PETERSBURG, Va. — The Petersburg City Council on Oct. 7 voted unanimously to require the Planning Commission to submit a recommendation by Oct. 21 on a special-use permit application from SP 13 Properties LLC to operate an assisted-living facility at 36 West Fillmore Street.

The action, taken at a special meeting called so the council could meet a statutory timeline, shortens the ordinary review period for the commission. City Attorney said, “Council will have to, have a motion to adopt the resolution that’s in your package. And if you do adopt it, then, you will be able to move forward on the 21st. The planning commission would have to give their recommendation. If they don’t, then it’s presumed to be a favorable recommendation, for approval of the SUP.”

The council opened a public hearing on the matter and, after no public speakers rose, moved directly to consideration of the resolution. Councilman Byers moved to adopt the resolution; Councilman Jones seconded. The roll call showed unanimous support: Council members Cuthbert, Jones, Myers, Westbrook, Smith Lee, Vice Mayor Hill and Mayor Perrin all voted aye.

The item traces to a joint meeting of the council and the Planning Commission on Sept. 2, when the commission did not provide a recommendation. According to council discussion at the Oct. 7 meeting, the commission had at that earlier meeting indicated it would supply a response by the council’s next meeting but was unable to meet in time. The resolution adopted on Oct. 7 shortens the commission’s usual statutory review period and sets the Oct. 21 deadline so council may act on the special-use permit on that date.

Council members did not elaborate further on the substance of the assisted-living proposal during the Oct. 7 meeting, and no conditions or amendments to the resolution were recorded. The council recorded no public comments during the hearing.

If the Planning Commission does not issue a recommendation by Oct. 21, the adopted resolution states the application will be presumed to have a favorable recommendation for approval of the special-use permit, allowing the council to proceed with its decision.