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Wythe County planners back 1,000-foot interstate corridor overlay to limit large-scale development near I‑81
Summary
The commission recommended protecting a 1,000-foot corridor along parts of I‑81 and 1,000-foot buffers around specified interchanges to give the county more review authority for large-scale development visible from the interstate; staff will prepare maps reflecting the commission's direction.
Wythe County commissioners endorsed June 22 a transportation overlay concept that would protect a roughly 1,000‑foot corridor along I‑81 in key stretches and apply 1,000‑foot buffers around several interchanges so large-scale projects visible from the interstate receive additional review. Staff recommended keeping a continuous corridor between mile markers 73 and 81 and adding buffers around selected interchanges; commissioners agreed to a variant that emphasizes the corridor in the area where I‑77 and I‑81 run together outside town limits and uses circles at certain exits where appropriate.
Commissioners framed the overlay as a tool to protect the county’s visual gateway and to ensure major proposals—such as several public commenters’ concerns about large solar farms or data centers—receive public hearings. One commissioner noted that the corridor protects the visual appeal of the county when approaching via the interstate; others said the overlay would not prevent development but would require additional review and neighbors’ input.
Staff will produce map layers showing the corridor and the interchange buffers cited in the discussion and return with draft ordinance language specifying where the overlay applies and what uses would be subject to additional review.
