At long last, we have an update on the pending Mountain Mines Appeal regarding Diamond Properties, LLC vs. Fayette County Zoning Hearing Board and Mountain Watershed Association.
If you need a refresher, in 2023 Diamond Properties (Mountain Pines) appealed the Fayette County Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) granting the request to turn the site of the former Clifford N. Pritts Elementary School into a campground. This request required a petition for special exception from the Zoning Hearing Board. After several ZHB hearings, a special exception was granted along with sixteen conditions restricting the use of the property.
In February 2023, Diamond Properties (Mountain Pines) filed an appeal challenging three of the sixteen conditions. In August 2024, the ZHB issued an amended resolution and Diamond Properties filed the current appeal, known as the second appeal.
The three conditions involved in the appeal are:
1. Each individual campsite shall be no larger than 50 feet by 50 feet, and the campground shall have no more than 90 campsites. No campsite shall be permitted to be constructed within the ‘no activity zone,” as shown on the plan.
2. Campfires shall be no larger than 32 inches in diameter and there shall be no more than one campfire site per 10 campsites.Smokeless fire pits may be brought into the campground via patrons so long as they are less than 32 inches in diameter.
3. There shall be no permanent structures, including but not limited to, sheds, porches, carports, awnings, or added roofs on campers’ individual campsites.
Ultimately, the order issued by Judge Steven Leskinen of the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas states that this appeal has been DENIED as of October 17, 2025.
The Mountain Watershed Association will continue to track this issue and provide relevant updates to the community.
We hope the community finds some reassurance in their continued efforts to advocate for their property, quality of life, and the health and safety of our mountain neighbors. Your efforts have made all the difference in developing compelling arguments and a strong community presence.
Stay tuned for an opportunity to provide comment on the renewal of Mountain Pines NPDES permit renewal for their sewage treatment system.
As always, feel free to get in touch with any questions or concerns! Call us at 724-455-4200 or email stacey@mtwatershed.com.