Amherst County, VA

General

General

General

Board of Supervisors

General

Agricultural Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Supervisors

Planning Commission

General

General

Board of Supervisors

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

General

Agricultural Committee

General

Board of Supervisors

Planning Commission

General

General

Board of Supervisors

Agricultural Committee

General

General

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Supervisors

Planning Commission

General

General

Board of Supervisors

Agricultural Committee

General

General

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Supervisors

Planning Commission

General

General

Agricultural Committee

General

General

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

General

General

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

General

General

General

Board of Zoning Appeals

General

Board of Zoning Appeals

General

General

Board of Zoning Appeals

General

General

General

General

General

General

General

General

Board of Supervisors

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors will meet to conduct public hearings regarding Ordinance 2026-7, Special Exception 2026-332 Roberson, and the Winton Agreement. The board will also review DEQ Landfill Financial Assurance and a new county website.

• Public hearing: Ordinance 2026-7
• Public hearing: Special Exception 2026-332 Roberson
• Public hearing: Winton Agreement
• Commemorative Resolution 2026-5-CR for Joyce "JoJo" Allcock
• DEQ Landfill Financial Assurance

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to conduct a public hearing regarding a special exception for Brooks Sr. The body will also discuss manufactured homes, recreational cannabis, and a rural destination property ordinance.

• Public Hearing: Special Exception 2026-526 Brooks Sr
• Ord. 2026-8, Rural Destination Property
• Discussion on Manufactured Homes
• Discussion on Recreational Cannabis
• Special Exception 2026-512 Bonner (Postponed)

General

The board will review monthly department reports on participation, revenue, and expenditures. Discussion items include spending directions from the Board of Supervisors and a trail easement at CVTC.

• Essential Spending Direction by Board of Supervisors
• Trail Easement at CVTC
• JoJo Allcock Board of Supervisors Resolution
• JoJo Allcock Coolwell Community Room Dedication

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Service Authority Board

The Amherst County Service Authority Board meets October 6, 2026 at 1:30 PM at 153 Washington Street in Amherst. The only action item listed is a "Roadmap for Possible Financial Reporting." The board will also take citizen comments, recognize employees for years of continuous service, and vote on a consent agenda covering draft minutes from September 1, 2026 and the August 2026 financial report. An informational report is also scheduled.

• Action item: Roadmap for Possible Financial Reporting
• Consent agenda: draft meeting minutes from September 1, 2026
• Consent agenda: Financial Report for August 2026
• Employee recognitions for years of continuous service (2026)
• Two citizen concern/comment periods on the agenda

Board of Supervisors

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors meets Oct. 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM at the Administration Building, 153 Washington Street, Amherst. The agenda includes a first read of Ordinance 2026-7, a consent agenda with September 15 minutes and an FY 27 revenue appropriation for the Sheriff's Office, and new business on financial responsibility for underground storage tanks owned by Amherst County Public Schools, a janitorial presentation, a fines revenue request, and cancellation of the November 3, 2026 meeting. The agenda text does not include the content of Ordinance 2026-7, dollar amounts, or details of the tank or fines items.

• First read of Ordinance 2026-7 (text not included in agenda)
• Consent agenda: minutes of September 15, 2026 meeting
• Consent agenda: FY 27 appropriation of revenue for the Sheriff's Office
• New business: demonstrating financial responsibility for underground storage tanks owned by Amherst County Public Schools
• New business: fines revenue request and cancellation of the November 3, 2026 meeting

The Board of Supervisors reallocated $150,000 from debt service to the Sheriff's Office equipment budget. They also authorized a $20,000 fund balance for underground storage tank cleanup and scheduled a public hearing for zoning updates.

• Approved $150,000 transfer from debt service to Sheriff's equipment budget (4-0)
• Directed staff to advertise Ordinance 2026-7 for public hearing on Oct 20, 2026 (4-0)
• Approved $20,000 designated fund balance for school underground storage tanks (4-0)
• Authorized County Administrator to sign DEQ Letter of Guarantee for storage tanks (4-0)
• Canceled November 3, 2026 meeting (4-0)
• Approved September 15, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved FY 27 revenue appropriation for Sheriff's Office (4-0)

Agricultural Committee

The Amherst County Agriculture Committee is scheduled to meet on October 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the County Administration Conference Room at 153 Washington Street, Amherst, Virginia 24521. The agenda lists approval of minutes from the August 10, 2026 meeting, the committee's plan of work, and the county fair. No specific decisions, dollar amounts, or action items are detailed in the agenda text.

