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Staff updates: Carrie's Brook solar, Tadpole Creek access and site changes noted for future review
Summary
County staff briefed the board on a previously approved solar project (Carri's Brook Farm) that may reference future flood maps, and on changes at Tadpole Creek where parking plans were scaled back to minimize site impacts; both items may return for future permits or approvals.
County staff provided several planning updates at the Jan. 21 meeting that board members were asked to note for future hearings.
Staff said one approved solar facility, part of Carri's Brook Farm and permitted in 2021, has not been built and that the project team is using the proposed future Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) in their planning maps. Patterson said the county has not yet adopted the new FIRMs, and staff was unsure why the applicant preferred the future maps; in some areas the proposed maps remove or add floodplain, which can affect siting decisions.
Staff also reported that a planned parking area for Tadpole Creek was reduced after review; the applicant is proceeding with a minimal entrance that requires a VDOT permit rather than constructing a larger parking lot and associated engineered improvements. Patterson said the entrance and a simple gravel one-way loop with a few spaces is expected to emulate another local nature preserve’s minimal approach.
No formal actions were taken on either item at the Jan. 21 meeting; staff said outstanding permits or plan approvals would proceed through the normal review processes and return to the board or other county bodies if required.
