Planning Commission asks staff to study equine stocking rates and potential zoning amendments

The James City County Planning Commission on July 2 unanimously approved a motion to pursue possible amendments to Chapter 24 of the county code to establish or update equine stocking-rate regulations for the A-1 General Agricultural and R-8 Rural Residential districts.

Commissioner Steve Stocking (transcript: Mr. Stocking) introduced a proposed resolution requesting the Board of Supervisors consider a county review of equine stocking rates. Stocking-rate recommendations stem from work by the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District and a study that found an appropriate rate of 2.19 acres per horse in analyzed watersheds; the presenter said the study began in 2018 and was expanded to include larger parts of the county.

Stocking-rate changes would not apply to commercial stables, the presenter said, and the Planning Commission motion acknowledges existing best practices such as manure management and composting. The commission’s motion directs staff to investigate potential definition and regulation changes in the A-1 and R-8 districts, and to bring back recommendations through the usual review process.

Commissioners asked whether current operations would be forced to reduce herd sizes; staff and the presenter said stables would be excluded from the proposed review and that the study was intended to inform sensible practice and regulation. The commission voted unanimously by roll call to direct staff to examine zoning changes and report back.

If the Board of Supervisors supports amendments, staff said changes would be developed and returned to the Planning Commission and policy committee for public review.