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Board approves zoning changes on chickens and utilities, sets hearing on updated fee schedule and backs Smart Scale transportation applications
Summary
Rockbridge supervisors voted to remove the one‑acre minimum for backyard chickens (keeping a performance‑based ‘not objectionable’ standard), adopted a zoning text amendment limiting public‑utility major uses in R1/R2 to transmission lines, approved resolutions supporting two Smart Scale transportation grant applications, and authorized advertisement of an updated development fee schedule for public hearing July 27.
The Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors on June 22 approved multiple land‑use measures and authorized further public process on proposed fee changes.
Zoning text amendment — chickens: Staff presented proposed changes to chapter 30, article 5, section 29 (gardening and chickens). The planning commission had recommended clarifying that the existing language apply to residential zoning districts (not all districts). The community development committee recommended removing the one‑acre minimum for keeping chickens in residential districts while retaining a performance‑based standard that such keeping “shall not be objectionable by reason of odor, dust, noise, pollution, soil erosion or drainage.” After a public hearing with no public speakers, the board moved to adopt the committee language (remove acreage requirement and keep the “not objectionable” performance standard); the motion passed unanimously. Supervisor comments emphasized a performance‑based approach and neighborly responsibility.
Zoning text amendment — public utility major: Staff proposed an amendment to R1 and R2 districts to exclude most “public utility major” uses except gas and electric transmission lines (and similar major transmission), to provide a path for upgrades such as Dominion Power’s planned rebuild between the Kono Lane substation and Buena Vista. Planning Commission recommended approval following a June 10 public hearing with no citizen comments; the board adopted the ordinance.
Smart Scale applications: The board also approved resolutions supporting two Smart Scale applications — one for vehicular improvements and one for pedestrian improvements at the Northly Highway/Econo Lane (Greenhouse Road) intersection — and was reminded that final applications are due Aug. 1, 2026. Staff noted Smart Scale can provide up to 100% funding for certain projects and emphasized crash data supporting the vehicular application.
Development fee schedule: Planning staff reviewed a proposed update to the county’s development fee schedule (last substantially revised in the mid‑2000s). Proposed changes include increases to special exception fees (proposed $300→$425), rezoning/map amendment fees ($300 + $10/acre → $400 + $10/acre), appeals (proposed $150→$350), variance fees (proposed $200→$300), a proposed new $200 charge for zoning determination letters, and stepped per‑lot increases for subdivisions and an increase in commercial site plan review (proposed $150 + $10/acre → $200 + $10/acre). Staff said certified‑mail and newspaper notice costs and staff time drive much of the change. The board voted to advertise the ordinance and set a public hearing on July 27, 2026.
What’s next: The chicken and utility amendments are adopted and take effect according to ordinance timing; the proposed fee schedule will be the subject of a public hearing on July 27, and Smart Scale application materials will be finalized before the Aug. 1 deadline.
