Planning Commission initiates family-subdivision ordinance amendment, schedules public hearing

During the meeting the Planning Commission voted to initiate an amendment to the Town subdivision ordinance to establish standards for family subdivisions pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-2253. The commission directed staff to advertise a public hearing on the proposed amendment for Aug. 20, 2024.

The motion was made and carried by voice vote. Commissioners discussed that the action follows a recent Town Council decision that overturned the zoning administrator’s prior interpretation of the subdivision ordinance as it related to family subdivisions; the commission framed the amendment as a clarification to align local procedure with state statute and to avoid future appeals rooted in interpretive ambiguity.

Staff said Council has funded an additional planner position and that the department is advertising to fill the role; commissioners were asked to support outreach and to provide written comments for the work-session process. The advertised public hearing will allow public input before the commission makes a final recommendation to Town Council.