Wythe County board refers land-use classification ordinance back to planning commission after public meetings

Deputy County Administrator Mr. Henkins told the board that staff and the planning commission had held three public sessions on the proposed land-use classification ordinance, drawing more than 250 participants and generating many property-specific and policy questions.

Mr. Henkins summarized options for the board: keep the status quo; pursue more public engagement (at an estimated cost of about $22,000 per mailer); refer the map and ordinance back to staff and the planning commission for revisions; or adopt the ordinance as recommended. He said adoption that night was within the board's power but noted he did not believe there was appetite to adopt immediately.

Multiple supervisors said they wanted to see the planning commission incorporate suggested map changes and to hold a joint work session before returning to the board. "We need to refer it back to the planning commission to make the changes that's been suggested," one supervisor said. Another noted the need to avoid dragging out the process because property sales can occur in the interim.

The board voted to refer the ordinance back to the planning commission and asked staff to arrange a joint work session and a timeline for review; supervisors discussed aiming for initial planning commission consideration after July 4 if needed. No ordinance was adopted that night; the action was procedural and directed staff and the planning commission to return with a revised map and ordinance for the board's further consideration.

The referral will bring the current draft back to the planning commission, which meets monthly; supervisors recommended a joint session to review changes before any future public hearing or adoption.