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Commission sets priority list for zoning-code updates and schedules HB 292 for July public hearing
Summary
Planning staff presented a prioritized list of zoning text amendments driven by recent state law changes; the commission voted unanimously to add House Bill 292-related language (affecting the forestal advisory committee) to the next meeting's public hearing and identified electronic message centers, accessory dwelling units and manufactured-home code updates as near-term priorities.
The Rockbridge County Planning Commission spent a substantial portion of its June 10 meeting reviewing a staff-prepared priority list of zoning text amendments and scheduling near-term items for drafting and public hearing placement.
Neil and Chris (staff) walked commissioners through items driven by state legislation effective July 1, 2026, and later effective dates. Staff flagged several items for near-term attention: House Bill 711 (solar ordinance), wireless facility modifications, small renewable projects, and House Bill 292 (changes affecting the forestal advisory committee). Commissioners also noted local priorities such as updating the electronic message center (EMC) language (flagged as out of compliance with federal case law), accessory dwelling units, battery-storage definitions and manufactured-home provisions (House Bill 655 concerns single-wide manufactured homes).
Commissioner David Whitmore moved and Adam Sandridge seconded a motion to add the HB 292-related language for the forestal advisory committee to the commission's next meeting agenda and set it for public hearing; the motion passed unanimously. Staff said it would present additional drafted language for other items over the coming months and prioritized two state-mandated items for July discussion with the aim of public hearings in August where appropriate.
Commissioners emphasized the workload and the need to sequence items so staff can prepare draft ordinance language and legal review ahead of public hearings.
