Commission begins five‑year comprehensive plan update, proposes new land‑use map approach

The Purcellville Planning Commission opened substantive work on a five‑year comprehensive plan update at its March 20 meeting, focusing on a proposed redesign of the future land‑use map and draft workplan.

Commissioner Hambach presented a multi‑step approach to align the future land‑use map with the proposed 2025 zoning map. His proposal would introduce parcel‑level classifications that distinguish "traditional" single‑family parcels (older, often non‑HOA, potentially historic) from "suburban" single‑family parcels (governed by HOAs), identify contributing historic properties with a distinct marker, and use an indexed grid for map readability.

"I want to update the future land use map to align with the proposed 2025 official zoning map," Hambach said, describing an approach that relies on GIS layers and a color/key system to show parks, residential types, commercial categories, focus/overlay districts and vacant buildable lots. He proposed a subcommittee and staff collaboration to produce a focused mock‑up and recommended phasing work so changes could be discussed in manageable chunks.

Commission discussion centered on scope and staffing: Commissioners asked whether the five‑year update should be a narrow, corridor‑focused review or a larger exercise. Director Wilkes and staff said GIS layers (including a recently completed historic‑survey layer) are available and that producing a town‑wide map or a focused sample would require comparable effort; staff offered to create layers and a sample mock‑up for the commission to review.

The commission directed the proposed subcommittee to meet with staff to scope the work and agreed to move the next regular meeting to April 24 to allow time for staff and committee preparation.