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Staff: investigations find no ordinance violation at Birch Lane; supervisors urge increased patrols
Summary
County staff said multiple agencies investigated complaints about property conditions on Birch Lane and found no violations of Buckingham County ordinances; several supervisors urged more sheriff's presence and faster follow-up on summonses.
Buckingham County staff told the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 8 that county and other agencies investigated complaints about conditions at a Birch Lane property but did not find violations of county ordinances.
The zoning administrator and county enforcement officer, Mr. Hill, visited the site after complaints that included multiple vehicles and possible sewage disposal issues. Mrs. Edmondson noted four vehicles that staff considered inoperable; the county's zoning ordinance permits up to four inoperable vehicles. The health department visited in 2023 and "found no violations," the presenter said, and animal control also reported no violations. The sheriff's office has visited the site as well.
Staff told the board a 2025 follow-up complaint included an allegation that an occupant attempted to enter the property and was told she was trespassing; staff said the next enforcement step would be an administrative warrant if there is a strong belief a violation is occurring. The presenter emphasized the county does not have a "clean yard" ordinance, so appearances alone do not constitute an ordinance violation.
Several supervisors and other board members said they know the neighborhood and trust the complainants, and they urged a larger law-enforcement presence. One supervisor described seeing off-road vehicles on the road near the property and asked the sheriff's office to increase patrols. The board discussed practical limits: staff repeatedly sent multiple agencies to investigate and found no repeatable ordinance violation.
No formal enforcement action or new ordinance was adopted at the meeting. The board discussed whether broader code changes (such as adopting new nuisance or "clean yard" rules) would be appropriate but did not direct staff to draft new ordinances at the meeting.
Ending: Staff will continue to investigate complaints using appropriate agencies; the board requested follow-up about any summonses or administrative warrants issued.
