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Planners revisit 25‑acre division rule and VDOT entrance amendment after Board sent changes back
Summary
Page County staff outlined a VDOT‑prompted 'band‑aid' amendment addressing entrance requirements and the 25‑acre division exception; commissioners asked staff to consult VDOT and an engineer and to return with data on acreage distribution and average VDOT review times.
Page County planning staff presented proposed amendments to the subdivision and land ordinance intended to address concerns raised by VDOT regarding driveway/entrance review and a 25‑acre division exception.
Staff noted that at a recent Board of Supervisors public hearing one speaker opposed the amendments and the Board returned the proposal to the Planning Commission to address several concerns, including potential unintended consequences of requiring a 50‑foot right‑of‑way for certain 25‑acre divisions. A draft Board motion read in the meeting said the Board requested additional research and contact with VDOT while VDOT revises Chapter 100 of the county code.
Commissioners questioned the origin and purpose of the 25‑acre rule and discussed how it can accelerate parcelization of farmland. Staff described a possible compromise — a "functional right‑of‑way" standard in which an engineer could certify a narrower corridor if utilities, ditches and other constraints fit — but cautioned that VDOT may still require a wider right‑of‑way once construction standards are applied.
On timing, staff said VDOT's initial review is provided without fee and often completes within 15 days but can take longer in complex cases; commissioners asked staff to survey VDOT review times and consult VDOT directly. Staff offered to return in 2–4 weeks with updated acreage distribution data and further analysis.
Commissioners asked for independent engineering input to define realistic minimums for a functional right‑of‑way and recommended a possible joint session with the Board of Supervisors to reconcile differing perspectives.
