Altavista, VA

Many of the Lynchburg MLS area homes have terrace level basement apartments. Some people consider these "mother-in-law-suites" Often times a buyer client will specifically request this particular feature when searching for a new home in Lynchburg, Campbell County or Bedford County area.

Here are some questions you should ask your local zoning department prior to renting your basement apartment in the Lynchburg MLS area.

What are the specific guidelines for nonconforming use?

Must the home be owner occupied?

Define the difference between owner occupied and primary residence if there is a difference.

How long must the nonconforming use be abandoned before it is revoked?

I think that was Mr. B's problem prior to purchasing the property he did not ask enough questions.

Prior to renting a terrace level apartment be sure to review the local zoning laws. Many times "mother-in-law-suites" are in neighborhoods that are zoned as single family residences. If this be the case you don't want to be in the position of Mr. B as in my most recent post Why Can't I Rent My Basement Apartment?

Altavista Virginia in Campbell County has been granted monies to renovate the downtown.  It should take a few years to get it back to what it was in it's time but things have already started to change. Altavista is a perfect community for those that love the convenience of living close to shopping, and schools yet away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Recently I had a homeowner ask me if finishing the basement and adding square footage to their home would increase the value of their home.  I loved their forward thinking.  Durning a time when folks are losing value in their homes this homeowner is trying to figure out what he can do to counter that problem.  With a little investment he could make a difference.  Please take the time and watch the video.

For the last few years the business owner's in the Town of Altavista, Virginia sponsor a town wide trick or treat. I think this is a wonderful and safe way we as parents can carry our children trick or treating and as a business owners this promotes our businesses by bringing additional traffic into our store fronts.

This year's trick or treat is set for Friday October 31, 2008 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm hope to see lots of ghouls and goblins!

In thinking of topics to write about my hometown of Altavista, Virginia I began exploring monumental points in the history of Altavista. One of the first points that I have always thought of when explaining the geographic location of my little home town is the question "Do you own a Lane Cedar Chest"? If you do chances are it was built right here in my hometown just 20 miles south of Lynchburg, Virginia.

The Lane Furniture Company's main plant was located here in March of 1912 when John Lane purchase a box plant and and encouraged his young son Ed Lane to manufacture cedar chest. Initially the Lane's were unsure if the venture would work so they didn't name it "The Lane Company" it was called the "Standard Red Cedar Chest Company" little did they know just how popular the cedar chest would become. Most every little girl back then had a hope chest or dowry chest to house contents that would be used in their future household. I would venture to say that there are many households across the world who still have the cedar chest which some models being collectors items.

Unfortunately the plant which was the largest employer of The Town of Altavista closed in 2001 and moved the headquarters to Tupelo Mississippi. The former plants now house two other companies and the office building is host to many small businesses. This hometown girl still misses the blow of the work whistle which sounded every morning and afternoon notifying everyone around town the workday was over. It is unfortunate that this company that pretty much founded my little hometown was subject to corporate downsizing. I will always have memories of years gone by and the hard work many of the area residents put in by taking one look at my own Lane Cedar Chest.