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Leesburg staff briefs BZA on statutory powers and limits after Oak Lawn question

5969171 · October 21, 2025
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Planning staff summarized the Board of Zoning Appeals’ statutory authorities and limits under Virginia law and the town zoning ordinance, clarifying that rezonings and special exceptions remain decisions for the Town Council and explaining the BZA’s role in appeals, variances and map interpretations.

Town planning staff delivered a short briefing to the Leesburg Board of Zoning Appeals on Oct. 21 outlining the board’s statutory powers and limits under state law and the town zoning ordinance, following a board member inquiry about authority to examine a separate Oak Lawn matter.

"Powers and duties of the BZA," staff member Michael Watkins said as he introduced the topic, citing the enabling statute in the Code of Virginia (Va. Code § 15.2‑2309) and the town’s zoning ordinance. Watkins told board members the BZA’s duties commonly include…

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