Henrico supervisors to consider marijuana regulations, retirement community and development proposals Nov. 10
Henrico County supervisors will consider three ordinances governing marijuana sales and consumption, several development proposals and infrastructure projects during their Nov. 10 meeting.
The board's 6 p.m. meeting will include public hearings on proposed marijuana regulations, including a 3.5% local sales tax on marijuana and marijuana products.
Under state law, the proposed tax rate would have to remain in effect for at least three years. County finance officials have recommended approval.
Supervisors reviewed the proposed sales-tax and public-consumption ordinances Oct. 27 and scheduled public hearings and votes for Nov. 10.
The ordinances are intended to prepare Henrico for Virginia's planned recreational marijuana retail market, with sales expected to begin July 1, 2027.
A separate ordinance would prohibit consuming marijuana or offering it to others in public parks, playgrounds, streets and sidewalks adjoining public streets. It also would prohibit possessing or consuming marijuana on public school grounds and establish permitted sales hours for marijuana retailers and microbusinesses licensed by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.
A third ordinance would update Henrico's zoning regulations to address marijuana distribution, processing and retail sales under changes in state law. The proposal also would increase building-height limits in the county's Form-Based Alternative Overlay District, require provisional use permits for car washes and make other zoning changes.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the zoning amendments Oct. 15.
Retirement community, other developments
Supervisors also will consider a request from Pinnacle Living to rezone 19.99 acres at the northeast corner of Virginia Center Parkway and Village Views Parkway for a continuing-care retirement community.
The applicant also is seeking a provisional use permit to allow additional building height. The planning commission recommended approval of both requests, although the county's 2045 Comprehensive Plan designates the property for office use.
Another proposal would rezone 2.6 acres at the southeast corner of East Parham Road and Lydell Drive for a private school proposed by Rudlin Torah Academy. The planning commission previously recommended approval.
In Sandston, the Capital Region Airport Commission is seeking to rezone 1.68 acres at Lewis Road and Huntsman Road for a 24-hour YMCA day care facility. Planning commissioners also recommended approval of that request.
Two other residential proposals received recommendations for denial.
Ridge Homes LLC is seeking to rezone two acres along Brook Lake Drive, west of Brook Road, for residential condominiums. The planning commission recommended denial, concluding that the applicant had not demonstrated that the proposed changes would serve the community's best interests.
Woodman Investment Company LLC also received a recommendation for denial of its proposed single-family development on 14.94 acres at Braxton Avenue and Quail Walk Drive. Planning commissioners expressed concern that the rezoning could establish an unfavorable land-use precedent for the surrounding area.
Both applicants have requested that their cases be deferred until the board's second meeting in January 2027. Supervisors have not yet acted on those requests.
Fall Line Trail, polling places and other business
The board will consider authorizing condemnation proceedings to acquire 4,635 square feet of permanent utility easements at 1529 and 1551 Mountain Road for the Fall Line Trail's Longdale Phase.
County officials offered property owner Doswell Ventures LLC $10,429 based on independent appraisals, but the two sides have not reached an agreement. The proposed resolution would authorize condemnation proceedings while directing the county to continue pursuing a voluntary agreement.
Supervisors also will consider introducing an ordinance to relocate two polling places.
Under the proposal, the Maplewood Precinct would move from Abundant Life Church of Christ to Harvie Elementary School, while the Causeway Precinct would move from Gayton Baptist Church to Nuckols Farm Elementary School. County officials say the churches can no longer accommodate election activities.
A public hearing on those changes is proposed for Dec. 15.
Other agenda items include a proposed settlement with Albertsons Companies Inc. that is expected to provide Henrico approximately $286,075 over nine years to address the effects of the opioid crisis, and a proposed contract with GRAIL Inc. for multi-cancer early detection testing services.
Supervisors also will consider awarding an $897,000 contract to Metra Industries Inc. for water-line extensions along Williamsburg Road and Chapman Lane in Varina. Construction is expected to begin in December and be completed within 300 calendar days.
Before the regular meeting, supervisors will hold a special work session beginning at 3:30 p.m. to review a report on HVAC modernization and receive an update on the county's sidewalk program.
The regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the board room at the Henrico County Government Center, 4301 East Parham Road.
The meeting is open to the public, and residents may participate in person or remotely. Advance registration to speak is optional.
For the full Nov. 10 agenda and résumé, or information about watching and participating in the meeting, visit Henrico County's website.
