Warren County Planning Commission begins new year

The Warren County Planning Commission began the 2021 calendar year with the election of officers. So, the first order of business was County Planning and Zoning Director Taryn Logan’s call for nominations for Chairman and Vice-Chairman.  2020 Chairman Robert Myers was nominated for chairman, and Hugh Henry was not unexpectedly nominated for another term as Vice Chairman.  Both nominations were unopposed, and the commission’s vote was unanimous.

Upon accepting the gavel for another term, Chairman Myers offered the agenda for approval and opened the floor for public presentations.  There were none.

The published public hearing for a conditional use permit for Parallel Virginia for a Pharmaceutical business in the Stephens Industrial Park in the commission’s agenda had been postponed at the applicant’s request, so the commission moved on to consider four requests for authorization to advertise for conditional use permit applications

Justin and Felicia Katzovitz have requested a conditional use permit for a short-term tourist rental at 1253 Liberty Hall Rd in the South River Magisterial district.  Planner Matt Wendling provided a briefing to the commissioners regarding the request and recommended the commission authorize the advertisement for a public hearing.  The commission unanimously approved.

Planner Matt Wendling provided a briefing to the commissioners regarding the request and recommended the commission authorize the advertisement for a public hearing. File photo.

John and Sheila Kirkpatrick have requested a conditional use permit for a guesthouse on their property on Red Hille Way in the South River Magisterial District.  They will be building their residence on that property and intend to have a one-bedroom cabin placed there, so they can live onsite during the construction.  The guesthouse would subsequently be used for visiting family and friends and not for commercial use.  Planner Wendling provided an overview of the request and the commission unanimously authorized the advertisement for a public hearing.

Carl and Jennifer Ey are applying for conditional use permits for short-term tourist rentals for two adjoining properties they own at 1406 and 1408 Panhandle Road in the South River Magisterial district.  Zoning Administrator Joe Petty provided a summary of the requests.  The property owners are experienced with short-term tourist rentals for more than 15 years in Page County.  The Eys have already submitted a property management plan.  The commission voted unanimously to authorize the advertisement for a public hearing.

During the commission matters portion of the agenda, Commissioner Scott Kersjes raised a concern about the portion of Route 522 between Reliance Road and Fairground Road, a 2.5-mile section of highway.  Commissioner Kersjes indicated that southbound traffic, especially tractor-trailers, tend to be unprepared to stop at the traffic signals at Reliance Road, evidence being skid marks all the way into the intersection from trailer tires.  Trucks use 522 south as a way of avoiding the Interstate 81 weigh station if they are overweight, contributing to a significant safety hazard.  The combination of lack of visibility for the intersection, too high a speed, and inadequate braking on a downhill slope could well result in a tragic accident.  The commissioner observed that a speed limit reduction to 45 MPH for that stretch of highway would reduce the risk.

Planning Director Logan responded that the County had requested VDOT perform a speed study, which would be needed to support a speed limit reduction.  She offered to send the Board of supervisors a letter asking for guidance.

Commissioner Longo asked if the next Planning Commission would be a joint meeting with the Board of Supervisors.  Planning Director Logan responded that if the Supervisors authorize, the March meeting would be doubled up.

Chairman Myers indicated that the traffic for Chipotle and 5 Guys, both of which are now open, was sometimes extending out to Country Club Road, creating some obstruction for access to the rest of Riverton Commons.  It is something to keep an eye on. Planning Director Logan observed that the traffic may even out with time.

Commissioner Crystal Beall had an issue raised by a citizen regarding new signage going up at public boat ramps including that at Gooney Creek.  Signs indicate that a permit is required for all watercraft for access to public waterways, including for canoes, kayaks, and even inner tubes.  The State Department of Wildlife Resources, as of Jan 1, 2021, requires a person age 17 or older to possess a valid Virginia hunting, trapping, or fishing permit, a Restore the Wild membership, an access permit, or a current boat registration to use an access facility.  The small warning signs regarding this requirement are the first indication that many citizens are seeing about this new policy that the legislature has created to help fund the Department’s activities.  There is a FAQ list at https://dwr.virginia.gov/boating/access-faq/ regarding the new rules.

South River District County Supervisor Cheryl Cullers attended the commission meeting and Chairman Myers asked if she could shed some light on the situation.  She explained what she knew of the requirement and that she has been seeking more information from the Department of Wildlife Resources on this topic.  Look for more information soon.

Planning Director Logan said that the Planning Department is working on its annual report and that new home permits numbered 191 in 2020, which is up 50 from 2019.  At 1%, this rate of increase is below the county’s 3% annual maximum for residential growth.

Planning Director Logan said that the Planning Department is working on its annual report and that new home permits numbered 191 in 2020, which is up 50 from 2019. File Photo.

Planner Wendling indicated that the planning office has sent out letters to flood plain affected landowners to refamiliarize them with floodplain responsibilities and rules, along with supplemental information about enforcement of permit conditions.