Leesburg planning commission backs town‑plan amendment for Harvest Estates, forwards recommendation to council

The Leesburg Planning Commission voted Nov. 6 to forward a recommendation of approval to the Town Council for Town Plan Amendment TLTPAM20250001, a proposed change to Legacy Leesburg policy for two parcels on Sicklin Road (collectively 14.4 acres) known as Harvest Estates.

Debbie Perry, a land use planner in the Department of Community Development, told the commission the amendment revises the “other parcels for special consideration” language for the Sicklin Road property to allow a mixed‑use vision with residential and small‑scale nonresidential uses, while adding provisions intended to increase compatibility with the adjoining Beauregard Estates neighborhood. The proposed policy includes a minimum 40‑foot vegetated buffer adjacent to Beauregard Estates, direction to locate taller and commercial buildings closer to Sicklin Road, guidance to protect steep slopes and streams, and phasing guidance that encourages commercial construction before or concurrent with residential development.

“Staff supports this application because the town plan amendment addresses the zoning ordinance criteria to justify the amendment,” Perry said, noting the amendment retains opportunities for commercial uses and includes additional language on environmental protection and context‑sensitive design.

The applicant team said the amendment is intended to create a…