Public hearings

 

The Goochland Board of Supervisors holds public hearings in the evening of their regular first Tuesday of the month meeting days. At this time, matters that require public input, mostly zoning and land use issues, are explained to the board in detail by both staff and applicants requesting the change. After that, citizens can comment. This is usually followed by a board vote.

Agendas for both the afternoon and evening supervisor meetings include a citizen comment period at which time people may comment on any subject not on the agenda. These remarks run the gamut from bringing topics to the board’s attention; opposition to various matters; and less frequently, commendations.

On January 6, during evening citizen comment, a resident of eastern Goochland “paid respect and gave a shout out” to providers from Goochland Fire-Rescue for its response to a fire at his home. He reported that six units responded to his farm. “They were beyond professional and their response time was amazing. Not only did they stick around and take care of this issue, but they also made sure that everything was checked before they left and laid down mats so they wouldn’t ruin my rugs. They came back the next day to make sure that everything was okay.” He thanked the amazing men and women of Goochland Fire-Rescue who are a clear example of the leadership of Chief Ferguson.

Next up several people who live in or near Walton Road in western Goochland expressed opposition to a conditional use permit (CUP) application filed by Virginia Sports Park and Training Center for a skeet shooting range and similar courses on 85 acres on Walton Road. The case will be heard by the Goochland Planning Commission at its January 15 meeting beginning at 6 p.m.

They contended that the proposed location of shooting stands is far too close to established homes that would be subjected to hazardous sound levels generated by shooting from morning until dusk 365 days a year. The speakers said that they are not opposed to shooting in general, but not in such close proximity to their homes. Objections included gunfire sound that would interfere with daytime sleep of neighbors who work nights, disturbing peaceful atmosphere, stressing livestock, safety, traffic, lead contamination of their ground water, and reduction of property values.

One person contended that a proponent of the CUP reported roadside signs against the CUP to the county for removal. (Hint, signs farther back from the pavement out of the right of way are still visible and not subject to removal.)

Opponents to this CUP also voiced their objections during citizen comment at the November 19 meeting of the Goochland Economic Development Authority. (Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1154/County-Meetings to view recordings of these meetings.)

Public hearings

One parcel west of Hockett Road with a failing septic system was added to the Tuckahoe Creek Service District. It will pay ad valorem tax and a 20 percent connection fee surcharge.

An ordinance amendment to change staff titles to reflect organizational realignment was approved.

A CUP application for a short-term unhosted rental on a 30-acre parcel on Fleming Road in the western end of the county was approved.  The supervisors declined to include  recommendations made by the planning commission to prohibit outdoor amplified sound or music; no outdoor music after 10 p.m.; a one-year expiration date; prohibition of renters’ operating ATVs on the property; and limiting rentals for fewer than 30 days to 12 per year.

Neighbors of the subject parcel raise objections including maintenance of the private road that accesses the property, traffic on Fleming Road, and behavior of guests.

Although the county requires property owners to obtain a CUP to operate these facilities and pay lodging tax, the applicant had been renting out the property through an online short term rental company without the CUP.

Overnight occupancy is limited to six guests based on septic system capacity. County regulations prohibit hunting and discharging firearms on the property. No trespassing signs must be posted at property boundaries.

The supervisors unanimously approved the CUP for a five-year period. They contended that any bad behavior by guests would be a law enforcement issue. The applicant said he has no way to control what renters do. There was no discussion of zoning violations, which are not law enforcement issues, or how they are enforced. There seemed to be no effort to collect lodging tax for the rental income generated by the property before the CUP was granted. Surely the applicant has this information available on tax returns from previous years.

These short-term rentals fill a need for guest lodging in a county with only one hotel and a handful of bed and breakfasts, generate income for property owners, and taxes for Goochland, which are all positive. However, there seems to be little vetting of the guests, beyond a valid credit card. The vast majority of those who avail themselves of these places are considerate responsible people, but what about those who do as they wish and cause problems? What recourse do neighbors, who get no benefit from the arrangements, have against the property owners?  (Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/966/Short-term-rental for county rules.)

The supervisors will hold a capital improvement work session on Tuesday, July 20 beginning at 6 p.m. in room 270 of the administration building. The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed.