A new Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOAM) proposed by the Zoning Ordinance Action Group would add 30 permitted uses to land currently under open space easements, add permitted uses to historic districts, reduce setbacks for associated structures, and loosen other development rules for rural areas.

Effects of the proposed changes are complicated; they will impact many rural zoning districts.  Al Van Huyck, chair of the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition, lists some topics of concern:

1. The addition of more than 30 new permitted uses into the open space easement lots in and around rural villages and hamlets to include major uses such as breweries and wineries with “tasting rooms.”
2. The new introduction of “Recreation Establishment Indoor”  which includes a wide range of major uses not allowed before.
3. The introduction of new uses into Rural Commercial Zones which are mostly in the historic villages of the County.
4. The rationale for reducing setbacks from roads substantially.
5. The rationale for significantly enlarging the allowable lot coverage.
6.The technical reasoning for deciding on which uses should be permitted by right, minor special exception, or full special exception.  Major changes are proposed.
7. The implications of waiving various regulations for certain uses in historic districts and properties.

Van Huyck has arranged to meet with Loudoun County staff at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in the Lovettsville Room at the County Office Building,  to discuss and ask questions regarding ZOAM 2015-0006 Rural Uses. If you can attend please email Al Van Huyck at avanhuyck@aol.com or al.vanhuyck@gmail.com.

The ZOAM is on the agenda for the April 26, 2016, Planning Commission Public Hearing. Please consider speaking at that public hearing.