On May 21, 2024, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors convened to discuss significant zoning reclassifications that could reshape local land use and infrastructure. The meeting highlighted two primary agenda items: the removal of a historic overlay district from a parcel owned by Samuel and Dorothy Jackson, and a proposed zoning change for a Dominion Energy substation.

The first item involved a request to reclassify tax map parcel number 40-32B, effectively removing it from the historic resource overlay district established in 1985. Cultural resource specialist Nancy Cotting presented the case, noting that the parcel, which is 0.285 acres, is currently zoned A-1 (Agricultural) and will remain so post-reclassification. The property is home to a Civil War-era fortification listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but no changes to the parcel are proposed. The Planning Commission had previously voted unanimously in favor of the reclassification, and the Board followed suit, passing the motion with a vote of 6-0.

The second item on the agenda addressed a request from Dominion Energy to reclassify 1.349 acres from A-1 to M-1 (Light Industrial) zoning for the expansion of an existing electrical substation. Amy Taylor from Planning and Zoning explained that the expansion aims to improve aging infrastructure and enhance service reliability. The substation, operational since the early 1960s, is currently a nonconforming use due to zoning changes enacted in 1964. The proposed changes include a new backbone structure and security fencing, which would exceed current height restrictions.

The Board expressed concerns regarding the visual and noise impacts of the expansion on nearby residential properties. However, Taylor assured that the project aligns with the county's comprehensive plan and includes proffers to mitigate potential negative impacts, such as landscape screening and adherence to specific development conditions. The Planning Commission had also recommended approval of this application.

Both discussions reflect Stafford County's ongoing efforts to balance historical preservation with modern infrastructure needs. The approval of these zoning changes is expected to facilitate necessary improvements while addressing community concerns about development impacts. The Board's decisions mark a significant step in shaping the future landscape of Stafford County, with implications for both local residents and the broader community.