The Accomack County Board of Zoning Appeals convened on October 1, 2025, to discuss a special use permit application concerning the placement of multiple trailers on a property. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding safety, zoning regulations, and the potential impact on the community.

The primary focus of the discussion was the applicant's compliance with specific conditions set forth by the county. These included the submission of a scaled site plan detailing property lines and existing conditions, as well as allowing county inspections while the permit is active. A new condition was proposed to ensure compliance with fire codes, particularly regarding the spacing of trailers, which had raised safety concerns among board members.

The applicants, Philip Meng and Donald Pearson, expressed their commitment to meeting all requirements and improving the site. They acknowledged previous oversights regarding permits and indicated their willingness to make necessary adjustments, including potentially reducing the number of trailers and enhancing the visual appeal of the area with landscaping.

County staff raised caution about the approval of this permit, noting that it was unlike previous applications and could set a precedent for similar requests. Concerns were voiced about the proliferation of unpermitted RVs and trailers in the county, which could lead to enforcement challenges. The Deputy County Administrator emphasized the need to consider the downstream effects of such approvals on community safety and zoning integrity.

Board members expressed a desire to balance the interests of local hunters and visitors with the need for regulatory compliance. They acknowledged the importance of tourism to the county while stressing the necessity of adhering to zoning laws to maintain order and safety.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to revise the conditions of the permit application, including the addition of a requirement for compliance with fire safety regulations. The board is expected to deliberate further on the application, weighing the interests of the applicants against the broader implications for the community.