Culpeper supervisors direct staff to draft enforcement language for open-fires code

The Culpeper County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 1 directed county staff to draft amendments to Chapter 9 of the Culpeper County Code to clarify which agency enforces open-fire regulations and to advertise a public hearing on the proposed edits.

Miss Cogino introduced the item as a Rules Committee recommendation and county staff (Sam) told the board the code currently lacks a clear enforcement identifier, which has produced confusion about who responds to open-fire complaints. Staff said the amendment would add a brief enforcement provision identifying the Culpeper County Sheriff (or the Zoning Administrator) as the enforcing authority for that chapter and would not change substantive setback or permit requirements.

Board members said the intent is to make a contact point clear so that complaints can be handled promptly; supervisors also raised staffing concerns about whether the zoning office or sheriff—s office has the mobility and personnel to respond. One speaker noted several complaints and a pending DEQ matter that had limited the county—s ability to act in one case. Sam said the change would likely require a public hearing but does not need planning-commission referral because it is not a zoning text amendment.

A supervisor moved to direct staff to draft the enforcement language and advertise a public hearing. The board approved the motion and agreed to include structural code edits at the same time. Staff will return with a draft and a date for public comment.

The proposed amendment clarifies enforcement responsibility; it does not change the code—s substantive prohibitions or penalties unless the board later decides on additional substantive amendments.