Planning commission recommends rezoning of Singers Glen parcels to Rural Village

The Rockingham County Planning Commission on May 5 recommended approval of REZ26-0272, a request to rezone two Singers Glen parcels totaling 4.11 acres from A-2 (General Agricultural) to RV (Rural Village). Planner Julia Cottrell presented the request and outlined the parcels at 9434 and 9410 Singers Glen Road (Tax Map #62-A-65 and 62-A-65A).

During the public hearing, Kim Sandum of the Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley asked whether an electronic message sign would require a special use permit in the RV district. Senior Planner Kayla Yankey and Zoning Administrator Kelly Getz confirmed: "Electronic message signs require a Special Use Permit in the RV zoning district and are subject to County standards and VDOT requirements," Yankey said.

Chairman Jordan Rohrer said the project is in his district and that he generally supports the rezoning; he declined to make the motion due to his position as chair. Commissioner Keith Sheets moved to recommend approval, Commissioner Mike Harvey seconded, and the motion passed by roll call vote, 5-0 (Flint Aye; Rohrer Aye; Sheets Aye; Harvey Aye; Curfman Aye).

Commissioners also discussed a related land transfer between a county-owned parcel and an adjacent fire station intended to place the station's septic system fully on the fire-station parcel. Deputy County Administrator Dwayne Martin explained the transfer is to allow the septic to be entirely on the fire station parcel and that an easement for the well is already in place. Commissioner Kevin Flint noted concerns about the Capital Improvement Plan prioritization and project timing; Director of Community Development Rachel Salatin clarified that the CIP was approved by the Board of Supervisors as part of the April budget process.

The commission's action was a recommendation for approval; the record shows the rezoning was recommended by unanimous roll call vote.