• Approval of minutes from the August 10, 2026 meeting
• Plan of Work item listed
• County Fair item listed
• Discussion item listed, with no details provided

General

The Amherst County Emergency Services Council is meeting to approve minutes, review standard operating guideline updates, and discuss several policy items. New business includes a proposed zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol, a ride-along policy and form, probationary firefighter helmet colors, and an officer development program. The council will also consider adding a garage at the fire training facility.

• Zero Tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol
• Ride along policy and form
• Probationary firefighters and helmet colors discussion
• Officer development program
• Additional garage at fire training facility

General

The Rt. 29 Business Beautification Committee is meeting to approve the agenda and minutes from August 25th, then discuss old and new business. Items include replanting trees near Lynch Bridge, a flagpole discussion, fall decorations, and a Mi Fitness mini-grant application. The meeting is procedural and routine, with no major decisions or financial details listed.

• Replanting trees near Lynch Bridge
• Flagpole discussion
• Fall decorations
• Mi Fitness Mini-Grant Application

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding case 2026-332 Roberson and Ordinance 2026-7. The agenda also includes discussions on rural hospitality estate code requests, manufactured homes, and M-1 height restrictions.

• Public Hearing: 2026-332 Roberson
• Public Hearing: Ordinance 2026-7
• Code Request: Rural Hospitality Estate
• Discussion on Manufactured Homes
• Discussion on M-1 Height Restrictions

The Planning Commission recommended approval of a special exception for a manufactured home and an ordinance to align county code with Virginia state law. The commission also approved new members for the Route 29 Business Beautification Committee and moved its meeting time to 6 p.m.

• Recommended approval of Special Exception 2026-332 for a manufactured home at 4398 and 4400 Elon Road (6-0)
• Recommended approval of Ordinance 2026-7 to align county code with Virginia Code (6-0)
• Approved staff to move forward with a code request for Rural Hospitality Estate provisions (6-0)
• Approved Andrew Anderson and Jorge Santos to the Route 29 Business Beautification Committee (6-0)
• Changed meeting time to 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month (6-0)
• Tabled discussion on manufactured home design/landscaping and M-1 height restrictions until October 15, 2026
• Approved August 20, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)

Board of Supervisors

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors is meeting to hold public hearings on three items: an easement for the Amherst Fire Department, a special exception for a Verizon Wireless cell tower, and a special exception for Stedman. The board will also consider the FY2027-2028 budget calendar, an appropriation of registrar's reimbursed funds, and an ACSA water withdrawal from the James River. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval and citizen comment periods.

• Public hearing: Easement to Amherst Fire Department (Tax Map 96A4-A-146)
• Public hearing: Special Exception 2026-436 for Cellco Partnership dba Verizon Wireless
• Public hearing: Special Exception 2026-357 for Stedman
• New business: FY2027-2028 Budget Calendar
• New business: ACSA Water Withdrawal from James River

The Amherst County Planning Commission reviewed its annual report detailing 2025 development activities, subdivision plats, and zoning permits. The Board of Supervisors previously approved the 2007-2027 Comprehensive Plan update, Ordinance No. 2025-1 for battery storage facilities, and Ordinance No. 2025-7 expanding home occupation rules. The report also lists various approved and denied special exceptions, site plans for an Amazon Distribution Center, Chipotle, and the Fox Hall Ridge subdivision.

• Approved 2007-2027 Comprehensive Plan update in August 2025
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-1 for battery storage facilities in August 2025
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-7 for home occupation changes in November 2025
• Approved site plan for Amazon Distribution Center at Amelon Commerce Center
• Approved site plan for Chipotle restaurant on South Amherst Highway
• Approved Fox Hall Ridge subdivision with 35 single-family lots
• Approved 9 special exception requests and denied 2 special exception requests
• Approved 1 rezoning case from R-1 to R-2 for a double-wide manufactured home

Agricultural Committee

General

The Board will review monthly revenue and expenditure reports from the Administrator. The meeting includes a scheduled dedication for John Mann Field at the Monroe ballfield.

