Board approves special-use permit for taller Salem water tank on Hearth Lane

The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors voted April 23 to approve a special-use permit for the City of Salem to replace an existing water tank at 1490 Hearth Lane with a larger tank that will hold about 336,000 gallons and rise to roughly 60–70 feet in height including the roof.

Philip Thompson, the county’s director of planning, described the replacement as occupying the same footprint as the current tank but taller, with the project classified as a "major utility service" that requires a special-use permit. The planning commission recommended approval with three conditions: develop the site in general conformance with the planting plan prepared by Thompson and Litton; limit tank height to no more than 75 feet (to allow ladders or appurtenances); and pave Hearth Lane from Red Lane Extension to the gravel access split on the property.

Laredo Robinson, director of water and sewer for the City of Salem, said the city has not yet finalized the fence location and will work with adjacent property owners to avoid unnecessary impacts. "We don't want it to be just a standard chain link," Robinson said when discussing aesthetics and access for staff inspections.

Thompson and the applicant noted the proposed tank will provide improved water pressure for portions of the city; the tank is glass-lined and the planting plan includes several deciduous and 18 evergreen trees to help screen the site. The planning commission discussed differing pressure zones, purchase of water from the Western Virginia Water Authority, and maintenance of Hearth Lane; the applicant agreed to pave a portion of Hearth Lane as part of the conditions.

Board member (speaker 7) moved to approve the special-use permit with the three conditions recommended by the planning commission; Board member (speaker 8) seconded. Clerk roll call recorded 'Yes' votes by Mister Radford; Missus ****** (name redacted in transcript); Mister Mahoney; and Mister North, and the motion carried.

The permit allows the City of Salem to proceed with a taller replacement tank in the same footprint, subject to the planting, height and paving conditions the board adopted.