Amherst Board directs staff to draft Victoria Drive road-improvement special-assessment ordinance

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors voted to direct county staff to draft a road-improvement ordinance that would enable a special-assessment service district for Victoria Drive.

County staff described the legal framework under Virginia Code § 15.2-2403 and § 15.2-2405, explained comparable thresholds used in other localities and recommended a 75% landowner-petition threshold before the county would move forward with a public hearing. Staff noted state code requires 50% petitioners in some cases but that many jurisdictions set a 75% consent standard; 15.2-2405 also allows county action if 60% petitioners sign or by two-thirds vote of the governing body.

Mr. Creasy (community development staff) presented parcel counts and a draft ordinance for Victoria Drive, showing roughly 59% of units had mailing addresses on Victoria Drive and that about three owners controlled multiple parcels. Supervisors discussed whether votes should be counted by owner or by parcel; county staff said the statute counts landowners abutting the affected parcels and that the county attorney would be asked for a definitive interpretation. Supervisor Martin said he preferred a 50% threshold but accepted staff’s recommendation to draft the ordinance with a 75% threshold used in other localities. The board approved a motion to direct staff to prepare the service-district ordinance so property owners could begin the petition process.