Screenshot courtesy of Botetourt Co.
The Botetourt County Planning Commission voted July 13 to recommend approval of a Special Exception Permit for a proposed eye care facility in Daleville Town Center following a public hearing and work session discussion.
The proposal calls for construction of a nearly 7,000-square-foot, two-story medical office building on the final undeveloped parcel within Daleville Town Center. The building would include 22 exam rooms and 51 parking spaces. The applicant stated the facility is intended to serve as an eye care or vision center.
During its discussion, the Planning Commission reviewed why medical facilities require a Special Exception Permit in the Town Center zoning district rather than being permitted by right.
Planning staff explained that the permit process allows the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors to evaluate whether a proposed medical use is appropriate for the site. Staff also noted that the commission’s responsibility is to evaluate the proposed land use– not the identity of the future business operator.
Several commissioners expressed concern that approving a general medical office could allow other healthcare providers to occupy the building in the future without additional review. Commissioners cited examples from other localities where medical office buildings later housed different types of medical practices because zoning regulations already permitted medical office uses.
In response, the applicant agreed to a condition restricting the building’s use exclusively to an eye care facility.
During the public hearing, residents raised several concerns, including:
- The loss of parking currently used during concerts and other community events, with requests that public parking remain available during off-hours
- The future location of the seasonal Botetourt Farmers Market, which currently operates on the property
- The loss of one of the remaining open green spaces in Daleville Town Center
- A request that county officials ensure no conflicts of interest exist involving the future occupant of the building
The applicant responded that recorded covenants governing Daleville Town Center require parking areas to remain shared among property owners, including the proposed development.
Regarding the farmers market, the applicant said organizers were notified earlier this year that the market could continue operating at the site through the 2026 season. Beginning in 2027, an alternative location has been offered in the parking lot of a nearby medical office building across from the YMCA. The applicant also stated the future tenant is willing to continue working with market organizers once construction is complete.
A motion by Commissioner Mark Tyson to deny the Special Exception Permit failed for lack of a second.
The commission then considered adding a condition limiting the building to use as an eye care facility. Planning staff confirmed the condition could be incorporated into the permit.
The Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend approval of the Special Exception Permit with all recommended conditions, including the requirement that the building be used exclusively as an eye care facility.
The recommendation will now be forwarded to the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors, which will hold a future public hearing before making a final decision.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
