Commission sets public hearing for Ash Family HVAC special permit

Winchester — Property owners Erica and Steve Ash asked the Planning and Zoning Commission for a special permit to operate Ash Family Heating & Cooling from a preexisting commercial unit in a building located in a town single‑family zone. The commission set a public hearing for June 23.

Erica Ash told commissioners the business will occupy an existing commercial space and that “we would like to use it for our HVAC company, making no changes whatsoever to the outside other than our sign, which will go on the existing bracket.” The applicants said the proposed operation will include minor equipment storage and daytime vehicle staging; no overnight vehicle parking or additional dumpsters are planned and the apartment units above the space will remain in place.

Because the property and its use are nonconforming to the single‑family zoning, town staff advised that a change from one nonconforming use to another requires a special permit. The commission agreed to advertise and hold a public hearing so neighbors and other stakeholders can comment.

Action: The commission voted to set a public hearing for PCC25‑11 (Ash Family Heating & Cooling) at the June 23 meeting.

Ending: The applicants were advised to bring any pertinent documentation about business hours, parking, and sign design for the hearing. The commission noted that the property is likely to be rezoned as Town Gateway in a future update to local zoning maps, but that the application will be handled under current rules.