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Loudon County Commission votes to eliminate 'cluster development' zoning option
Summary
The commission approved a resolution to remove the cluster development option from the county zoning resolution, saying the option has not produced intended open-space or natural-resource preservation and can be used to circumvent standards.
The Loudon County Commission voted Dec. 1 to eliminate the county's cluster development option in the zoning resolution, citing concerns that approved projects have not delivered the open space and natural-resource preservation the option was intended to produce. The measure passed on a voice vote after a brief discussion.
Jim Jenkins introduced the resolution, saying that planning commission workshops and example documents show a mismatch between the "true" cluster development model and what has been approved locally. "It's just an option to circumvent other things," Jenkins said, arguing that parcels approved under the option often result in small lots and remainder areas that are not preserved or usable. He told commissioners that existing projects with preliminary or final plats would not necessarily be affected if they complete the approvals already under way.
Commissioners asked whether any cluster developments currently exist; Jenkins identified projects under construction including one at Farmstead and another approved near Highway 321 and Brentsville Road. Jenkins and other commissioners emphasized implementation and monitoring challenges on smaller tracts as a reason to remove the option from the county code.
Commissioner Shaver moved to approve elimination of the cluster option and Commissioner Waller seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.
The measure amends part 5, section 5.45(b) of the Loudon County zoning resolution, as introduced. The commission did not adopt additional implementation language during the meeting; staff and the planning commission will handle details for any projects already in the approval pipeline.
