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Council adopts zoning amendment defining FAR; builders and realtors voice support
Summary
By unanimous vote, Colonial Beach adopted a zoning-text amendment adding a definition of floor-area-ratio (FAR) that excludes certain porches and garages; council asked staff to produce a plain-language cheat sheet to ensure consistent administration.
The Colonial Beach Town Council unanimously adopted a zoning-text amendment on June 18 that establishes a clear definition of floor-area-ratio (FAR) for R‑1 and R‑2 districts and clarifies components (garages and porches) that will not count toward FAR in typical cases.
The zoning administrator explained the amendment with an example plan showing that porches and a 525 sq. ft. garage would be excluded under the new language, while enclosed areas that make up the building's gross floor area would continue to count. Local builders and a realtor testified in favor, saying the change aligns Colonial Beach with common practice and will reduce inconsistent enforcement. "It's hard to believe that we haven't had a definition for the FAR all this time," AB Walker, a local builder, told the council.
Several speakers asked for a plain-language administrative guide so builders and zoning staff apply the rule consistently. The zoning administrator said the purpose of codifying the definition was to remove ad hoc interpretation and that staff will provide a flyer or cheat sheet explaining the calculation.
Councilor Williams moved to adopt the ordinance as recommended by the planning commission; a second was recorded and the council voted unanimously by roll call. The mayor said the change should bring transparency and consistency to the permitting process.
What happens next: staff will prepare an explanatory handout describing what counts and what does not toward FAR under the new ordinance and distribute it to builders and the public.
