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Purcellville planning commission begins annual comp‑plan review, forms subcommittee team
Summary
At a regular meeting, the Purcellville Planning Commission heard a staff review of six comp‑plan priorities — including a transportation‑plan update (estimated previously at $250,000), a zoning‑code rewrite, and water‑system projects — and agreed to form subcommittees to guide the comprehensive‑plan update. The commission also heard an annexation update and welcomed new commissioner Ryan Faber.
Purcellville — The Planning Commission at its regular meeting reviewed an annual implementation summary of the town’s comprehensive plan and set the groundwork for subcommittees to shepherd multiple updates, including transportation, zoning and water‑resource projects.
Planning staff member Mr. Lawrence presented the implementation matrix from the 2030 comprehensive plan, identifying six top priorities: a transportation‑plan update (a past cost estimate was about $250,000), a zoning‑ordinance rewrite with related land‑development and subdivision controls, architectural design guidelines tied to a downtown master plan, water‑system work identified in a 2021 water‑resource study, and an update to the parks and open‑space master plan. Lawrence said reservoir repairs are largely underway and expected to wrap up by the end of the year, and that a new water tower near Woodgrove High School is in early construction with a planned completion in 2026.
"There are a number of priorities that staff believes should be tracked closely," Lawrence said, listing timeline estimates, lead departments and potential funding routes such as county partnership or grant applications.
Chair Ronald Reis framed the work as foundational for upcoming review: "The job of the planning commissioner is complex, and there are many things that go into the job of being a commissioner," he said, urging members to bring "fact‑based, unbiased discussion and decisions" to the commission.
Commissioners pressed staff on scope and funding. Commissioner Brian Green asked whether a full transportation‑plan rewrite was required or whether minor amendments could proceed without the estimated $250,000 budget for a comprehensive update; Lawrence said targeted amendments are possible and noted the town is coordinating with county traffic studies tied to a proposed regional park. On design guidelines, staff said a consultant has been selected but that the project is "identified but not funded" and that grants or county support are being explored.
The commission also discussed a pending annexation known as the Valley Commerce Center. Chair Reis read the Board of Supervisors' action report indicating that the Board had directed staff to engage on an MOU and later deferred final action to the Board of Supervisors' Nov. 7, 2024 meeting. Reis characterized the deferral as pushing the decision past the election cycle.
New commissioner Ryan Faber introduced himself and said his priorities include managing growth to preserve the town’s small‑town character. "I'm very passionate about ensuring Purcellville can grow thoughtfully while maintaining what makes it special," Faber said.
The commission debated committee structure and agreed to begin forming subcommittees to focus on specific comp‑plan components, including transportation, affordable housing and capital improvements. Chair Reis directed commissioners to provide volunteers and said staff will bring draft committee assignments to the Oct. 17 meeting.
Procedurally, the commission declined to approve the Sept. 19 minutes that night, asking the secretary to make additions (project tracking items, notes on recent demolitions in the historic overlay, and updates on local development proposals) and to present corrected minutes at the next meeting. Council liaison Chris Berto moved to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded and the commission voted unanimously to adjourn.
What’s next: staff will follow up with commissioners on scheduling a water‑system tour and will circulate the project‑tracking website link and any RFQ/materials requested by commissioners. The commission will reconvene Oct. 17 to consider committee assignments and the updated minutes.
