Fauquier County's Planning Commission has taken a significant step towards revitalizing commercial activity in the area with the approval of a special exception for CBCAM LLC. The property, located at 7159 and 7185 Burke Lane, south of Warrenton, spans over 6.5 acres and is currently zoned for agriculture. Historically, it has been used for commercial purposes since 1979, primarily as a plant nursery and greenhouse.

The applicant is seeking to establish two commercial uses on the property, which includes a contractor's office and shop, as well as an auto repair facility. The contractor's office will occupy an existing 2,800 square foot building, while the auto repair service will utilize a larger 8,500 square foot garage. Both facilities are expected to generate a modest amount of traffic, with estimates of 70 to 96 vehicle trips per day, significantly lower than the previous nursery operations.

To facilitate these new uses, the applicant has requested a three-year period to establish operations, rather than the standard one year. This extension aims to provide adequate time for securing leases with suitable tenants. The Planning Commission staff supports this request, noting that the property meets the eligibility requirements for the special exception due to its existing infrastructure and long-term commercial use.

Key conditions for the approval include limitations on the number of employees, operational hours, and strict regulations on noise and environmental impacts. The combined number of employees for both facilities will not exceed 20, and operations will be restricted to weekdays from 7 AM to 6 PM. Additionally, all activities must occur within the existing buildings, with no outdoor manufacturing or assembly permitted.

This decision marks a pivotal moment for the property, which has struggled to attract tenants under its current zoning restrictions. The Planning Commission's approval signals a commitment to enhancing commercial opportunities in Fauquier County, while ensuring that development aligns with community standards and environmental considerations. The next steps will involve final approval from the Board of Supervisors, which is expected to further solidify the future of commercial activity in the area.