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Staff previews Jan. 20 council workshop on development impacts, workforce housing and design guidelines
Summary
Planning staff told the Design Review Committee the town council will workshop development impacts on Jan. 20, including workforce housing rules, building height caps, short‑term rental rules and potential LDR text amendments; staff estimated at least six months before revisions could take effect.
Planning staff told the committee on Jan. 14 that the town council will hold a workshop on Jan. 20 to discuss development impacts and potential changes to local rules. The staff preview listed topics the council may consider, including limiting the size of workforce units, changing the ratio for workforce bonuses and affordability requirements, potentially modifying building heights in commercial and residential zones, and examining short‑term rental regulations.
Staff said any direction to amend the Land Development Regulations (LDRs) would require a text amendment process through planning commission and town council and estimated a minimum six months before changes could be in effect after ordinance readings. Staff also noted larger projects and funding gaps (including a referenced $17 million shortfall on a separate Virginia housing project) that could affect project timing.
Staff asked the committee to be ready for potential checks on DRC guidance if the council asks for more prescriptive standards in design guidelines; members signaled interest in being consulted if the council directed staff to pursue changes.
