Zoning clearance review: East Rivanna Volunteer Fire Company fire department wants to hold farmers markets

Want to open up a business in Albemarle County? You’ll need to check with the Department of Community Development first to see if what you want to do is allowed under land use regulations. That’s where the zoning clearance comes in.

“A Zoning Clearance allows your business or temporary event to operate under the zoning of your proposed location, and will note parking requirements and other limitations of your use,” reads the county’s website.

Looking through these is a good way to keep track of a changing economy as people and companies with ideas to make money go through the process of getting started.  

• A zoning clearance has been granted for an agricultural operation in Free Union to sell plants from its nursery. The business is Hummingbird Hill Native Plant Nursery. (CLE202400036)
• The space at 3948 Three Notch’d Trace that had been doing business as Just Ceramics will be owned by someone else. An entity called Morehouse Studio has filed for a zoning clearance. (CLE202400037)
• When the Foxfield Races happen, there are more people in the rural area as usual. To support telecommunications, Verizon sets up a temporary cell tower. Albemarle has approved the installation for the fall races for a period between September 28 and October 3. (CLE202400038)
• A company called Satisloh North America has filed for a zoning clearance for a light manufacturing facility on the Hydraulic Ridge complex for up to ten employees. The website describes the firm as “a global leader for ophthalmic and precision optics manufacturing technology.” (CLE202400049)
• An existing restaurant called Coco Thai Kitchen in Old Trail Village Center seeks to expand its operations. I initially reported this was a new use, and I regret the error. (CLE202400050)

• A bank at 690 Berkmar Circle will become a health consulting business. That’s according to a zoning clearance for Blue Ridge Natural Medicine. (CLE202400051)
• The East Rivanna Volunteer Fire Company seeks permission to hold a farmers’ market in its hall and parking lot. (CLE202400052)
• To sell items in parking lots, you need a zoning clearance. An entity called County Fresh Farms seeks to have a four day sale of frozen meat in the Advance Auto parking lot at 100 South Pantops Drive. (CLE202400055)
• There’s an application for F. Rivas Tire & Auto Services to operate at 340 Greenbrier Drive. (CLE202400056)
• There’s another for F. Rivas Contractor & Cleaning Services to operate in a different suite at the same address. (CLE202400057)
• A property on Broadway Avenue that had been used by Suntribe Solar and Habitat for Humanity Greater Charlottesville may become a new location for Clyde E. Smith, a heating and air conditioning business. (CLE202400058)
• A gymnasium called P and C Fitness seeks to take over the spot on Woodbrook Drive that had been home to Pet Food Discounters. (CLE202400059)
• A restaurant called Tangerine Kitchen seeks to open in the Mill Creek Shopping Center in the space that has previously been known as Croby’s. (CLE202400060)

Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment is from the May 1, 2024 edition of the newsletter. To ensure this research can be sustained, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or contributing monthly through Patreon.