BZA Minutes 11 10 2020
PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
REGULAR MEETING
November 10, 2020
MINUTES
VIRGINIA: The Pittsylvania County Board of Zoning Appeals met on Tuesday, November 10, 2020,
at the Community Center, Chatham, Virginia. Mr. Talbott, Chairman, called the meeting to order at
approximately 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Ragsdale called the roll.
PRESENT
Kenneth Talbott
R. Allan Easley
Helen Glass
Joseph “Jay” Craddock
Ronald Merricks
Carroll Yeaman
Emily Ragsdale
Karen N. Hayes
Christopher Dadak, Attorney
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Upon motion of Mr. Merricks, seconded by Mr. Yeaman, and by a unanimous vote, the agenda was approved as
presented.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Upon motion of Mr. Merricks, seconded by Mr. Yeaman, and by a unanimous vote, the October 13, 2020,
minutes were approved as presented.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS
Mrs. Ragsdale reported there are two (2) Special Use Permit cases for December: Special Use Permits
for a utility scale solar energy facility and a kennel to board dogs.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
There was no Chairman’s Report.
Board of Zoning Appeals
November 10, 2020
Page 2
THE ZONING PRECEPTS WERE READ by Mr. Talbott TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING at
approximately 7:00 p.m.
Case S-20-018, Stewart & Debra Adkins – Mr. Talbott opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m. Mrs. Ragsdale,
Director of Community Development, reported that Mr. & Mrs. Adkins had petitioned for a Special Use Permit
on 151.93 acres, located on Columbus Road, in the Callands-Gretna Election District for a recreational facility
and ATV trails. Gerald Wingfield spoke on behalf of Mr. & Mrs. Adkins, stating that bridges would be built
and there would be no riding in the river. The parking lot has also been relocated to adjacent parcels in Franklin
County. Mr. Wingfield stated that the facility is 10 minutes from the Cool Branch Rescue Squad, and 14
minutes from the Callands Rescue Squad, so emergency response should not be an issue. Ms. Mease read the
conditions that are to be followed for operation that were submitted by staff. The Planning Commission
recommended by a 8 to 0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioner’s request be granted. The staff summary
was enclosed in the Board Packet. Mr. & Mrs. Adkins was present to represent the petition. Mr. Talbott closed
the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. The Board discussed the petition as the Committee of the Whole. Upon motion
of Mr. Talbott, seconded by Mrs. Glass, the following motion was adopted: Whereas, Mr. & Mrs. Adkins has
petitioned the Board of Zoning Appeals for a Special Use Permit for a recreational facility and ATV trails, and,
Whereas, we find no substantial detriment to adjacent property, that the character of the zoning district will not
be changed thereby, and that such use will be in harmony with the purpose and intent of the Ordinance, I move
the Special Use Permit be granted with the conditions submitted by staff.
Motion passed by a unanimous vote. 6 ayes, 1 absent.
Case S-20-019 Axton Solar, LLC – Mr. Talbott opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Mrs. Ragsdale,
Director of Community Development, reported that Axton Solar, LLC had petitioned for a Special Use Permit
on 1,359.74 acres, located on Medical Center Road, Sugar Barbour Road. Sandy River Road, Retreat Drive,
Taylor, Mosco Road, Maple Springs Drive and Plantation Drive in the Tunstall Election District for a utility-
scale solar energy facility. The Planning Commission recommended by an 8 to 0 vote, with no opposition, that
the petitioner’s request be granted. The staff summary was enclosed in the Board Packet. Mrs. Ragsdale stated
that the property signage was not placed on the subject properties for the required amount of time; therefore, the
petitioners’ request should be withdrawn and heard at the following month to ensure that all advertising
requirements had been met. Mr. Talbott closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. The case was tabled to the
following month. The Board discussed the petition as the Committee of the Whole. Upon motion of Mr.
Merricks, seconded by Mr. Yeaman, the following motion was adopted: Whereas, Axton, LLC has petitioned
the Board of Zoning Appeals for a Special Use Permit for a utility-scale solar energy facility and, Whereas,
we move the petition for a Special Use Permit be presented to the Board the following month after properties
have been posted with proper signage.
Motion passed by a unanimous vote. 6 ayes, 1 absent.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:16 p.m.