Pat Sanders

The Board of Zoning Appeals agenda primarily addresses a variance request for a property located at 974 Lynchburg Road. The applicant is seeking permission to use gravel as a surface for drive aisles and parking spaces rather than the permanent pavement surface required by a recently adopted city ordinance. Staff recommended approval of the variance, contingent upon the incorporation of water quality features into the stormwater management system and the construction of ADA-compliant parking spaces using a permanent paved surface.

The commission reviewed several new business items, including a rezoning request for a property at 607 Lynchburg Road from R-2 to R-3A and the approval of a Preliminary/Final Plat for the Heath Landing Subdivision. Additionally, the agenda covered a proposed amendment to the Airport Overlay District to update height restrictions and incorporate the Airport's Airspace Drawing into the zoning regulations. Status updates were provided regarding the approval of several minor plats, zoning regulation amendments for parking lot designs, and the submission status of preliminary plats for multiple subdivisions.

The agenda included a review and approval of minutes from the previous meeting, discussion on the preliminary plat for the Gates of Stonefield Subdivision, and construction plans for the Cottages at Glenbrook Subdivision. Also covered were status updates on minor plats approved and a mixed-use PUD rezoning, as well as a bond status report.

The Winchester Board of Zoning Appeals meeting includes a review and approval of minutes from September 15, 2025, and several new business items. These include a front setback variance request for the Masonic Lodge, a rezoning request for the Winchester Mixed-Use Planned Unit Development (PUD) by Merchant Management Group, and a variance request for accessory structure placement at Lakeshore Subdivision Lot 6.

This Master Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy for the revitalization of Downtown Winchester, aiming to transform it into a vibrant, attractive, and safe community core. Key principles include creating a clearly defined urban network with walkable streets and trails, developing a public/civic space network, permitting diverse building types and uses, and connecting downtown to the surrounding lake and natural areas. The plan details initiatives for improving existing architecture, enhancing streetscapes, encouraging infill development, attracting new businesses, promoting public safety, and establishing a farmers market. It also focuses on investing in the public realm through updated regulations, design guidelines, and infrastructure improvements, while emphasizing the creation of a managing entity, engaging private stakeholders through incentives, and coordinating with county-wide initiatives to foster economic development and an enhanced quality of life.