[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,97],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6059640,"mediaKeyId","3294077-0ce5cfa44a042c6c1d955276a972bab4","parentId",3294077,"title","Planning commission recommends approval of phase‑3 land development amendments, tightens nighttime digital‑sign rules","audioSeconds",2215,"startMs",705000,"endMs",2920000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3294077-0ce5cfa44a042c6c1d955276a972bab4&start=705&end=2920","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3294077-0ce5cfa44a042c6c1d955276a972bab4/thumbnail_705000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6059640/Louisa-County/Virginia/Planning-commission-recommends-approval-of-phase3-land-development-amendments-tightens-nighttime-digitalsign-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6059640-90f8f931cbbd929393749c146029d029/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158801&Signature=Z7x4jdGLy~baVUI5ob8-NytGY0GXjvQP1nny52WS3clZXQ4XFDK5ZpGLeVPSz4MIXPlfHXz0EmQTOoJ~jpqPA9S68OkWiAAtHshCkJia~oi-lcdJTm3hfigX-p7CmPl-KSwp~WLe~NcksBGLJTIZcy84UQAsI86IW9rnkm25jgKwya3W-XD75YoC97PgeuKPHIP8yp7VN1HVAhKBsfCY-ZSyu78UufrRiIl~-0FjS4N0Cg0UZefnOZfJO~nBGwX0ue9RlTyKv68G8ZNt73P35ammAg7aKU~MM4uBbbFtdj2WJQRnDXfUYChxcY1zqO4WZPKLGM6iQwpyPStr05eMeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-09T12:41:42Z","article","The Louisa County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of proposed Phase 3 amendments to Chapter 86, the county Land Development Regulations, with changes discussed at the public hearing. The commission\u0010s vote moves the package to the Board of Supervisors for consideration.

Staff presented multiple text changes that span definitions, subdivision standards, private lanes, utilities and signs. Miss Buckler, staff member, summarized the package and the principal edits, including adding surveyor as an acceptable third‑party reviewer and requiring a performance agreement in addition to interim road‑maintenance agreements for subdivisions.

On signage, the commission focused on electronic message signs. Staff presented three options and a handout; commissioners discussed brightness, message change frequency, animation and exemptions. Commissioners agreed to tighten the nighttime brightness and message‑change rules. The planning commission directed language that messages be static for a minimum of 20 seconds and “with no animation, videos, flashing, or scrolling text.” As Commissioner Dickerson phrased the intent during final wording, staff later recorded the text as: “Messages must be static for 20 seconds or longer, with no animation, videos, flashing, or scrolling text.”

The package also includes: a new sentence requiring vegetative buffers that meet criteria to be shown on a plan prepared by a certified landscape architect, surveyor, engineer, or other qualified licensed professional; striking the word “only” where private lanes serve fewer than three lots; a limit to private lanes within subdivisions to a maximum of two; a requirement that private road disclosure language be included on subdivision plats; and a provision that hydrants and restroom facilities in common areas will be required only if mandated by the Department of Fire and EMS or the Virginia Department of Health and coordinated with Dominion Energy when necessary.

Telecommunications provisions were revised to allow on-site backup generators operated only during outages or testing, and to require additional structural reports and analysis for co‑location applications as recommended by the county\u0010s telecommunications consultant. For electronic signs, staff noted a proposed nighttime maximum of 100 nits between sunset and sunrise as set by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; the commission discussed implementation and legacy‑sign nonconformities and allowed limited grandfathering for older signs unable to meet new technical requirements.

After discussion and minor language clarifications (including an explicit carve‑out that a sign solely displaying time, date or temperature is exempt from the animation prohibition), Commissioner Gutter moved to recommend approval by the Board of Supervisors of the proposed Phase 3 amendments “with the changes that have been discussed agreed upon tonight.” The motion passed on roll call.

The commission also asked staff to clarify remaining drafting points and to reconcile handout tables with ordinance text prior to Board review. No members of the public testified at the public hearing.

