As adjacent landowners to property 92-A-12C by common vertex at 440 Huttle Road, we're writing to express serious concerns regarding Variance Application #20-25 for the 2.83-acre lot. The application by Yesenia Portillo shows the property extends roughly 130' from Huttle Road situated on a known flood plain. Multiple culverts vital to West Run Creek's drainage would also require inspection regarding any construction impact. The property's severe slope creates significant challenges for both dwelling construction and septic system installation.
The soil composition between Ridings Mill and Arapaho Lane is notably clay-heavy, causing prolonged water retention and raising runoff concerns into West Run Creek. Previous anecdotal evidence suggests failed soil tests led to an abandoned purchase attempt. The drainage capacity is questionable for traditional leach or drain fields. Approximately 30% of the property lies within an active floodplain, with recent flooding events (including 2025) overwhelming Huttle Road in this area. This raises serious concerns about ecological stability both on-site and downstream. The steep incline severely compromises traditional drain field installation possibilities. A comprehensive survey involving qualified soil experts and the Virginia Department of Health would be necessary to determine feasible septic system options before any potential of setback considerations or modifications.
An alternative discharge system would likely be required, demanding more space than available on this lot. Such a system would need to be designed be a certified expert that would also regular health department inspections. The property currently fails to meet required existing setbacks or amended requests, and its natural landscape presents substantial challenges. We strongly oppose this variance request due to inherent environmental harm and practical implementation concerns.
G. Scott Santmier
scottsantmier@gmail.com
540-247-4564
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the pending request for a 70-foot variance to the required 100-foot rear yard setback, resulting in a mere 30-foot rear yard for the proposed dwelling on a parcel of land that presents significant topographic, environmental, and planning challenges.
This property, with only 178 feet at its widest point and an elevation change of approximately 50 feet, is inherently ill-suited for residential construction under current zoning requirements. It is located within the 100-year floodplain and contains a section of West Run, a waterway that plays a critical environmental role in the area. Allowing construction with such a drastically reduced rear yard setback significantly increases the risk of contamination to this stream—especially from hillside sewage runoff during storm events.
The setback regulations were enacted to protect exactly this kind of sensitive terrain and water resource from the adverse impacts of overdevelopment. Granting a variance in this instance would set a troubling precedent, potentially encouraging future applicants to seek similar exemptions despite environmental and public safety concerns.
Moreover, it is important to note that this parcel was purchased at a substantial discount precisely because of its limited development potential. Mr. Portillo knowingly acquired a property with significant constraints and is now seeking to circumvent the very regulations that exist to protect the public and environment from inappropriate development. This is not a case of hardship, but of speculative investment attempting to shift environmental and infrastructural burdens onto the community.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Department of Planning and Development to deny this variance request in the interest of upholding zoning integrity, environmental protection, and community safety.
Sincerely,
G. Scott Santmier
Property owner 92-A-13A, 92-A13B
As adjacent landowners to property 92-A-12C by common vertex at 440 Huttle Road, we're writing to express serious concerns regarding Variance Application #20-25 for the 2.83-acre lot. The application by Yesenia Portillo shows the property extends roughly 130' from Huttle Road situated on a known flood plain. Multiple culverts vital to West Run Creek's drainage would also require inspection regarding any construction impact. The property's severe slope creates significant challenges for both dwelling construction and septic system installation.
The soil composition between Ridings Mill and Arapaho Lane is notably clay-heavy, causing prolonged water retention and raising runoff concerns into West Run Creek. Previous anecdotal evidence suggests failed soil tests led to an abandoned purchase attempt. The drainage capacity is questionable for traditional leach or drain fields. Approximately 30% of the property lies within an active floodplain, with recent flooding events (including 2025) overwhelming Huttle Road in this area. This raises serious concerns about ecological stability both on-site and downstream. The steep incline severely compromises traditional drain field installation possibilities. A comprehensive survey involving qualified soil experts and the Virginia Department of Health would be necessary to determine feasible septic system options before any potential of setback considerations or modifications.
An alternative discharge system would likely be required, demanding more space than available on this lot. Such a system would need to be designed be a certified expert that would also regular health department inspections. The property currently fails to meet required existing setbacks or amended requests, and its natural landscape presents substantial challenges. We strongly oppose this variance request due to inherent environmental harm and practical implementation concerns.
Sincerely,
Lewis and Sarah Irving
Property owner 92.A.11
G. Scott Santmier
scottsantmier@gmail.com
540-247-4564
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the pending request for a 70-foot variance to the required 100-foot rear yard setback, resulting in a mere 30-foot rear yard for the proposed dwelling on a parcel of land that presents significant topographic, environmental, and planning challenges.
This property, with only 178 feet at its widest point and an elevation change of approximately 50 feet, is inherently ill-suited for residential construction under current zoning requirements. It is located within the 100-year floodplain and contains a section of West Run, a waterway that plays a critical environmental role in the area. Allowing construction with such a drastically reduced rear yard setback significantly increases the risk of contamination to this stream—especially from hillside sewage runoff during storm events.
The setback regulations were enacted to protect exactly this kind of sensitive terrain and water resource from the adverse impacts of overdevelopment. Granting a variance in this instance would set a troubling precedent, potentially encouraging future applicants to seek similar exemptions despite environmental and public safety concerns.
Moreover, it is important to note that this parcel was purchased at a substantial discount precisely because of its limited development potential. Mr. Portillo knowingly acquired a property with significant constraints and is now seeking to circumvent the very regulations that exist to protect the public and environment from inappropriate development. This is not a case of hardship, but of speculative investment attempting to shift environmental and infrastructural burdens onto the community.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Department of Planning and Development to deny this variance request in the interest of upholding zoning integrity, environmental protection, and community safety.
Sincerely,
G. Scott Santmier
Property owner 92-A-13A, 92-A13B