Fauquier planners vote to initiate review of multiple outdated comprehensive-plan chapters

The Fauquier County Planning Commission on Oct. 17 voted to initiate staff work to update and condense multiple outdated chapters and appendices of the county comprehensive plan.

Staff presenter Ms. Wise said recent review found that chapters and appendices (notably chapters 1, 4, 5 and 11 and appendices A, B, C, D and E) contain statistics and guidance dating to the 1990s that are inconsistent with more recently updated sections and modern GIS data. She recommended removing or consolidating those sections and making historical material available through a condensed appendix or online reference.

Commissioners supported starting the process but repeatedly urged that the county retain a visible, accessible summary of planning history. Unidentified Speaker 7 said a brief historic summary should remain in the comprehensive plan or in an appendix so the county’s planning heritage is not lost. Unidentified Speaker 4 recommended web links so researchers can trace the full records without keeping a thousand-page bound document on the public counter.

Staff said initiation would allow planners to draft recommended amendments, run additional work sessions, and schedule public hearings and that staff will coordinate with the county attorney and return proposed language to the commission. The motion to initiate the review was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.

Next steps include staff drafting specific amendment language, additional work sessions to refine proposals, and at least one future public hearing before the Planning Commission and subsequent action by the Board of Supervisors.