• Department Monthly Revenue Report
• Department Monthly Expenditure Report
• John Mann Field Dedication

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Service Authority Board

The Board will meet to review the July 2026 financial report and approve previous meeting minutes. The agenda includes a contract change order for the Berkshire Sewer Extension and a discussion regarding county provided services.

• Berkshire Sewer Extension Contract Change Order
• July 2026 Financial Report
• Review of August 4, 2026, meeting minutes

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will review a water withdrawal request from the Town of Amherst and consider auditing service contracts and appropriations. The meeting also includes a special presentation and a closed session regarding legal counsel for data center litigation.

• Water withdrawal request from the Town of Amherst
• Auditing service contract
• Auditing service FY25 appropriation
• Road name approval
• Closed session regarding data center litigation

The Board approved a temporary diesel-powered pump for the Town of Amherst at Thrasher’s Lake and directed staff to negotiate a long-term drought agreement. Other actions included approving auditing contracts and new road names for the River Run Subdivision.

• Allowed Town of Amherst temporary diesel-powered pump at Thrasher’s Lake (5-0)
• Approved auditing service contract and amendment with Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates (5-0)
• Appropriated $71,800 from prior budget and $13,450 from contingency for FY25 audit (5-0)
• Approved road names River Run Parkway, Williams Run Court, Calm Creek Lane, and Harmony Brook Lane (5-0)
• Reappointed Bill Wise to the Planning Commission for a four-year term (5-0)
• Adopted Commemorative Resolution 2026-4-CR for Mike Driskill (5-0)
• Approved August 18, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)

General

The Rt. 29 Business Beautification Committee is meeting to approve minutes, interview membership applicants, and discuss a flagpole and a Mi Fitness mini grant. The agenda is mostly routine administrative items with no major decisions listed.

• Approval of July 28, 2026 meeting minutes
• Membership interviews for applicants
• Flagpole discussion
• Mi Fitness mini grant discussion

Planning Commission

The Amherst County Planning Commission is meeting to elect a Chair and Vice Chair, hold public hearings on two items (a Verizon Wireless proposal and a Stedman application), and discuss manufactured homes and industrial standards. The agenda also includes site plan updates and approval of the July 16, 2026 meeting minutes. No other substantive decisions are listed.

• Public hearing: 2026-436 Cellco Partnership DBA Verizon Wireless, c/o Stuart Squier
• Public hearing: 2026-357 Stedman
• Discussion: Manufactured Homes
• Discussion: Industrial Standards
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair

The Amherst County Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval of a special exception for a 154-foot Verizon Wireless communications tower on tax map 162-A-13, adding a condition for a night-only obstruction light. It also voted 5-0 to recommend approval of a special exception for a short-term tourist rental at 323 Mountain Top Drive. On manufactured homes, the Commission voted 5-0 to move forward with a code change in all districts except the Route 130 overlay, and tabled discussion of the Route 130 overlay to its next meeting. The Commission elected Michael Bryant as Chair and Susan Schjonning as Vice Chair for FY27, both 5-0, and took no final action on the draft industrial development standards, instead directing staff to research Lynchburg's ordinance and the Amelon Commerce Center covenant and to bring comments back next month.

• Recommended approval of Special Exception 2026-436 (Verizon Wireless 154-ft tower, tax map 162-A-13) with staff conditions, amended to add a night-only obstruction light (5-0)
• Recommended approval of Special Exception 2026-357 (Stedman short-term tourist rental, 323 Mountain Top Drive) with staff conditions (5-0)
• Moved forward with manufactured-home code change in all districts excluding the Route 130 overlay; tabled Route 130 overlay discussion to next meeting (5-0)
• Elected Michael Bryant as Chair for FY27 (5-0)
• Elected Susan Schjonning as Vice Chair for FY27 (5-0)
• Approved the agenda with no changes (5-0)
• Approved July 16, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0; Martineau abstained, not present at that meeting)
• Directed staff to research the City of Lynchburg's ordinance and obtain the Amelon Commerce Center covenant on the industrial standards draft; no vote taken

Board of Supervisors

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on two special exception requests (Harris and Harper) and two ordinances: one regulating vape shops and medical cannabis, and another on data centers. The board will also consider adopting the FY27 Fair and CSA budget, a memorandum of agreement with schools for Kilgore Park, and several appropriations for the Sheriff's Office and Fire/EMS.

