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Supervisors approve text amendment tightening special-use approvals for electrical substations (Option B)
Summary
The board approved a zoning text amendment extending special-use approval requirements to electrical substations and transformer stations in Business Park, Industrial Park and Industrial General districts, adopting Option B (grandfathering properties zoned Business Park as of May 9, 2024) on a 4–1 vote.
Fauquier County’s Board of Supervisors on Sept. 12 approved a zoning text amendment requiring special-use (special exception) approval for electrical substation distribution centers and transformer stations in Business Park, Industrial Park and Industrial General zoning districts. The change extends a requirement that already applies in other districts and was drafted after the planning commission review.
Planning staff explained the amendment and said the planning commission unanimously recommended approval at its June meeting. Two versions were presented: Ordinance A (as recommended) and Ordinance B, which contains a grandfathering provision that exempts projects or properties zoned Business Park as of May 9, 2024. The board debated and approved Option B, which includes the grandfather clause, by a 4–1 vote.
Staff noted three letters of public comment and that the board had previously held public hearings in July and August. The amendment will require future proposed substations and transformer stations in the named districts to undergo special-exception review unless they meet the grandfathering criteria.
Supervisor questions during the discussion sought clarification on how many properties would be affected by Option B; staff stated one property would be covered by the grandfather provision. The board recorded a 4–1 tally on the motion to adopt Option B.
