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Planning staff recommend information gathering on Blue Ridge Railway Trail viewshed; commission declined ordinance change
Summary
Staff presented options to increase setbacks and restrict timbering along the Blue Ridge Railway Trail but the Planning Commission voted 5‑0 not to pursue an ordinance; the board asked staff to research easements, incentives and trail history.
Planning staff updated the Board of Supervisors Sept. 2 on a months‑long review of potential protections for the Blue Ridge Railway Trail viewshed, including increasing setbacks and limiting logging on parcels adjacent to the trail.
Staff described a 3–4 mile corridor within Amherst County that abuts Nelson County and noted the planning effort considered a 125‑foot setback along parcels adjacent to the trail. The Planning Commission reviewed draft language and asked staff to remove a proposed timbering prohibition; commissioners also suggested that structures inside a proposed 125‑foot setback be treated as special exceptions to preserve property owners’ ability to seek relief.
Staff reported concerns that treating structures within the proposed setback as special exceptions could leave decisionmakers without clear standards to evaluate requests. After further discussion the Planning Commission voted 5‑0 not to pursue an ordinance change. At the board meeting Supervisor Martin asked staff to research alternatives including opportunities to acquire easements, financial incentives for property owners, and background on the trail’s history to inform future action.
Why it matters: The trail is a county recreational asset and a potential tourism draw; protections for the viewshed would affect property‑owner rights and land‑use regulation along the corridor.
What’s next: Staff will prepare background materials, investigate easement and incentive options and report back for board consideration.
