Planning staff updated the Northumberland County Planning Commission on Nov. 20 that the draft comprehensive plan has been submitted to state reviewers and will be revised after agency comments.

Stuart told the commission he sent the draft to VDOT and the Department of Environmental Quality and expected VDOT feedback imminently. He said once comments are received staff will make recommended adjustments and forward the revised document to the Board of Supervisors, accompanied by a resolution requesting board action.

Commissioners discussed formatting and substantive edits. After debate, the commission voted to adopt the substantive text changes Stuart recommended and authorized staff to finalize formatting and prepare a resolution for the board.

Stuart said the process will also include consultation with the Department of Forestry and that the commission may form a resolution based on the updated review record. He noted the timeline could stretch into December as staff balances the Thanksgiving holiday.

Commissioners also discussed regional reactions to the county’s public survey and plan language; one commissioner said neighboring jurisdictions were likely to adopt similar survey language, and there was general praise for the plan's clarity.