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Commission backs amendment to allow Liberty Ridge lots to connect to central well tied to JCSA
Summary
Planning staff and applicant told the commission a state budget provision reinstated preliminary subdivision approvals, prompting staff to recommend approval of SUP-24-0028 so remaining Liberty Ridge lots may connect to the development's central well and JCSA system; the commission voted unanimously to recommend approval.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously Dec. 4 to recommend approval of SUP-24-0028, an amendment to the Liberty Ridge special-use permit that would allow remaining approved-but-unplatted lots to connect to the subdivision’s central well and to the James City Service Authority (JCSA) system.
Staff explained the unusual procedural history: the Liberty Ridge subdivision received preliminary approval in February 2006 and that preliminary approval later expired in April 2020. A provision in a recent Virginia budget bill reinstated preliminary subdivision approvals that lapsed during a specified window, effectively restoring Liberty Ridge’s preliminary approval. Because the developer retains the right to plat the approved lots under state law, staff recommended approval of the SUP amendment so the developer can conform to county code and connect the remaining lots as originally planned.
Attorney Verdin Geddy, representing applicant JCC LLC, and principal Branch Lawson explained the central water system was built and conveyed to JCSA (the applicant spent over $3 million on the system) and urged the commission to recommend approval. Commissioners asked clarifying questions, disclosures of applicant conversations were noted, and staff confirmed the state action limited local discretion. Following discussion, the commission voted by roll call to recommend approval of the amendment to the Board of Supervisors.
