Dinwiddie planning commission recommends rezoning for 16 lots in West Petersburg, approves proffers 5–1
November 12, 2025 | Dinwiddie County, Virginia
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The Dinwiddie County Planning Commission on Nov. 12 recommended approval of rezoning case P‑25‑13 for 16 lots in the West Petersburg neighborhood, voting 5–1 to forward the application with the applicant’s proffers to the Dinwiddie Board of Supervisors.
The motion, made under the public‑purpose finding in Virginia Code §15.2‑2286(A)(7), directs the county to recommend changing the listed parcels to Residential Urban (RU) with proffers that increase the side‑yard setback on non‑corner lots to seven feet for any new structures; existing structures on those lots are exempt from the new setback requirement. The applicant told the commission the change is intended to give more “breathability” between houses after residents raised concerns that existing lots and homes sit very close together.
Mark Bassett, county planning staff, told commissioners that corner lots must still meet the county’s 15‑foot requirement from the street and that the 7‑foot proffer applies only to new construction on interior lots. Bassett also said developers are responsible for installing culverts and meeting Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) standards when pulling building permits: “VDOT will maintain what’s within the right of way…once the developer or builder puts the culvert pipe in,” Bassett said, adding that drainage and ditch work tied to new construction must comply with VDOT design and construction standards.
Applicant representative Teretha Rossi said the applicant removed several parcels that sit on paper streets because development there would require VDOT upgrades and paving. “We thought it would be good to be able to go in, add a few extra feet on either side so that it would give a little bit more breathability between the houses,” Rossi said.
Several nearby residents spoke against rezoning at the public hearing, raising concerns about lot size, aging underground pipes, drainage and parking. Theresa Lee (25818 Greensville Avenue) said she opposed rezoning Lots 238 and 239 because the area is small and has old pipes and drainage problems. Samuel Hunt, also of 25818 (Greenville/Greensville Avenue), urged the commission not to approve the zoning change. Darlene Fryer, a property owner at 25815 Nottoway, asked for clarification about setback requirements and warned that narrow streets could impede emergency vehicles.
Commission discussion touched on permitted uses under the RU designation; staff confirmed duplexes are not allowed in RU and that the district is intended for single‑family development. Commissioners also clarified the expected number and placement of new houses on the affected parcels.
The planning commission’s action is a recommendation only; the Board of Supervisors will make the final decision at a later meeting.
Votes at the Nov. 12 Planning Commission meeting were recorded as five members voting aye and one voting no on P‑25‑13 with proffers.
The motion, made under the public‑purpose finding in Virginia Code §15.2‑2286(A)(7), directs the county to recommend changing the listed parcels to Residential Urban (RU) with proffers that increase the side‑yard setback on non‑corner lots to seven feet for any new structures; existing structures on those lots are exempt from the new setback requirement. The applicant told the commission the change is intended to give more “breathability” between houses after residents raised concerns that existing lots and homes sit very close together.
Mark Bassett, county planning staff, told commissioners that corner lots must still meet the county’s 15‑foot requirement from the street and that the 7‑foot proffer applies only to new construction on interior lots. Bassett also said developers are responsible for installing culverts and meeting Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) standards when pulling building permits: “VDOT will maintain what’s within the right of way…once the developer or builder puts the culvert pipe in,” Bassett said, adding that drainage and ditch work tied to new construction must comply with VDOT design and construction standards.
Applicant representative Teretha Rossi said the applicant removed several parcels that sit on paper streets because development there would require VDOT upgrades and paving. “We thought it would be good to be able to go in, add a few extra feet on either side so that it would give a little bit more breathability between the houses,” Rossi said.
Several nearby residents spoke against rezoning at the public hearing, raising concerns about lot size, aging underground pipes, drainage and parking. Theresa Lee (25818 Greensville Avenue) said she opposed rezoning Lots 238 and 239 because the area is small and has old pipes and drainage problems. Samuel Hunt, also of 25818 (Greenville/Greensville Avenue), urged the commission not to approve the zoning change. Darlene Fryer, a property owner at 25815 Nottoway, asked for clarification about setback requirements and warned that narrow streets could impede emergency vehicles.
Commission discussion touched on permitted uses under the RU designation; staff confirmed duplexes are not allowed in RU and that the district is intended for single‑family development. Commissioners also clarified the expected number and placement of new houses on the affected parcels.
The planning commission’s action is a recommendation only; the Board of Supervisors will make the final decision at a later meeting.
Votes at the Nov. 12 Planning Commission meeting were recorded as five members voting aye and one voting no on P‑25‑13 with proffers.
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