• Special Exception 2026-349 Harris
• Special Exception 2026-356 Harper
• Ordinance 2026-5 Vape Shops and Medical Cannabis
• Ordinance 2026-6 Data Centers
• FY27 Fair and CSA Budget Adoption

The Board approved Ordinance 2026-6, reclassifying data centers as a special exception use in the M-1 Industrial District, by a 3-2 vote after a motion to table failed. The Board also approved two special exceptions for a photography venue and an expanded kennel, adopted a vape shop and medical cannabis ordinance, and authorized up to $100,000 for audit assistance.

• Approved Ordinance 2026-6 Data Centers (3-2)
• Tabled data center ordinance until Sept 22 failed (2-3)
• Approved Special Exception 2026-349 Harris photography venue (5-0)
• Approved Special Exception 2026-356 Harper kennel expansion to 45 dogs (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-5 Vape Shops and Medical Cannabis (5-0)
• Adopted FY27 Fair and CSA Budget Resolution 2026-18-R (5-0)
• Authorized Brown Edwards audit agreement up to $100,000 (5-0)
• Approved $1.182M cash purchase of four capital items (5-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

General

The Board will review monthly revenue and expenditure reports from the Administrator. Discussion topics include Mill Creek Lake, an incident at Seminole Dog Park, pet leash signage at the Blue Ridge Rail Trail, and the Riveredge Park climbing wall.

• Mill Creek Lake issues
• Seminole Dog Park incident report
• Blue Ridge Rail Trail pet leash signs
• Riveredge Park climbing wall update

Agricultural Committee

Board of Supervisors

The agenda for this meeting consists of procedural boilerplate. The board will review and approve minutes from the July 9th and January 8th, 2026 meetings.

• Approval of July 9th, 2026 meeting minutes
• Approval of January 8th, 2026 meeting minutes

Service Authority Board

The Amherst County Service Authority Board will meet to discuss a water line extension on Crabapple Lane. The board will also review a financial report from June 30, 2026, and an emergency procurement for the Ivanhoe WWTP.

• Crabapple Lane Water Line Extension
• Purchase of Cat 308 Excavator
• Ivanhoe WWTP Emergency Procurement
• ACSA Commemorative Resolution ACSA-2026-CR-3
• Financial Report - June 30, 2026

The Amherst County Service Authority Board approved a water line extension on Crabapple Lane using the ACSA 50/50 Standard Operating Procedure, with in-house staff performing the installation. The Board also approved its consent agenda, including the June 2, 2026 draft minutes, the June 2026 financial report, Resolution 2026-A-002-R, purchase of a CAT 308 excavator, and an Ivanhoe WWTP emergency procurement. All votes were unanimous (5-0). No citizens spoke during either public comment period.

• Approved agenda for August 4, 2026 meeting (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda: June 2, 2026 draft minutes, June 2026 financial report, Resolution 2026-A-002-R, CAT 308 excavator purchase, Ivanhoe WWTP emergency procurement (5-0)
• Authorized Executive Director to proceed with Crabapple Lane water line extension under ACSA 50/50 policy, installed by in-house staff (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at approximately 2:22 pm (5-0)

Board of Supervisors

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors will hold its regular meeting on August 4, 2026. The board will first-read two ordinances: one regulating data centers and another addressing vape shops and medical cannabis. The meeting also includes a land transfer to the Amherst Fire Department and a briefing on an audit.

• First-read of Ordinance 2026-6 Data Centers
• First-read of Ordinance 2026-5 Vape Shops and Medical Cannabis
• Land transfer to Amherst Fire Department
• Briefing on Audit
• Resolution 2026-18-R 2027 CIP Reimbursement

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors directed staff to advertise two zoning ordinances for public hearings on August 18, 2026: Ordinance 2026-6, which would reclassify data centers from a by-right to a special exception use in the M-1 Industrial District, and Ordinance 2026-5, which would define and regulate vape shops and medical cannabis dispensing facilities. The Board also approved the consent agenda, including the 2026 Personal Property Tax Relief Act rate, and directed staff to schedule a public hearing on a land transfer to the Amherst Fire Department. A resolution for 2026 CIP reimbursement was discussed but not approved, with the Board agreeing to revisit it on August 18.

