Riding Track Rescue

AMA helps landowner push back against local zoning office

August 10, 2021

By Joy Burgess

In April 2021, Brandon and Tiffany Hughett of Dublin, Va. received a Notice of Violation from the County of Pulaski’s Planning and Zoning Office asking them to discontinue the use of the small dirt bike track the family had constructed for their son, daughter and their friends. An upset neighbor had reported the family to the county, working against them to get their tiny track shut down.

“It was frustrating,” Brandon Hughett told American Motorcyclist. “We’ve been riding here since 2008, and my kids and their friends have always enjoyed being able to ride here. To receive a notice of violation was a complete surprise.”

When Hughett contacted the AMA, Off-Highway Government Relations Manager Peter Stockus was there to help, submitting a letter to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Board of Zoning Appeals ruled in the Hughett’s favor, effectively rescuing the family riding track.

“Help from the AMA increased my confidence,” Hughett said. “It reassured me there was hope for a positive outcome. And that’s what we got!”

“Every local fight is different,” Stockus said, “and all issues don’t break our way, but the AMA is here to provide members with expertise and support. The Government Relations Department is only an email or phone call away, and we’re always here to help.”

This article first appeared in the August issue of American Motorcyclist.