The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the Manor House application for modification of an existing site plan and special permit Tuesday night with a vote of 4-2. The action closed a five-month saga that saw many hours of public hearing testimony.
The P&Z found that the application, as revised and with the 18 conditions stipulated by the commission, complies with all applicable provisions of Norfolk’s zoning regulations, including requirements specific to country inns.
The conditions imposed restrict maximum occupancy levels and the number of overnight guest bedrooms that can be in the main building without further review and approval by the P&Z Commission. The owners cannot create new guest bedrooms in additions to the existing building or in additional structures without submitting a future application.
A new one-story, 1,500 square-foot amenity building with indoor pool, rest area, restroom, elevator, changing and shower rooms and the like was allowed, as were alternations to the existing first floor, including a massage room, laundry, staff areas, reception and office. Site improvements include a heated terrace, cold pool, heated pool, beverage station and sauna building.
A restaurant on the first floor of the main building that can seat 44 patrons, a 720-square-foot storage garage and a 45-space parking area with a new exit onto Mills Way were also okayed.
Non-resident guests have limited access to the amenities, but no more than 150 persons can be on the premises at one time. No more than 12 large outdoor events per year can be held on the site without approval from the P&Z Commission.
All non-essential outdoor and interior lighting in the amenities building must be turned off by 9:00 p.m. and any other lighting essential for safety is to be motion-activated. No amplified outdoor music is permitted after 8:00 p.m. and the applicant is required to monitor sound levels at the property lines to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
If the country inn ceases to offer overnight accommodations, all other uses must also cease.
To review the full decision, click here.