Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

I'm in a bad spot right here. Thank you.

Okay. Good evening everyone. I'd like to call this meeting to order. Welcome to the November 6, 2025 planning commission meeting. Call roll call. Mr. Web here. Mr. Brown here. Mr. Shelton here. Miss Me here. Mr. Dalton here. Mr. Oaks. Miss Henderson. And Mr. Ferris

here. Thank you. Let us all stand for a moment of silence followed by the pledge of allegiance. [snorts] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. If I could get a motion to approve the agenda.

Mr. Arnold, I'll make a motion we approve the agenda.

Thank you, Mr. Whip. Can I get a sec? I'll second. Thank you, Mr. R. Mr. Brown. All right. Approval of the agenda passed 50. Agenda item number six, chairman nomination and election. Please note that each nomination will require a second and if there is more than one nomination, each nomination will be voted on in the order that they are made. I will now open the floor for nominations for chairman of the Pennsylvania County Planning Commission. [snorts] And the term or the duration of uh this chairman's seat will be until the next reorganization meeting in January of 2026.

Is that correct, Mr. Attorney? Yes, that's correct. Thank you. All right. I will now open the floor for nominations for the chairman of Pennsylvania County Planning Commission. Mr. Mr. Arnold, I'd like to make a nomination that we nominate Fred Webb from the Westover District as chairman. Right. I have a motion to nominate Mr. Web as chairman. Do I have a second? A second.

Thank you, Miss Me. Are there any other nominations? Hearing none, please cast your votes. All right.

M Mr. Web's nomination uh for chairman of the planning commission passed unanimously 5 to zero. Mr. Webb, congratulations. If you would, I guess be be seated at the head of the dis. We have the gavl there for you. And turn the meeting now over to you. I would like to thank uh my fellow commissioners. Uh I will make every effort to become as good as my predecessors in in this role. Um feel free to reach out to me at any point in time uh so we can make this the best we can make it. Uh we got a lot on our plate going forward with the comprehensive plan. uh and new members because congratulations have to go out to Mr. Brown. He'll be leaving us in in a couple of months as well. So, we'll be having some new members. So, um moving on to item seven, hearing of the citizens. Each person addressing the board under hearing of the citizens shall be a resident or land owner of the county or the registered agent of such resident or land owner. Each person shall step up, give his or her name and district in an audible tone of voice for the record and unless further time is granted by the chairman shall be limited his or her address to three minutes, no person shall be permitted to address the board more than once as a body and not to have any individual member thereof. Hearing of the citizen shall last for a maximum of 45 minutes. Any individual that is signed up to speak during said session who does not get the opportunity

to do so because of the aforemention time limit shall be given speaking priority at the next board meeting absent chairman's approval. No person shall be able to speak who is not signed up. Do we have anyone signed up? No sir, we do not. Is there anyone here tonight that would like to address this board about an item that's not on the agenda? All right. The chair is now open for an approval of the minutes. Mr. Chairman, make a nomination we approve the minutes. I'll second that.

Have a motion by Miss Me and a second by Mr. Shelton. I have no chairman's report. So, we will move on to the public hearing phase of the agenda. Pursuant to article five, division seven of the Pennsylvania county zoning ordinance, we the planning commission have been empowered to hear and decide specific applications in support of said ordinance and to make recommendations to the board of supervisors or the board of zoning appeals. In accomplishing this important task, we are charged with promoting the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Pennsylvania county. We must ensure that all our decisions and recommendations be directed to these goals and that each be consistent with the environment, the comprehensive plan and the best interest of Pennsylvania county citizens and its posterity. Anyone here to speak to the board regarding zoning cases will be limited to three minutes. Mr. Arnold, case R-25-029. James Murray has petitioned to reszone 6.881 acres located on State Road 672 Pittsville Road in the Stanton River Election District from R1 residential suburban subdivision district to A1 agricultural district to allow for the boarding of horses. Once the property is reszoned to A1, all uses listed under section 35-178 are permitted. The staff summaries

enclosed in the board packet and Mr. Chairman James Murray is here to represent the petition. Mr. Murray, is there anything you'd like to add? Okay. Uh, anyone have any questions for Mr. Murray? Is there anyone here to speak on this case? No, sir.

Public hearing is closed. Mr. Ferris. I'll make a recommendation that we approve KSR 2529 submitted by James Murray requesting to reszone 6.881 881 acres located on State Road 672 Pittsville Road in the seven river election district and shown on the tax maps of SGPIN number 25501-19-053 and 25501-086783 the subject property subjection to properties currently zoned A1 agriculture district and reszoning would be consistent with county's comprehensive plan

we have a motion is there a A second.

