Fauquier County

PEC works to help citizens in Fauquier build better communities and protect cherished resources–scenic views, working farms, historic heritage, clean water, and healthy air.

Sprawling Development Proposed on Outskirts of Opal

Posted on May 28, 2013July 2, 2021 by Marco Sanchez

Most everyone who travels south of Warrenton on Rt. 29 ends up stopping (at least momentarily) in Opal. On weekday mornings and weekend afternoons traffic gets backed up in both directions, with drivers struggling to turn on to Rt. 17 or get in and out of existing businesses.

This Thursday, the Fauquier County Planning Commission will consider a development proposal that would make the traffic situation worse. The proposal would open up more than 80 acres of agricultural land to strip-commercial development — putting a burden on County services like water, and ultimately detracting from future economic opportunities in the area. This text is from an email alert sent out on May 27th, 2013.

Fauquier Farm Winery Ordinance

Posted on February 15, 2013July 6, 2021 by Julie Bolthouse

On February 14th the Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the amended special exception application for Barrel Oak. The vote was 4 to 1 with Supervisor Holder Trumbo voting in opposition.

Adaptive Reuse Ordinance

Posted on January 3, 2013July 6, 2021 by Julie Bolthouse

An Adaptive Reuse Ordinance has been drafted that alleviates our concerns about this undermining rural zoning in Fauquier. The changes are carefully crafted to support innovative small businesses who reuse historic structures, differentiate between the use of reception and restaurant, and addresses what happens if the structure is destroyed.

Looking Beyond Property Lines to Restore the Thumb Run Watershed

Posted on November 28, 2012February 1, 2023 by Marco Sanchez

PEC’s Sustainable Habitat Program Manager, James Barnes, often works with landowners in the Piedmont on a one-on-one basis—helping them find ways (and funding) to improve their properties to restore wildlife habitat and water quality. This conservation work is important, and Barnes has worked with many excited landowners. He’s realized, however, that to make a lasting difference in habitat resoration in the Piedmont, landowners will need to start looking past their property lines.

Business Parks?

Posted on September 14, 2012July 2, 2021 by Julie Bolthouse

Update: On December 13th the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to pass the new Business Park zoning district. Nothing has changed since November, the vote was only put off to December due to a procedural issue. The district although envisioned to be utilized primarily in the Service District, can still be approved for sites in Villages.

Alternative Onsite Septic Systems Forum

Posted on April 16, 2012July 6, 2021 by Julie Bolthouse

Alternative Onsite Septic Systems or AOSS is a term that has become increasingly better known as more developments include these systems in areas where septic was historically impossible. Understandably many citizens are concerned about this new technology and the regulations controlling their use and maintenance. Come out Wednesday night at 6pm to the John Barton Payne Building to learn more about these systems!

Mintbrook Proposal Passes

Posted on February 13, 2012July 1, 2021 by Julie Bolthouse

Update: The Mintbrook proposal was up for public hearing April 12th. Although there were a number of community members present who spoke against the proposal, it was approved with a 3-2 vote.

“Village of Catlett” Proposal

Posted on February 13, 2012July 1, 2021 by Julie Bolthouse

Update: After years of consideration and seven public hearings, the Village of Catlett proposal was finally voted down. This over-sized development never made very much sense, but it was kept alive based on a promise from the developer to provide sewer to Catlett at no cost to taxpayers. In the end, the Board realized that was not likely, and turned the project down on a 3 to 2 vote. However, the developer has decided to challenge the denial, so the county and the developer are currently in litigation. We will keep you updated as we find out more.

Protecting the Cedar Run Watershed

Posted on December 12, 2011January 31, 2023 by PEC

When Mike and Margrete Stevens first came to Fauquier County eighteen years ago, as the new owners of Bonny Brook Farm, near Warrenton, they made friends with their neighbors Julian and Sue Scheer and Hilary and Rich Gerhardt (the Scheers’ daughter and son-in-law). This friendship with a family of dedicated conservationists led the Stevens to start hosting a wildflower walk on their land each April, as a sky-colored carpet of Virginia Bluebells blossoms along Cedar Run.