Review the Proposed Ordinance

We invite you to read the revised proposed ordinance before the public hearing at the Planning Commission.

Staff will prepare a staff report as usual before the public hearing. Typically, information for public hearings is shared about one week before the meeting. We are providing the draft ordinance early to allow community members additional time to review the proposed ordinance. You are encouraged to provide any comments using this form. All comments will be forwarded to the Planning Commission. The public will also be able to participate during the public hearing and provide comments directly to the Planning Commission.

Features of the Proposed Ordinance

The items listed below outline some of the proposed ordinance's contents; they are not intended to be comprehensive. Please see the ordinance for specific proposals.

The proposed ordinance includes the following provisions:

• Addressing solar and battery energy storage systems.
• Allows accessory solar and battery energy storage by right in all districts.
• Allows solar energy installations by right over existing impervious areas.
• Allows solar energy with a panel zone of up to 21 acres on existing parcels by right in the Rural Areas.
• A special use permit is required for larger solar panels in the Rural Areas zoning district.
• It allows for a larger-scale battery energy storage system by special use permit in the Rural Areas zoning district and Industrial districts.
• Establishes regulations for height, fencing, setbacks from property lines and streets, setbacks from other facilities, and screening.
• It requires that facilities over 2 acres be Virginia Pollinator Smart certified.
• Restricts facilities within high-scoring forest blocks identified in the Comprehensive Plan.