Miss me. Seconds. Motion passes. 50. Mr. Arnold. Case R-25-030. Candace and Joshua Spiegel have petitioned to reszone 49.25 acres located on State Road 703 Irish Road in the Tunl Election District from R1 residential suburban subdivision district to A1 agricultural district to allow for the harvesting of hay and the construction of a barn dominium. Once the property is reszoned to A1, all uses listed under section 35-1 178 are permitted and a staff summary is enclosed in the board packet. Mr. Chairman, Candace and Joshua Spiegel are here to represent the petition. [snorts] Is there anything the Spigles would like to add? Any commissioners have questions for Spiegels? Is there anyone here to speak on this case?

No, sir. Chair is now open for a motion on R-25-030. M Mr. Chairman, on case R-25-030, uh Candace and Joshua Spiegel petitioning to reszone from R1 to A1. I I move that we recommend that uh designation um for consideration by the board supervisors. Chair has a first. Is there a second? Second.

Mr. Brown second. Please cast your vote. motion passes 5. Mr. Arnold,

case R-25-031. Linda Rogers has petitioned to reszone 12.39 acres located on State Road 845 Hill Creek Road in the Tonsill Election District from R1 residential suburban subdivision district to A1 agricultural district to allow for the property to be used for agricultural uses. Once the property is reszoned to A1, all uses listed under section 35-178 are permitted. The staff summaries enclosed in the board packet. Mr. Chairman Linda Rogers is here to represent the petition. Miss Rogers, anything you'd like to add?

Just be Please step up to the microphone and lower it.

Please, please lower the microphone. Okay. Are there any questions? Okay. Thank you. Is there anyone here to speak on this case? No, sir. Chair is now open for A motion on case R-25-031.

Mr. Chairman, in case R-25-031, Linda Rogers is requesting to go from R1 to A1. I would like a motion to approve. Chair has a first. Is there a second? I'll second. M Shield seconds. Please cast your vote. Motion passes 50. Mr. Arnold,

KR-25-032 Jack and Virginia Thompson have petitioned to reszone 7.22 22 acres located on State Road 746, Golf Club Road in the Cadam Blaire's election district from R1 residential suburban subdivision district to A1 agricultural district to allow for agricultural uses. Once the property is reszoned to A1, all uses listed under section 35-178 are permitted and the staff summary is enclosed in the board packet. Mr. Chairman, Jack and Virginia Thompson are here to represent the petition. the Thompsons. Is there anything you would like to add? Are any questions for the Thompsons?

Has anyone signed up to speak on this? No, sir. Mr. Chelton, Mr. Chairman, in case R-25-032, I move that we recommend approval uh in the petition for the petition of Jack and Virginia Thompson reszoning uh the two parcels located on Golf Club Road from R1 to A1. Chair has a first. Is there a second? I have second.

Miss me seconds. motion passes 50. Mr. Arnold, KR-25-033. Nicholas Malena has petitioned to reszone 19.23 23 acres located on State Road 686 Markham Road in the Banister Election District from R1 residential suburban subdivision district to A1 agricultural district to allow for the addition of a manufactured home. Once the property is reszoned to A1, all uses listed under section 35-178 are permitted. The staff summary is enclosed in the board packet. Mr. Chairman Nicholas Mutilena is here to represent the petition. Mr. Magdalina, you have anything you'd like to add or any questions? Has anyone signed up to speak on this?

No, sir. Chair is open for a motion on R-25-033. Mr. Chairman, in case R-25-033, I make a a recommendation that this be approved to the board that we send it to the board of supervisors for approval. Chair has a first. Is there a second? I'll second.

Mr. Shelton seconds. Please cast your vote. Motion passes 50. Mr. Arnold,

KR-25-034. Beth Anne James has petitioned to reszone 1.995 acres located on State Road 8882 West Sunrise Drive in the Tonsil election district from R1 residential suburban subdivision district to A1 agricultural district to allow for a micro resort retreat center and event space. Once the property is reszoned to A1, all uses listed under section 35-178 are permitted. The staff summary is enclosed in the board packet. Mr. Chairman, Bethany and James is here to represent the petition. [snorts]

Good evening. This is um part of a previous request for um acreage that was already reszoned to A1 and I appreciate the time and this bifurcated request. So um that's all. Thank you. Any questions for Miss James? Thank you. Is there anyone here to speak on this case? No, sir. Chair is now open for a motion on case R-25-034.

