Subdivision Ordinance Hearing October 28th

Prospect Heights Middle School
202 Dailey Drive, Orange, VA 22960
7:30pm
Directions to the meeting

Background
The Orange County Board of Supervisors is considering changes to the subdivision ordinance. The current ordinance has had a damaging effect on the rural areas of the county resulting in further fragmenting agricultural land, a loss of open space and unacceptable rates of growth well outside of any designated growth area. By allowing four division rights every four years where each of the newly created lots would be available for further division four years later, a 130-acre tract could theoretically be divided into 64 lots over an 8-year period.

For over four years, Orange County has struggled with this issue. During this delay, numerous divisions have occurred under the old ordinance. The Board of Supervisors last held a public hearing on the proposed subdivision ordinance on February 27th where 70 citizens spoke to the proposed changes. Opponents expressed concern that the ordinance was too restrictive while supporters pointed to the link between uncontrolled growth and byright development under our current ordinance.

After months of review, the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on a new draft ordinance on October 28th at the Prospect Heights Middle School starting at 7:30 pm.

Proposed Changes
The revised draft subdivision ordinance is available on Orange County's website.

The primary changes to the Ordinance include:

-Allows for one division every four years (still subject to 2-acre minimum). The parent tract (designated from the original parcel at the time of division) can be further divided at 2-acre minimums. However, the newly created lot can't be further divided unless it is greater than 50 acres in size.
-Family subdivisions must be held by a family member for 5 years.

What You Can Do
Email your Supervisor to support the proposed changes to the ordinance and let them know your concern regarding rural divisions in Orange County. Supporting the revised ordinance will be a good first step in managing sprawl, maintaining Orange's rural character and directing growth to appropriate locations within the county. Also be sure to attend the hearing on October 28th, 7:30pm at Prospect Heights Middle School to speak in favor of the proposed ordinance.

For more information, please contact Dan Holmes by email at dholmes[at]pecva.org