Multiple Goochland County residents urged the Board of Supervisors to reconsider or clarify a recently adopted ordinance that, they say, requires state‑level road construction or right‑of‑way upgrades for access to newly built homes.

James and Jennifer Ott told the board they had purchased two adjoining lots created from a 1973 subdivision and now must either build a state‑maintained road or pay an estimated $300,000 to bring the lane to county standards. “We don't have the money to, you know, to come out of pocket to pay for a $300,000 road,” James Ott said. “That's more than our house that we're planning on building.” The Otts said they seek a practical way — such as a standard driveway built to adequate emergency‑access dimensions — to permit construction of a single home on their parcel without the full state‑road upgrade.

Frank Hart and other residents raised similar concerns. Hart said he and his wife purchased contiguous lots on a dead‑end road and learned after applying for a building permit that the ordinance would require road construction they cannot afford. “My intent was to come here and retire and build a home… All I want is a driveway,” Hart said. Kealey Lochneat, a registered nurse who is building near the fire training center, said she has invested more than $100,000 and asked the board to honor an existing deeded right‑of‑way or permit a narrower historical 30‑foot access so she can finish construction.

Why it matters: residents said the ordinance’s stated purpose — to deter large speculative subdivision and ensure public safety — is reasonable, but they described unintended financial burdens for property owners of small lots created decades earlier. Several asked the board for guidance and for administrative or policy options that would allow safe access without imposing full road construction costs on a single homeowner.

What residents asked the board to do:
- Consider permitting a 16‑foot standard driveway built to county emergency‑access specs instead of requiring full road reconstruction for isolated lots.
- Honor deeded historical right‑of‑way lines or grant a permissionary 30‑foot access in cases where the county previously conveyed or used the right‑of‑way.
- Provide a clear, affordable process or waiver mechanism for long‑time property owners and individuals who bought small parcels before the new ordinance.

Board response and next steps: supervisors acknowledged the concerns during public comment and heard multiple accounts at the meeting; no board action was taken at that session. Board members referenced other agenda items and deferrals that night but did not adopt a policy change during the meeting. Residents asked for follow‑up and indicated they would welcome staff guidance on administrative remedies.

Ending: The residents asked the board to study administrative or policy responses that preserve safety objectives while avoiding disproportionate costs for single‑household builds; the board did not take immediate action at the meeting and residents requested staff follow‑up.