Business or trade schools can now obtain a permit to operate in Surry County’s agricultural-zoned areas.

Surry supervisors voted unanimously on Feb. 2 to add business or trade schools to the list of activities allowed with a conditional use permit in the county’s agricultural-rural district.

According to County Attorney Lola Perkins, the county’s existing definition of educational facilities is limited to non-commercial schools, so any that would charge a fee for classes would not qualify for the use. According to Horace Wade, Surry County’s director of planning and community development, the county has been reviewing a potential project for a conditional use permit that will likely seek the business or trade school use now that it’s an option. Wade did not name or provide details on the proposed project.