WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Earlier today, Wythe County officials met with the owner of Gerta’s House of Music, in order to discuss possible solutions to the county’s notice that the buildings were without proper permits.

According to county officials, two buildings on the owner’s property were being used as assembly halls for bingo and dancing events, despite only having been issued building permits to serve as a storage building and mercantile, respectively.

Following today’s meeting between the property owner and members of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors and county administration, the Wythe County building official visited the structures to discuss steps needed in order to have the buildings’ use reclassified as assembly halls.

The Wythe County building official discussed code issues with the owner and determined to allow the site to continue bingo and music events, as the owner takes the necessary steps to comply with the state’s building code.

Public safety is the primary objective of the county.  Building inspection laws exist in order to avert major losses of life.  The county is working with the owner to ensure that the building is brought to fire-safe standards.