Planning staff outlines 2025 work program; flags proposed state board for large solar projects

County planning staff presented a recap of 2024 accomplishments and a proposed 2025 work program to the Montgomery County Planning Commission on Jan. 8, emphasizing completion of the county’s comprehensive plan update, village planning, transportation project programming and a zoning ordinance update.

The staff presenter (planning department) told commissioners the Montgomery Matters comprehensive plan is in draft goal form and will be returned to the public in an online survey planned for later in January, with hard copies made available at high‑traffic county locations. Staff said village planning will begin in 2025 using a methodology under development with consultants to define village boundaries and growth criteria, and that the transportation chapter will be updated and coordinated with the county’s capital improvements program to increase competitiveness for state funding programs.

Staff said it will issue a request for proposals (RFP) for a zoning ordinance consultant by June so consultant work can begin early in the next fiscal year, with the aim of adopting an updated zoning ordinance by the end of 2025. The presenter said staff will watch legislation from the General Assembly on housing-related items, including accessory dwelling units and short‑term rentals, and will study manufactured housing rules at the board’s request.

The meeting also flagged a prefiled General Assembly bill that would create a statewide board to evaluate and, in some cases, approve solar projects of 20 megawatts or larger. The staff presenter said the proposed board would allow an applicant to appeal a locality’s denial to a state body and expressed concern about the proposal’s effect on local authority. “We view and staff agrees, it is a a very serious affront to local authority,” the presenter said, noting that the American Planning Association Virginia chapter and the Virginia Association of Counties oppose the bill.

Commissioner King said the county board of supervisors’ legislative priorities advocate respect for local authority on land‑use matters and urged vigilance on the issue. Staff also said it will continue to support regional housing trust committees and work with the New River Valley Regional Commission on hazard mitigation planning; staff proposed additional training for commissioners on infrastructure and hazard mitigation.

Staff provided personnel and program updates: interviews are underway for a transportation planner, a GIS hire is planned to backfill internal promotions, and the county will resume an expanded summer internship program. The presenter reminded commissioners that real‑estate disclosure forms are due in February and that the regional planning commissioners’ training will be held April 16 at the government center.

Commissioners did not take formal action on the work program at the Jan. 8 meeting; staff asked for additions to bring back, and the commission did not object to moving forward with the proposed items.