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Planning Commission recommends renewal of Real Hearst Farms Agricultural and Forestal District
Summary
The commission voted to recommend renewal of the Real Hearst Farms Agricultural and Forestal District for an eight‑year term. Staff said the district includes 12 parcels totaling about 1,188.5 acres; a public commenter asked the commission to consider buffer effects on a parcel at the district's eastern edge.
The Culpeper County Planning Commission voted to recommend renewal of the Real Hearst Farms Agricultural and Forestal District under Article 8E of the county zoning ordinance. Staff told the commission the district comprises 12 parcels and is roughly 1,188.5 acres; there were no withdrawals during the renewal period and the Ag and Forestry Advisory Committee recommends renewal for another eight years.
Public comment: Tom Underwood of the Salem District spoke during the public hearing and urged the commission to consider a parcel on the eastern edge of the district where prior buffer requirements had complicated placing a house on a nearby parcel. "Outside of that, I'm a 100% in support of the district," Underwood said.
Staff response and process: Staff explained that when a property enrolled in an Ag and Forestal District faces subdivision, the Agriculture and Forestry Advisory Committee can review the subdivision and issue a buffer of up to 200 feet. Staff said buffers are not intended to prohibit subdivision but can make subdivision more difficult in practice. The planning commission may recommend renewal, modification, or termination of a district during the renewal review; for this district staff and the advisory committee recommended renewal, and the commission voted to forward that recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
Next steps: The Planning Commission will forward its recommendation to the Board of Supervisors for final action during the district’s eight‑year renewal cycle. The record shows no voluntary withdrawals from the district since its last renewal in 2016.
