Board sends initiating resolutions on smaller-lot zoning and townhouses to planning commission

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 15 voted to refer two initiating resolutions to the planning commission that would, if pursued and adopted later, reduce certain bulk regulations to enable smaller lots in residential districts and permit townhouses in agriculturally zoned parcels that are designated "village development area" and served by centralized water and sewer.

Lee Pambit, deputy county administrator for community and economic development, presented slides explaining the three related elements under consideration: reduce bulk regulations in the residential district to allow smaller lot sizes; add townhouses as an allowed use in agricultural districts when the parcel meets village development-area designation and has centralized public or private water/sewer; and apply the village development overlay only where centralized utilities exist.

Pambit emphasized the distinction between the comprehensive plan's future land-use designation (advisory) and the zoning ordinance (regulatory). He said approximately 5,089 acres of agricultural land are designated village development area countywide but noted the acreage would shrink once the centralized-water-and-sewer requirement is applied. He described the change as a procedural referral: these were initiating resolutions to let the planning commission analyze details and forward a recommendation.

A board member moved to refer both initiating resolutions (items 12-4 and 12-5) to the planning commission for review and recommendation; the board approved the referral by voice vote.

Ending: The planning commission will review the initiating resolutions, consider public input, and return a recommendation to the board; any ordinance changes would require future public hearings and formal adoption by the board.