
•Staff acknowledged receipt; no immediate action announced at meeting; resident to follow up with additional information.
•Staff to share the media release with county communications and implement transition.
•VDOT to issue media releases and message boards ahead of closures; county staff to follow up on local segment schedules.

Jun

June 10, 2026, Planning Commission Regular Meeting. Minutes

The Dinwiddie County Planning Commission held a regular meeting on June 10, 2026, where it reviewed a rezoning request for four Nottoway Ave. lots (P-26-2), considered two conditional use permits (C-26-3 for an automobile repair shop and C-26-4 for an event facility), approved zoning text amendments related to solar (A-26-1), and handled routine business and scheduling.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners considered whether conditions would sufficiently mitigate concerns.
•Neighbors raised traffic, child-safety, rural character, and environmental fluid/runoff concerns; staff explained building-bay rule for inoperable vehicle limits and VDOT entrance comments.
•Staff described consistency with Town Center Area and R-U district purpose; public facilities available through DCWA; minimal school impact estimated at 0.47 students per household.
•Staff presented detailed conditions (parking, EMS, IAP, lighting, buffer, noise limits, annual review and revocation).
•Staff said amendments were drafted in response to HB 711 to ensure local ordinance compliance; commissioners asked no substantive questions.
•Supporters emphasized educational and family nature of events; commissioners raised safety and parking concerns and debated lowering number of annual events.

Decisions

•Recommend approval to Board of Supervisors (A-26-1).
•Recommend approval to Board of Supervisors (P-26-2).
•Recommend disapproval to Board of Supervisors (C-26-3).
•Recommend disapproval to Board of Supervisors (C-26-4) with suggested modifications if Board chooses to approve.
•See itemized votes above.

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