Active Projects

Code Amendment Relative to Limited Duration Signs

Since September 2021, the Planning Department has been evaluating the application of current ordinance provisions related to the allowable dimensions for limited duration signs within residential and agriculturally zoned property. Planning staff will present the proposed changes to the zoning ordinance at this meeting which will expand the allowable sign area per property.

• Within residential districts, the total allowable sign area per property would increase from 14 square feet to 24 square feet, with no individual sign being larger than 6 square feet or taller than 5 feet. These signs do not require a limited duration permit and are allowed for 120 days.
• Within agricultural districts, the total allowable sign area per property would increase from 14 square feet to 32 square feet, with no individual sign being larger than 32 square feet or taller than 7 feet. For agricultural district parcels with more than 250 linear feet of road frontage, an additional 32 square feet of sign area would be allowed. These signs do not require a limited duration permit and are allowed for 120 days.

The proposed amendments would modernize the county's regulations regarding limited duration signs, facilitating more efficient and convenient means of public communications through such signs.

On Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, the Planning Commission held a work session on these proposed changes to the zoning ordinance. A virtual community meeting was held on Thursday, May 12, 2022. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed amendments on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. This amendment is 22PJ0102.

Code Amendment Relative to Outdoor Advertising Signs

Section 19.1 – 279.D provides that outdoor advertising signs be modernized and improved through standards which enhance the overall attractiveness of signage in the county. This section includes a termination date of July 24, 2023, for the replacement or modernization of outdoor advertising signs located along Routes 1, 10, 60 and 360. Any sign modernized, or new sign installed in compliance with this section, shall be considered legally conforming.

Many county businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and would face additional financial hardship if forced to modernize or replace signs by the current termination date. As such, Planning is proposing an amendment to extend the termination date for replacement or modernization of signs to July 24, 2028.

The Planning Department held a virtual community meeting on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, regarding proposed code amendments to section 19.1 – 279.D of the zoning ordinance (PDF).

Code Amendment Relative to Solar Zoning

Proposed code amendments to zoning ordinance section 19.1-52 (PDF) would modify the requirements related to setbacks, buffers and screening, and facility operations and design. Among other things, the proposed amendment adds an additional setback of 35 feet from wetlands 100-year floodplains and Resource Protection Areas; requires that steep slopes be kept in their natural, undisturbed state to the maximum extent practicable; and provides that solar panels are prohibited on steep slopes of 20% or greater.

Join the virtual community meeting on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., or call in (audio only) at 804-223-1418, phone conference ID: 876 552 205#. If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Chieppa by email or phone at 804-748-1778.