Planning Commission

Purpose of the Planning Commission

The purpose of the Commission is to assist the Town Council to anticipate and guide future development and change by preparing plans, ordinances, capital improvement programs, studies, reports, and other documents for consideration by the Town Council. The Planning Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Town Council.

Comprehensive Plan DRAFT as of 5.19.2025

This version is updated from the April 14, 2025 version and includes the following changes based on public comments from the Joint Public Hearing.

Chapter 7: Community Facilities

7-2: Police Dept. was added to the Community Facilities Map
7-9: Added the correct date for the school redestriciting
7-12: Corrected the name for the Little Free Library
7-12: Added that the Grottoes Library provides a notary service.

Chapter 10- Land Use

10-19: Under Goal 1, Objective 1.3- Changed the language from “town staff” to allow the zoning administrator to approve minor uses that are not by-right in the district.
Explanation for this objective: Augusta County is a good example where they have administrative permits in place in their ordinance for various districts. In order for the zoning administrator to approve a permit, it first has to follow all of the regulations outlined in the chapter, and if the zoning administrator had any question about the use, it would then go to the BZA for Augusta County for approval, or in this case the Planning Commission and Town Council for final approval. I thought having the provision for an admin permit would be a beneficial tool for Grottoes.

If you would like to suggest additional changes, please contact Town Manager Kyle O’Brien, Assistant Town Manager Tara Morris, or members of the Planning Commission.

This is the most recent draft version of the Comprehensive Plan. There have been suggestions made and this is NOT the final version that will be adopted.

Membership and Terms

Total Members: 7 members appointed by the Town Council

Residency Requirement: All members must be residents of Grottoes

Qualifications: Must have knowledge and experience in growth and development

Council Representation:

One member may be a Town Council member

One member may be a town administrative officer

Term Length: 4 years

Vacancies: Filled by Town Council for the remainder of the unexpired term

If you would like a copy of the Planning Commission Bylaws, please email our Admin & Finance Assistant.