Ending: The commission\u0010s recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of Supervisors; staff will finalize ordinance text, confirm the numeric brightness and timing language, and note conforming/nonconforming sign implementation details for the board packet.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting, May 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Louisa County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of Phase 3 amendments to Chapter 86, the county's land development regulations, and adopted tighter restrictions on electronic message signs including a 20‑second minimum static display time and a prohibition on animation.","taxTitle","Louisa County, Virginia","taxId",37258,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6059645,"Louisa County planning commission approves ordinance change clarifying medical facility and controlled‑substance retail rules",246,456000,702000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3294077-0ce5cfa44a042c6c1d955276a972bab4&start=456&end=702","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3294077-0ce5cfa44a042c6c1d955276a972bab4/thumbnail_456000.jpg","/articles/6059645/Louisa-County/Virginia/Louisa-County-planning-commission-approves-ordinance-change-clarifying-medical-facility-and-controlledsubstance-retail-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6059645-f08ec7df1b8f8a8d2c146c1bf5b20afd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158801&Signature=G9eKhwEyYfjZqPhyKVn6cPJwCDlfbnim01PcTbb1Pv3L2PpOVJpFQ83OkGCQVf4hr-XwiHdOHVqHz0k~vwK3XLV0Oh0zjw257M-1gQ3VkOCAo61eBeWUEQLnEMBM0Itm0t1C8OrrokRdhs~R1Uze0p3XMePHc9-vm5RWrAKX7pYF-8Dmw1z3I0fvX84vHCDOV3-OJ44Kv26S8Kod2tne6DfuKdwD8uYjbhh~BnegFjTmSatxCHN1iTdu~wxuXcSxxDzgVbqrzHMc2JAc0ofGa0WlgQGniHSD1jT4RayKy8BrHyALR1J1BNUO7MkSpXEkEuid7mJOcOU4Ji~naEZasw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Louisa County Planning Commission voted to approve Ordinance Change 2025-02 clarifying definitions for licensed medical facilities, medical offices and retail sales of controlled substances and forwarded the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors.

The change establishes a new definition for “licensed medical facility” to include inpatient care and emergency services staffed by a licensed physician and dispensing under federal registration, and amends “medical office” to cover outpatient services that do not involve controlled substances. Miss Buckler, a staff member presenting the ordinance, told the commission, “We\u0010ve established a new definition for a licensed medical facility to include inpatient care for emergency services that have, a licensed physician, as well as DEA regulated dispensing and controlling, of substances.”

The ordinance also revises the retail‑sales definition to exempt licensed medical providers operating lawfully under active United States Drug Enforcement Administration registration. Miss Buckler read the addition into the record: “This category excludes alcohol, tobacco, agriculture activity, passive and lawful facilities, lawfully operating under a valid and active registration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration as licensed medical providers.”

No members of the public spoke during the public‑comment period on this item. After staff presentation and brief commissioner discussion, the commission moved and seconded approval and conducted a roll‑call vote. The chair directed the clerk to record the vote; the roll call on the motion recorded unanimous support and the chair declared, “Ordinance 20 25 dash 0 2 is approved and to forward to the Board of Supervisors.”

The commission did not adopt additional changes to the proposal at the hearing and made no amendments on the floor. The measure now proceeds to the Board of Supervisors for consideration.

Notes: the ordinance text and staff memo appear on packet pages referenced by staff; no public opposition or amendments were recorded in the transcript.","The Louisa County Planning Commission voted to approve Ordinance Change 2025-02 clarifying definitions for licensed medical facilities, medical offices and retail sales of controlled substances and forwarded the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6059631,"Commission asks staff to fund countywide analysis of developable parcels and division potential",0,5509000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3294077-0ce5cfa44a042c6c1d955276a972bab4&start=5509&end=5509","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3294077-0ce5cfa44a042c6c1d955276a972bab4/thumbnail_5509000.jpg","/articles/6059631/Louisa-County/Virginia/Commission-asks-staff-to-fund-countywide-analysis-of-developable-parcels-and-division-potential","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6059631-0fe7fba5ce4ac9b1df2c47e41938c9c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158801&Signature=QGazmLTqCZ-B30YHgdvhc4XIICPF003A0DFHheqnJBxgXCyvR3Qvwr7voHuY5FTaY4hGXIAh-dJbpFCLtM2D7GjozVS3~RB-xul3e~1IZno21NzNOP8wNIqnuvOohZz~82DPWdc4MKxX7zwLxmYs-KOuwAt3ON~lhTiQLpoofPf0HgEpwO2pUoXWPwjnSI0Xq43Rgu~yh-zSeuZlmW97g9ZGpYDbZW3PXggnOva17Qh7LUPxPckmr15lUMbVprKzxaXWibD2Z4sKtgohvzFOvd6rWd0KH5o2Q4xgv3neMJnAEp0t3ONUnO-bpOzEn4~nrwboryxq2Mt3v6IWYXMaTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Louisa County Planning Commission approved a motion directing staff to prepare proposals to hire qualified firms to perform a countywide analysis of developable parcels and by‑right division potential.

Commissioner Kersey (motion sponsor) asked staff to compile information on the number of lots and their development potential and associated costs; staff reported the task is substantial and likely requires outside resources. The motion calls for a comprehensive review of all parcels in the county to determine the number of divisions currently permitted by right under applicable zoning and subdivision regulations, producing an inventory of developable parcels and division potential to inform land‑use planning and infrastructure investment.

