Smyth County schedules zoning hearing and reviews RISE subscription; joint hearing held on proposed Chilhowie shooting range

At its Dec. 11 meeting the Smyth County Board of Supervisors scheduled a Jan. 22 joint public hearing with the Planning Commission to consider a proposed amendment to the county zoning ordinance that would allow tower applications in Conservation Recreation zoning districts to apply by special-use permit.

The board also approved a one-year subscription to the RISE Smart Site Plan service and specifically declined the optional iPad that would have accompanied the subscription. The recap presented this as a procurement decision limited to a one-year term; procurement details and contract language are available in the official meeting packet.

Separately, the board and Planning Commission held a joint public hearing on a proposed outdoor shooting range adjacent to 1042 Highway 107 in Chilhowie. The Dec. 11 recap states the hearing occurred but did not report a decision or vote; the Planning Department is expected to compile the hearing record for any follow-up action.

All materials, including the proposed zoning amendment text, procurement documents for the RISE subscription, and the full public hearing record for the Chilhowie range, are available in the county’s meeting packet and minutes online.