Mr. Mr. Chairman, in case R-25-034, I recommend uh approve recommend approving um the petition from Bethan James reszoning the parcel from R1 to A1. Thank you, Mr. Shelton. Is there a second? A second. Miss me seconds. Please cast your vote. Motion passes 5 to zero. Mr. Arnold,

case S--25-022. Marshall Kendall Trust in care of Jonathan Yates has petitioned for a special use permit on 248.72 acres located on State Road 640, Spring Garden Road in the Banister Election District to allow for 197 foot monopole style wireless communications facility. [snorts] The staff summaries enclosed in the board packet. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Yates is here to represent the petition. Mr. Yates.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Jonathan Yates, and congratulations on your election. Thank you.

Uh first and foremost, I want to thank Dave and Sabrina for their help in getting us here tonight. Also have to thank the Kendall family. Uh I've been before this board before. This is another facility, 197 foot monopole facility for Verizon Wireless. It is also designed for three additional broadband carriers. If Oh, can you hear me now? [laughter] I'm trying to do a Verizon commercial. Um, it is 197 foot monopole style facility also designed for three additional broadband carriers when and if they want to improve their coverage in the area. Uh back to my thanks to the Kendall family. Uh we feel that we found the perfect location for this. It works for Verizon. The property in question, as Dave described, is 248 acres. It's right there at the uh Spring Garden and Kendall Roads. It's the old Shields Farm. Lance's daddy, Marshall, bought the property back in 1973. He farmed it at that time for tobaca and also raised cattle there. Presently about 100 125 acres are in cultivation. Dennis Bernett is farming it now doing tobaca and he's rotating that with winter wheat. The balance of the property is in planted pines. It laid out just perfectly in that the Kindles were very generous in their placement to us. We were easily able to easily meet all setbacks. We're 830 836 feet to the front, 1062 rear, 2076 to one side, and then 438 to the other. So everything laid out if we're allowed to do this to describe the future to you. My boss, Mr. Folultz of our Coca-Cola Towers, is here with us. He will be in charge of the development if this board recommends and later the board approves. It'll take Ryan about 60 days to get this facility

up. A lot of that time is spent in the foundation setting, the tower itself stacked in a day. Then Verizon comes in to place their equipment and to most important part integrated with the network and make sure that it's all operational. Uh the facility does not produce any noise, odor, lights, vibration, fumes or glare. The facility has been approved by the FAA. They made two important findings. determination of no hazard to air navigation. Also, it will not require illumination and that is because the facility is located about I think it's 8.17 nautical miles from the Danville regional and we're over 6 and a half miles from Buckholler. So, everything came together on this where Verizon needed to be. It met it met all the you know the federal guidelines and really the Kendall family allowing us to utilize this property. What does it mean for everyone around there? Voice, broadband, access to 911 first responders. You know, in Pennsylvania County, you have reverse 911. Well, it's good as long as they can get the message out on your phone. So, we're hoping um and again, thanks to Dave and Sabrina for their help along the way. And again, to the Kendall, we're hoping that this board will recommend approval. I'm here for any and all questions. We have Mr. folks here also uh for the trickier questions about how you build it.

Okay. Thank you. Any questions for Mr. Yates? Yes, sir. Is anyone signed up to speak on this case? No, sir. All right. Chair is now open for recommendation on case S-25-022.

Well, Mr. Chairman, it sounds like Verizon has met all the guidelines and have certainly done their homework. and what an asset this will be to that area for better sales service as he said broadband and a lot of services there that they don't have presently. So in case five excuse me case S- 25-022 I make a recommendation to to the BZA that this permit be approved. Thank you, Miss Mace. Is there a second? Second.

Please cast your vote. motion carries 5 to zero.

Mr. Charles case S--25-023 SEA Investments LLC and care of William Alderson have petitioned for a special use permit on.5 acres located on State Road 686 Elorn Road in the Banister Election District to allow for a manufactured home. The staff summaries enclosed in the board packet. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Alderson is here to represent the petition. Mr. Austin, is there anything you'd like to add? Okay. Anyone have any questions? Thank you. Anyone signed up to speak to this?

No, sir. Chair will now entertain a motion as regards to case S-25-023. Mr. Chairman, I do not see any opposition tonight. So therefore in case excuse me the glare in case S-25-023 the SCA investments by William Alderson named the special use permit be honored and and u make a recommendation that the BZA be that it will be approved by the BZA. Thank you Miss M. Chair has a first. Is there a second?

I'll second. Mr. Shelton seconds. Please cast your vote. Motion passes from five to zero. Mr. Case S--25-024. Cindy Reynolds has petitioned for a special use permit on 1.64 64 acres located on State Road 604 Glade Road in the Stanton River District to allow for a manufactured home. The staff summaries enclosed in the board packet. Mr. Chairman Cindy Reynolds is here to represent the petition.

