Self-Service Ice Vending Units

In September 2024, the Board of Supervisors approved a new land use in York County – self-service ice vending units. These units are stand-alone ice production machines that are activated by the insertion of money or another form of payment, and ice is bagged automatically or dispensed in bulk to a customer. Self-service ice machines must be no larger than eighteen (18) feet in height, ten (10) feet in width, and twenty-five (25) feet in length, and may operate without full-time service personnel. 

Zoning 

Self-service ice vending units are permitted by-right on properties zoned GB (General Business), WCI (Waterfront-oriented Commercial/Industrial), EO (Economic Opportunity), IL (Limited Industrial) and IG (General Industrial). Ice vending units are also permitted on properties zoned NB or LB with a Special Use Permit approved by the Board of Supervisors. For further questions about Special Use Permits, please contact the Planning Division at (757) 890-3404 or by email at planning@yorkcounty.gov, or visit the office at 100 County Drive.

The Zoning Ordinance also outlines performance standards for this use in Section 24.1-469. The standards include the number of ice-vending units allowed on a property, their proximity to residential districts, setbacks, architectural standards, what happens if the use is discontinued, required approvals, and signage.  A site plan must be submitted to and approved by the Division of Development Services prior to installing and operating an ice vending machine. Please call Development Services at (757) 890-3531 or email devsrv@yorkcounty.gov with any questions about site plan requirements. 

Zoning Requirements