Culpeper council approves townhome access change, initiates unified development ordinance and clears consent agenda

The Culpeper Town Council on an evening meeting approved a change to the town zoning ordinance affecting townhome layouts, adopted a resolution to initiate a new unified development ordinance, approved the consent agenda of administrative items and reappointed a member to the Culpeper Cable Commission.

The town voted to amend Section 20-753(B)(1) to reword townhouse requirements so “all units shall have vehicular access from a private street,” rather than requiring units to front directly on private streets. Planner Louis Pancati said the change lets developers orient units that abut public streets toward those streets and avoids forcing rear elevations and accessory structures to face busier public roads. The Planning Commission recommended approval at its Jan. 21 meeting.

Council members voted by roll call to approve the zoning amendment. The recorded votes on the motion were: Council member Brown — Aye; Council member Clancy — Aye; Council member Olinger — Aye; Mayor Frank Reeves Jr. — Aye; Council member Ramikas — Aye; Council member Schmitt — Aye; Council member Short — Aye; Vice Mayor Yau — Aye. The motion carried.

The council also adopted Resolution R-2025-002 to begin the public process for a new unified development ordinance (UDO). Staff said the town has worked with Duncan Associates on a full draft, held public outreach, and plans a public hearing process beginning with the Planning Commission in March and the Town Council in May. Staff told the council the resolution is being proposed pursuant to Virginia Code 15.2-2286(a)(7)(i) and that the resolution was reviewed by the town attorney and approved as to form. A roll-call vote recorded the following: Council member Clancy — Aye; Council member Olinger — Aye; Mayor Frank Reeves Jr. — Aye; Council member Meekins — Aye; Council member Schmidt — Aye; Council member Short — Aye; Vice Mayor Yowell — Aye; Council member Brown — Aye. The motion carried.

At the start of the meeting the council approved a multi-item consent agenda by voice vote. Items listed by staff included: amendments to the Fairview Cemetery pricing and policy statement; relocation of Kessner Wayside; acceptance of grant funds from the U.S. Department of Justice (FY24 COPS Technology and Equipment Program); acceptance of grant funds from the Virginia State Police HEAT program; acceptance of grant funds from the Department of Criminal Justice Services; purchase of backup power transformer and metering equipment; approval of a reclaimed water system agreement; fiscal year 2025 budget adjustment; machinery and tools incentive payments; treasurer’s reports; and minutes of previous meetings. The consent agenda was approved on a voice vote (Aye).

Council action also included a motion by “Mister Yao” to reappoint Steve Nixon to the Culpeper Cable Commission for a three-year term beginning March 2025 and expiring Feb. 28, 2028. The motion was approved on a voice vote (Aye).

Staff said there is no immediate fiscal impact to adopting the UDO initiation resolution. The council received the town manager’s monthly report and was reminded that the FY2026 budget presentation is scheduled for Thursday, March (specific date noted by staff as March 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at the EDC Building).

The meeting concluded with no further discussion and adjournment.