Board approves rezoning for NEF property in Opeckan to B-2 with proffers; will construct collector road phased with development

The Board of Supervisors approved rezoning case 01-25 March 12 to rezone roughly 6.6 acres of a 9.8‑acre parcel in the Opeckan Magisterial District from RA (Rural Area) to B-2 (General Business) with proffers.

Planning staff said the parcel lies within the county’s planned Sherando Center urban center and within the urban development and water/sewer service area; the applicant’s proffer statement commits to constructing a minor collector roadway in two phases—connecting existing Berkeley Street/Fairfax Downs toward Double Church Road—and to dedicating right-of-way for future Double Church Road widening. The applicant also proffered a contribution keyed to commercial gross floor area to offset fire-and-rescue impacts (10¢ per square foot at building permit).

Staff noted the rezoning partially implements the county’s future land use and transportation policies for the Sherando Center but does not address all urban center site‑design policies. The planning commission recommended approval on Feb. 19.

Supervisor Wells moved to approve the rezoning and the motion passed unanimously on a roll-call vote; recorded ayes included Supervisor LeArrow, Supervisor Lockridge, Vice Chair, Supervisor Wells, Supervisor Dunn, Supervisor Jewell and the chair.

The approved proffers tie road construction phasing to commercial building permits; staff said the southern portion of the parcel will remain RA to buffer an adjacent excavating business the applicant owns. The rezoning will be subject to site‑plan review and the proffered transportation work will be part of that review and later construction agreements.