Greene County Board adopts accessory-manufactured-home restriction and new solar rules, reinstates Ruckersville volunteer fire company
Loading...
Summary
The Board approved an amendment restricting converted manufactured homes as accessory structures in residential/business districts (OR-25-001) and adopted performance standards and special-use thresholds for commercial solar facilities (OR-24-002); Chair announced reinstatement of Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Company and the Board adopted a Lions Club proclamation.
The Greene County Board of Supervisors on July 21 approved changes to the county zoning ordinance affecting accessory structures and solar farms, adopted a proclamation honoring the Greene County Lions Club, and announced the reinstatement of the Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Company after a closed-session review.
Manufactured-home conversions: OR-25-001
In a public hearing, staff described a Planning Commission recommendation to prohibit converting older manufactured (mobile) homes into accessory structures in residential and business districts and to allow such conversions in agricultural districts only on parcels of five acres or larger. The amendment is intended to protect neighborhood character where small lots sit close to one another.
A Board member moved to adopt OR-25-001 "in accordance with the Greene County zoning ordinance, public necessity, convenience, general welfare, and good zoning practice." The motion carried on a roll-call vote; members recorded "Aye" and the chair voted aye.
Solar energy generation: OR-24-002
Staff presented proposed revisions to Article 22 that would add minimum performance standards for solar-generation facilities and reduce the size that triggers a required special-use permit from one acre to one-half acre. The changes make clear that rooftop and small, on-site systems for homes or businesses remain by-right while commercial-scale fields will require public hearing and site-specific conditions.
During public comment, James Higgins urged tighter decommissioning and bonding language, noting panels may last 20–30 years and bonds or guarantors may not be viable decades later. Staff and Board members said the draft includes bonding requirements and that special-use permits can bind landowners and developers to decommissioning terms; the Board approved OR-24-002 by roll-call vote.
Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Company and proclamation
Following a closed session to consult with counsel on volunteer fire department matters, the Chair read a statement that, effective July 18, 2025, the Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Company had been reinstated as an emergency-response agency. The Board said it will partner with neighboring departments and implement remediation, oversight and compliance measures; supporting documents were posted at greencountyva.gov/167/emergencyservices.
The Board also read and adopted a proclamation recognizing the Greene County Lions Club’s 75th anniversary and invited the public to an August 16 celebration.
What the votes mean
- OR-25-001 (manufactured homes accessory rule): Adopted; restricts repurposed manufactured homes as accessory structures in residential and business districts and limits such conversions in agricultural zones to parcels meeting the proposed acreage threshold.
- OR-24-002 (solar performance standards): Adopted; solar farms larger than one-half acre will require a special-use permit and meet the ordinance’s minimum performance standards; rooftop and small on-site systems remain by-right.
Consent and adjournment
The Board approved the consent agenda, heard liaison updates (including FEMA outreach for a washed-away Rocky Road), and adjourned the meeting.
