We're Legal!

The last hoop we had to jump through to start our B&B was last night.  The Botetourt Planning Commission approved the zoning change so we could open a B&B in our home.  It remained for the Board Of Supervisors to vote on the proposal.

 

The local Fincastle Herald carried several legal notices to inform the public, in case anyone wanted to speak against the zoning change. 

 

There was also a story in the paper about the upcoming Board meeting.

 


 

While we waited in the empty meeting room, it slowly began to fill up.  More and more people filled the rows of seats behind us and I started to become a little worried.  No one has spoken against us during the Planning Meeting.  But maybe they were going to come and derail us at the Board meeting.

Fortunately, we were up first.   After a brief presentation from the Planning Commission on what we proposed and what stipulations they wanted us to have, there was a call for people to speak.  There was a long moment of silence and the Board approved our application for a Special Exceptions Permit.

One of the stipulations is that we are not allowed to have outdoor events, or even indoor events, such as weddings.  Supervisor Terry Austin asked if that included our own family holding a wedding here.  He knew we had a daughter of marrying age.  And in fact I mentioned to the Board that she was engaged.  She may want a wedding at a B&B or a winery, but at this time it seems she will be wanting a wedding closer to where she lives. A family wedding would be permitted here, but it doesn't look like it will happen.

We still have to get a business license and arrange for the Health Department to approve for the septic system to handle the additional bathroom.  It was already approved, but they want paperwork to that effect.  Governments of all sizes love their paperwork.

So now we are legal and need to do the business of starting a business.  And start a web site. And a business bank account.  This may take some time...

 

But if you are planning a visit to the Roanoke area, look us up.  We'd love to have you visit.