Photo by Matt de Simone
By Matt de Simone
The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors approved a Special Exception Permit (SEP) for the expansion of the Read Mountain Fire Department and the development of a new 911 call center located at 43 East Park Drive during a public hearing at last week’s meeting.
The permit allows for the classification of the project under “Government Buildings, Functions” use within the M-1 Industrial zoning district, addressing the fact that the existing fire station, constructed in the mid-1980s, did not have prior land use approvals despite its long-standing operation.
The approved project includes an expansion of the current fire station, increasing its footprint by nearly 12,000 square feet to accommodate expanded operations on the first floor and add living quarters for fire and EMS personnel. Additionally, the new 911 dispatch center will be relocated to the second floor of the facility. A separate three-bay radio building is also part of the plan, intended to service emergency response equipment installed on county fleet vehicles.
The 2.225-acre site is situated at the entrance of the Eastpark Commerce Center and is accessed via three driveways along East Park Drive, a state-maintained road. The parcel is also adjacent to Orchard Hills Church to the west and is served by the Western Virginia Water Authority for water and sewer services. The property contains no flood hazard zones.
Surrounding land uses include manufacturing facilities to the north and west, commercial establishments such as a gas station and restaurant to the south, and agricultural land with a church to the east. The project aligns with the 2010 Comprehensive Plan designation of the area as Industrial, although the fire station’s use differs from typical industrial activities. Staff noted that the facility’s location along the Alternate 220 corridor positions it well to serve the emergency needs of the community and the commerce center.
Traffic data from VDOT indicates that East Park Drive handles approximately 2,900 vehicles daily, with nearby intersections experiencing crash rates consistent with similar roadways in the area. The station is directly served by the Read Mountain Fire Department and EMS.
During the review process, no public comments were received opposing the project. County staff recommended approval without additional conditions, citing that the fire station is an essential public safety use and that the proposed expansion and new 911 center will enhance emergency response capabilities without introducing new adverse impacts.
This approval enables Botetourt County to improve its emergency services infrastructure, supporting the safety and well-being of residents and businesses in the area through upgraded facilities and enhanced communications capabilities.
