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Wythe County planning commission to host public forums on proposed land use classification ordinance
Summary
Wythe County staff told the Planning Commission they will begin public forums on a proposed land use classification ordinance, starting March 30, to gather input; staff said forums will be informal listening sessions and the board of supervisors can accept, amend, return or reject the draft.
The Wythe County Planning Commission on March 2 heard staff outline plans for public forums on a proposed land use classification ordinance and directed staff to publicize materials and take questions in advance.
Staff told commissioners the process is well underway and described the ordinance as a "light touch" that largely preserves current property rights while aiming to reduce conflicts between incompatible uses. Staff said the county plans an initial public forum at Fort Chisville High School on March 30 at 6 p.m., followed by additional sessions across the county as needed. "We've been working on the land use classification ordinance for quite some time," staff said, summarizing the outreach plan and the county's intent to post maps and the draft ordinance online.
A member of the public, Tony Floyd of Max Meadows, urged the commission to schedule at least one forum on a weekend so people who cannot attend on weekdays can participate. "I do support that that occur ... ideally have time for one of those forums to occur on the ... Saturday, to accommodate folks that may not be available to attend during a weekday," Floyd said during citizens time.
Staff described the forums as informal and not advertised as official meetings; planning commissioners and members of the board of supervisors will be asked to attend as listeners and question-takers. Staff said pre-submitted questions will be invited through the county website and social media so staff can prepare brief presentations and answer the most common concerns. If staff cannot answer a question on the spot, they will follow up with respondents afterward.
Commissioners pressed staff on timing and length; staff said meetings will generally be kept under 90 minutes. Staff also noted they have begun outreach to groups such as the Farm Bureau and will return to interested groups at convenient times. The draft ordinance and accompanying map are available on the county website, and staff said they can provide analytics on page views if commissioners wish to monitor public interest.
Staff reminded the commission that after public engagement the county's recommendation goes to the board of supervisors, which may accept the commission's recommendation, amend it, return it for further consideration, or reject it. The county emphasized the goal of minimizing conflicts among neighboring land uses while respecting property rights.
The commission set no final vote on the ordinance during the meeting and directed staff to finalize forum logistics and public materials. The commission will reconvene April 6 at 6 p.m.
