Planning Commission backs ordinance changes to match Virginia review timelines

The Dinwiddie County Planning Commission voted unanimously on Sept. 10 to recommend amendments to the county subdivision ordinance that implement recent changes enacted by the Virginia General Assembly.

Staff presented the draft amendments and said they would be effective with the state changes on July 1, 2025. "The amendment reduces the subdivision agent's review time for a final plat from 60 days to 40 days," Bassett told commissioners, and staff recommended the commission forward the proposed ordinance language to the Board of Supervisors. The proposal also notes that a subdivider may petition the circuit court to decide whether a plat should be approved and that an appeal must be filed within 60 days of a disapproval, the staff memo states.

Commissioners asked for a brief explanation of why the state changed the deadlines; a commissioner speculated the change "ungums the process" and may reflect lobbying and a desire to speed state-level review. After discussion, a motion citing Virginia Code sections (as read during the meeting) was moved, seconded and approved 6-0, and the commission "does hereby recommend approval of the subdivision ordinance amendments" as presented.

The matter will be considered next by the Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors as part of their legislative/action docket. The Planning Commission packet and staff report accompanying the hearing list the specific code references and the exact ordinance text recommended for adoption.