Franklin County Planning Commission Meeting 9/8/2026

The Franklin County, VA Planning Commission held a meeting on September 8, 2026, primarily to review a special use permit application and discuss zoning ordinance updates. The commission considered an application by Chad Bernup for a special use permit to operate an automotive repair shop on agricultural-zoned property. After staff presentation and applicant discussion, the commission recommended approval with six conditions, including property line vacation, landscaping and fencing requirements, vehicle parking restrictions, and specified hours of operation (Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). This recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for final action on October 20, 2026. Additionally, the commission reviewed the format and content of proposed zoning ordinance amendments, discussed citizen comments, and addressed the scheduling and approach for potential zoning regulations related to data centers, deciding to maintain the current schedule with a panel of experts planned for April 2027. Upcoming meetings and agenda items were also noted, including several permit applications and work sessions on zoning articles.