Commissioner Kersey moved and the commission seconded; a roll‑call vote recorded approval. Miss Johnson, the commission clerk, recorded the vote as passing. The motion directs staff to seek proposals and return with a recommended procurement or contract approach.

Ending: Staff will prepare a scope for procurement and return to the commission with proposals and cost estimates.","The Planning Commission approved a motion to seek proposals from qualified firms to conduct a countywide analysis of developable parcels and by‑right division potential to support land‑use, infrastructure and growth planning; the motion passed on roll call.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6059636,"Planning commission continues discussion on emergency vs. homeless shelters; requests legal review and additional work session",2467,2992000,5459000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3294077-0ce5cfa44a042c6c1d955276a972bab4&start=2992&end=5459","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3294077-0ce5cfa44a042c6c1d955276a972bab4/thumbnail_2992000.jpg","/articles/6059636/Louisa-County/Virginia/Planning-commission-continues-discussion-on-emergency-vs-homeless-shelters-requests-legal-review-and-additional-work-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6059636-b2a87703931d642fa6a9aa2511bd9790/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158801&Signature=ciWqQNlswD6VmakfrD5PNPoA1GUh~VddaZvoHJZwWVMt-Hrw5vZfhvMK7gU3t68-hGHQzMIBhN-PDDT-cuOKoddrdWdK6j-jte7Nh1K8qu~PF~xrKVKHv~jMTXVInABnrlVmn2FY4DN0iu8wsaL3tslg2~N-upIIRnqTd6h9RvInKp34l5ogI4G6HqXDrq~ecSPTE0oigCz2ki5KPf9VqwqNMTPzUZQf78CuW8cdgX5YqUl32S3RFJki2bizMbaYyZA4BSzRn1CmsNdPgpvhH3Z23bn8QNpZwhCf8H2olyAP4qfuaNXTjH6LU1U2tBhOp1Mv6kTZ46qkUTgJbFAqRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Louisa County Planning Commission continued a multi‑month discussion about how the zoning code should treat emergency shelters and homeless shelters and directed staff to return with two clarified definitions and a legal review of county liability.

Commissioner Brooks presented draft language and conditions proposing that homeless shelters be subject to conditional use permits (CUPs) while emergency shelters activated under a declared federal, state or local emergency be treated differently. Brooks said the draft sought to “put the liabilities where the responsibilities are” and noted state code language about emergency duties.

Staff proposed an emergency‑shelter definition drafted for the record: “Emergency shelter means a facility, building or location designated as part of a federal, state or local emergency operation plan for use during a declared disaster or emergency event to provide temporary shelter, safety, and services to displaced individuals or populations. Emergency shelters may be only under the authority of the applicable emergency response agency and may be operated by public, nonprofit, or authorized private entities. Uses unrelated to emergency responses shall not interfere with the facility's primary function when activated.” Miss Buckler read that definition and framed it in the context of existing emergency planning practices.

Commissioners raised several concerns. Some members worried that allowing religious assemblies to operate homeless shelters without CUPs during emergencies could expose the county to liability or undermine coordinated emergency response plans. Commissioner Goodwin and others argued for limiting departures from the emergency operations plan, while others favored giving churches and civic organizations flexibility to offer shelter in acute events.

The commission debated whether to exempt “religious assembly” or to explicitly include civic or nonprofit organizations (civic clubs, hunt clubs, civic organizations) in any emergency‑shelter carve‑out. Commissioners also asked staff to check Department of Emergency Services reporting, inspection and registration requirements for designated emergency shelters.

Outcome: the commission did not adopt an ordinance change at the meeting. Instead members asked staff and legal counsel to (1) draft two distinct definitions — one for emergency shelters (for declared emergencies coordinated under the emergency operations plan) and one for homeless shelters (uses outside declared emergencies) — and (2) research and report on potential county liabilities and implementation details before returning with a revised draft. Commissioners also requested an additional work session to complete the policy review prior to any public hearing.

Ending: the item was left pending; staff will return with revised language and legal guidance at a future work session.","Commissioners debated proposed definitions and regulatory treatment for emergency shelters and homeless shelters, raised liability and operational concerns, and asked staff and legal counsel to return with two definitions and an analysis of county liability; the commission requested another work session before any public hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission recommends approval of phase‑3 land development amendments, tightens nighttime digital‑sign rules

Louisa County planning commission approves ordinance change clarifying medical facility and controlled‑substance retail rules

Commission asks staff to fund countywide analysis of developable parcels and division potential

Planning commission continues discussion on emergency vs. homeless shelters; requests legal review and additional work session