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Warren County declares drought emergency, backs Smart Scale projects and approves septic condition change
Summary
Supervisors passed a local drought emergency declaration, approved Smart Scale project applications to VDOT, modified a septic-inspection condition for a separate short-term rental, and appointed a member to the EDA board.
Warren County supervisors on July 16 approved a slate of largely non-controversial items: a local drought emergency declaration, support for three VDOT Smart Scale project applications, a modification to septic inspection frequency for one short-term rental permit and an appointment to the county Economic Development Authority.
Emergency management staff described county conditions as D2 (severe drought) per the National Drought Mitigation Center, with 100% of the county affected and low stream flows including the Shenandoah River. Local rainfall totals cited in the meeting packet were 5.2 inches in May and 1.48 inches in June; staff said a local declaration is the first step to request state assistance and potential reimbursement through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. The board adopted the declaration by roll call.
The board also voted to endorse three Smart Scale project applications for inclusion in VDOT’s FY2026–2031 program: Route 50/Charlesburg Road improvements, I-66 Exit 6 interchange/ramp improvements and a Country Club Road/Caroline Drive roundabout. County staff had discussed the projects in a July 9 work session and presented the resolution authorizing staff to proceed with application submittal.
On land-use housekeeping, planning staff recommended and the board approved a modification to Condition 4 of Conditional Use Permit 2022-05-06 (short-term rental at 289 Heim Jones Road) to change a blanket annual septic inspection requirement to a conventional-system schedule of service every three to five years (five years as the maximum interval), aligning county conditions with health department guidance.
Finally, the board appointed Robert Cullors to the EDA board for a term expiring Feb. 28, 2025. The chair disclosed a distant familial relationship to the nominee and abstained from the vote; other supervisors voted in favor.