Miss Reynolds, anything you'd like to add? Condolences. Any questions? Thank you, ma'am.

Mr. Ferris. In case S25-024, send a Reynolds uh special use permit for single W manufacturer home in corners with Pitbane County Code 35-223. I recommend we approve this. Thank you, Mr. Fris. Is there a second? A second.

Second by Miss Me. Please cast your vote. motion carries five to zero. Mr. case B-25-00001. Tim Cassell, fire chief of the Bachelor's Hall Volunteer Fire Department, has petitioned for a variance on State Road 878 Duncan Drive, a parcel consisting of 621 acres located in the Westover Election District uh due to uh a variance for section 35-388 minimum yard dimensions for the side setback. um portion of the Pennsylvania county zoning ordinance. The staff summary is included in the board packet and Mr. Chairman Tim Cassell is here to represent the petition.

Mr. Cassell, is there anything you'd like to add? Yes, sir. Uh just kind of give you a heads up on what we're trying to do uh with, you know, with the mega park and everything in that area. We've kind of outgrown our building and we're looking to add on to it. We do own the lot next door and the way it is shaped with utility poles and everything else, we just kind of need to change the setback just a little bit off of the uh property line to accommodate it. Any questions, Mr. Pale? Thanks, sir. Thank you. Anyone signed up to speak? No, sir.

The chair will now entertain a motion on case V-25- Z001. Mr. Chairman, in case V-25-00001, make a motion that we recommend approval to the board uh for a variance of the setback code 35-388 to allow for the construction of a pole bar on the property. Thank you, Mr. Shelton. Is there a second? I'll

second. Second by Mr. Brown. Please cast your vote. Motion passes five to zero. Is there any old business? No, sir. Is there We got an item under new business. Virginia Outdoors. Mr. Arnold.

Yes, sir. Donna Booth has proposed an open space easement uh open space conservation easement uh for the Virginia Century Farm property. Um it's located in pretty close proximity to Smith Mountain um which is already a conservation easement um that was donated by Appalachin Power Company. Um the the staff summary uh including some maps explain this much further uh which are included in the agenda packet. Uh I'm happy to answer any questions with you that you all might have. Um it's my understanding we don't see these very often but they do come before the planning commission for review and ultimately approval. So

any questions for Mr. Arnold? It's in my area. Is it? Yeah. No. Well, so is there a motion on the easement?

Mr. Chairman, I make a motion that this be approved and sent to the board of supervisors for approval. Thank you, Miss M. Is there a second? I'll second. Second by Mr. Ferris. Please cast your vote. Point of order. Mr. Chairman, I believe that conservation easement is approved by this board, not recommended by the ends here. Yeah, Miss Mis's initial motion is would be correct. Okay. Okay.

Great. based on the wording of the motion vote can stand as as voted. I think there I don't think there's any need to to revote based on the the technical wording of of Miss Motion. Okay, good deal. Okay, great.

Having said that, does that since if we're making the decision, does any commissioner have a desire to change their vote? We're good. All right. Before I adjourn, just let me say thank you to my fellow commissioners for covering for the folks that aren't here tonight. Uh it it it kind of blindsides you for once in a while when when you don't you really pay a lot of attention to your own cases, but not as maybe sometimes much detailed for those that are not yours. But I appreciate your efforts in making my first outing as good as it was. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I would like to say something before you adjourn. Welcome. Well, thank you.

Our um meetings, our future meetings, and I know you're going to do a great job. You've already proven that as a fellow commissioner. And I also would think we need to welcome Mr. Ferris. Yes. You have our blessings. It's always good to have another team player on the board. And also just before I left I heard that um Ronald Scarce had passed away today. I don't know whether y'all had heard it or not.

So I think we need to send our condolences to the Ronald Scarce family. He was on the board of supervisors for a number of years and served the county well. Uh point well taken, Miss Me. Um anyone have anything to add to that? Keep Mr. Oaks in your prayers. I heard he had a successful surgery this week. Uh you know more than I do, Mr. Whale. Yeah. Uh he is his wife said he's home doing well. Uh but still based on on what happened, he he he's got a ways to go. Yes. Uh and before we adjourn, uh just the the the board would like to uh congratulate uh Mr. Dalton on his re-election and Mr. Brown.

Yes. On his election to the board of supervisors. Thank you. Yes, sir. May you do well for the county and its residents. Yes, sir. If there's nothing else, we will stand adjourned. Thank you.