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Planners consider 10-acre minimum for AR district and debate definition of 'large residential development'
Summary
Staff proposed raising minimum lot size in the AR (Agricultural-Residential) district to 10 acres and changing lot-width and setback rules; commissioners debated whether the ordinance should explicitly define 'large residential development' (many said the local convention has been 15 lots).
Surry County planning staff reviewed proposed amendments to the AR zoning district that would set a new minimum lot size of 10 acres, change minimum lot-width standards and clarify setback requirements. Mr. Wade said the intent is to better protect rural character but acknowledged some existing family divisions and smaller parcels could become nonconforming under the new thresholds.
Commissioners pressed staff on definitions and practical effects. "As long as I've been in Surry County, if you did over 15 lots, you had to come before the planning," one commissioner said, reflecting a local convention for what constitutes a "large residential development." Commissioners asked staff to consider adding a clear definition so the ordinance purpose and enforcement are consistent and to return with recommended language and any needed cross-references to the subdivision ordinance.