• Directed staff to advertise Ordinance 2026-6 Data Centers to public hearing (3-0)
• Directed staff to advertise Ordinance 2026-5 Vape Shops and Medical Cannabis to public hearing (3-0)
• Approved consent agenda including July 21 minutes and 2026 PPTR rate (3-0)
• Directed staff to schedule public hearing for land transfer to Amherst Fire Department (2-0, Martin abstained)
• Tabled Resolution 2026-18-R 2027 CIP Reimbursement to August 18 meeting
• Approved FY26 appropriation of revenue for Sheriff's Office (3-0)

General

The Rt. 29 Business Beautification Committee is holding a routine meeting to approve minutes from May, consider membership applications, discuss replacing a flag pole, and set goals and objectives for fiscal year 2027. No financial amounts or binding decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of May 26, 2026 meeting minutes
• Membership applications for the committee
• Discussion of replacing a flag pole
• Setting FY27 goals and objectives

The Route 29 Business Beautification Committee approved its agenda and May minutes, and voted to interview four new membership applicants at the August 25, 2026 meeting. It directed staff to consult VDOT about replacing the flag pole at the Madison Heights sign and established its top four FY27 priorities: maintenance, mini-grants, decorations, and community outreach. All votes were 8-0.

• Approved agenda (8-0)
• Approved May 26, 2026 meeting minutes (8-0)
• Approved interviewing 4 membership applicants at August 25, 2026 meeting (8-0)
• Directed staff to consult VDOT on flag pole replacement at Madison Heights sign
• Established FY27 priorities: maintenance, mini-grants, decorations, community outreach

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing regarding the FY26 Budget Amendment. The meeting includes discussions on a budget request and a supplemental appropriation for Amherst County Public Schools.

• Public hearing on FY26 Budget Amendment
• Request for Supplemental Appropriation to Amherst County Public Schools
• Winton Agreement
• Janitorial Contracts
• Commemorative Resolutions for Drew Wade, John Mann, and Kay Rowe

The Board approved an amendment to the FY26 budget to reconcile revenues and expenditures across several funds. The Board also adopted three commemorative resolutions and made three board appointments. Several items, including the Winton Agreement and budget requests, were tabled.

• Approved FY26 budget amendment and appropriations (5-0)
• Adopted Commemorative Resolution 2026-1-CR for Drew Wade (5-0)
• Adopted Commemorative Resolution 2026-2-CR for John Mann (5-0)
• Adopted Commemorative Resolution 2026-3-CR for Kay Rowe (5-0)
• Tabled Winton Agreement and directed staff to advertise for public hearing (5-0)
• Tabled County Budget Request until August 18, 2026 (5-0)
• Tabled Supplemental Appropriation to Amherst County Public Schools until August 18, 2026 (5-0)
• Appointed Glenda Hash to Social Services Board, Wayne Patton to CVCC Board, and Jeremy Bryant as VACo Region 9 representative (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two proposed ordinances: one regulating vape shops and medical cannabis, another establishing new rules for data centers. Two special exception requests (Harris and Harper) are also up for public hearing. Commissioners will discuss manufactured home regulations and receive site plan updates.

• Special Exception 2026-349 Harris
• Special Exception 2026-356 Harper
• Ordinance 2026-5: Vape Shops and Medical Cannabis
• Ordinance 2026-6: Data Centers
• Discussion on Manufactured Homes

The Amherst County Planning Commission recommended approval of Ordinance 2026-6, which reclassifies data centers as a special exception use in the M-1 Industrial District, with changes including a 350-ft setback from residential/agricultural land, increased daytime sound limits, and a 60-ft maximum height. The Commission also recommended approval of a kennel expansion (Special Exception 2026-356) with conditions, a vape shop/medical cannabis ordinance (2026-5), and a photography venue (Special Exception 2026-349). The manufactured homes ordinance was tabled until the August meeting.

• Recommended approval of Ordinance 2026-6 (data centers) with 350-ft setback, +5 dB daytime sound, 60-ft max height (6-0)
• Recommended approval of Special Exception 2026-356 (kennel expansion to 45 dogs) with conditions (4-2)
• Recommended approval of Ordinance 2026-5 (vape shops and medical cannabis) as presented (6-0)
• Recommended approval of Special Exception 2026-349 (photography venue) with added condition for receptions near barn (6-0)
• Tabled manufactured homes ordinance until August meeting (6-0)
• Elected Michael Bryant as Chair and Susan Schjonning as Vice Chair (6-0 each)