County staff complete draft, Planning Commission set to hold public hearing
The Clarke County Planning Staff have completed the draft of the new Rural Lands Plan. Now the Planning Commission has set a public hearing for Friday, July 10 at 9 a.m at the County Government Center board room.
The history of the project can be found on the county website, along with the final draft under consideration.
PEC staff were present at most of the county-led public input sessions and workshops that informed the draft. The overwhelming sentiment echoed repeatedly by residents was one of a desire to maintain a strong agriculturally-based community and limit residential and commercial growth; goals largely accomplished in the draft.
The connection between the county’s bedrock and water availability and the slow residential growth provided by sliding scale zoning is particularly noteworthy in this time of prolonged drought conditions.
Continuing to focus economic development in designated growth areas will ensure Clarke is better able to avoid many of the mistakes of surrounding counties.
This draft provides straightforward direction for future boards and planning commission to follow with little room for misinterpretation of intent and little room for loop holes in development, a welcome site for a county dedicated to rural preservation but surrounded by growth pressures from neighboring counties.
If you would like to share your thoughts, give support or voice any concerns, please attend the Planning Commission public hearing on Friday, July 10. Learn more →
I hope to see you there!
Tia Earman
Senior Land Use Field Representative
Clarke & Loudoun counties
[email protected]