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DRRC 07-23-15 Meeting AgendaCOUNTY of FREDERICK Department of Planning and Development 540/ 665-5651 Fax: 540/ 665-6395 MEMORANDUM To: Development Review and Regulations Committee From: Candice E. Perkins, AICP, Senior Planner Subject: July Meeting and Agenda Date: July 14, 2015 The Frederick County Development Review and Regulations Committee (DRRC) will be meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the first floor conference room (purple room) of the County Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. The DRRC will discuss the following agenda items: AGENDA 1) Variance Requirements. Discussion on revisions to the Zoning Ordinance to revise the variance requirements per the Code of Virginia. 2) Self-Storage Facilities in the RA (Rural Areas) District. Discussion on revisions to the Zoning Ordinance to include self-storage as a conditional use in the RA (Rural Areas) Zoning District. Please contact this office if you will not be able to attend the meeting. Thank you. Access to this building is limited during the evening hours. Therefore, it will be necessary to enter the building through the rear door of the four-story wing. I would encourage committee members and interested citizens to park in the County parking lot located behind the new addition or in the joint Judicial Center parking lot and follow the sidewalk to the back door of the four-story wing. CEP/pd Attachments 2 Item #1: Variance Requirements During the 2015 Session, the Virginia General Assembly passed amendments to the Code of Virginia pertaining to the operation of the local Board of Zoning Appeals. These changes require changes to be made to the Zoning Ordinance to be compliant with the revisions to the Code of Virginia pertaining to the Board of Zoning Appeals and the standards by which the Board reviews variance requests. Specific changes include:  The definition of “variance” has been revised.  The administrative appeals section has been updated to be consistent with the Code of Virginia – the determination of the Zoning Administrator shall be presumed to be correct and the burden of proof falls on the applicant to rebut the presumption of correctness.  Within Section C – Variances - the term “unnecessary hardships” has been replaced with the phrase “unreasonable restriction on the utilization of the property”.  Several other minor revisions have been included that reformat the ordinance to comply with the changes. Staff would like to discuss with the DRRC the current Ordinance requirements and the proposed revisions. Attachments: 1. Zoning Ordinance - Proposed Revisions 2. Code of Virginia – BZA and Variances Proposed Changes to Chapter 165 – Variances Original language Draft revisions ARTICLE X BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Part 1001 – Board of Zoning Appeals § 165-1001.01 Appointment; organization; terms. A Board of Zoning Appeals shall be appointed by the Circuit Court according to the requirements and provisions of the Code of Virginia. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall organize and conduct itself according to all requirements of the Code of Virginia. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall consist of five members appointed for five-year terms. § 165-1001.02 Powers & duties. A. Administrative appeals. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall hear and decide appeals from any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the Zoning Administrator, Director of Planning and Development or other administrative officer with authority to administer or enforce the requirements of this chapter. The determination of the Zoning Administrator shall be presumed to be correct. At a hearing, the Zoning Administrator shall explain the basis for their determination after which the appellant has the burden of proof to rebut such presumption of correctness by a preponderance of the evidence. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall consider any applicable ordinances, laws and regulations in making its decision. (1) Procedures. An appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals may be taken by any person, department, board, County or municipality aggrieved or affected by any decision of the Zoning Administrator. Such appeal shall be taken within 30 days after the decision by filing with the Zoning Administrator and Board of Zoning Appeals a notice of appeal specifying the grounds thereof. The Zoning Administrator shall transmit to the Board all the papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed was taken. An appeal shall stay all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed unless the Zoning Administrator certifies to the Board that, by reason of facts stated in the certificate, a stay would, in his opinion, cause imminent peril to life or property, in which case proceedings shall not be stayed otherwise than by a restraining order granted by the Board or by a court of record, on application and on notice to the Zoning Administrator and for good cause shown. (2) The Board shall fix a reasonable time for the hearing of an application or appeal and shall give public notice thereof as well as due notice to the parties in interest. It shall decide the appeal within 60 days. The Board may reverse or affirm wholly or partly or may modify an order, requirement, decision or determination appealed according to the procedures described in the Code of Virginia. B. Map interpretations. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall hear and decide applications for the interpretation of the Zoning District Map after notice to the owners of the property affected and after a public hearing held according to the requirements of the Code of Virginia. The Board shall Proposed Changes to Chapter 165 – Variances interpret the map in such a way as to carry out the intent and purpose of this chapter for the particular district in question. The Board shall not have the power to change substantially the locations of district boundaries as established by this chapter. The Board shall not have power to rezone property. C. Variances. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall hear and decide applications for variances from specific terms or requirements of this chapter in specific cases. Variances shall only be granted by the Board in the following cases: (1) When granting the variance will not be contrary to the public interest. The burden of proof shall be on the applicant for a variance to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that their application meets the standard for a variance as defined; (2) A variance shall be granted if the evidence shows that the strict application of the terms of the ordinance would unreasonably restrict the utilization of the property or that the granting of the variance would alleviate a hardship due to a physical condition relating to the property or improvements thereon at the time of the effective date of the ordinance and: a. The property interest for which the variance is being requested was acquired in good faith; b. Any hardship was not created by the applicant for the variance; c. The granting of the variance will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property and nearby properties in the proximity of that geographical area; d. Condition or situation of the property concerned is not of so general or recurring a nature as to make reasonably practicable the formulation of a general regulation to be adopted as an amendment to the ordinance; e. The granting of the variance does not result in a use that is not otherwise permitted on such property or a change in the zoning classification of the property; and f. The relief or remedy sought by the variance application is not available through a Conditional Use Permit process or the process for modification of a zoning ordinance. (2) When owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this chapter will result in unnecessary hardship. Variances shall only be granted when the property owner can show that his property was acquired in good faith and where the owner can show that the hardship was not self-inflicted. Variances shall be granted where, by reason of the exceptional conditions on the property at the time of the effective date of this chapter, the strict application of the requirements of this chapter would effectively prohibit or unreasonably restrict the use of the property. Variances shall be granted to alleviate a clearly demonstrable hardship approaching confiscation. Variances shall not be granted to provide a special privilege or convenience sought by the applicant. A variance shall not be granted when the condition being alleviated is of a recurring nature so that the condition could better be alleviated by a zoning amendment. (3) When the granting of the variance will maintain the intent of this chapter. (4) Variances shall be granted to alleviate the following types of conditions: Proposed Changes to Chapter 165 – Variances (a) Narrowness, shallowness, size or shape of a specific piece of property. (b) Exceptional topographic conditions. (c) Extraordinary conditions concerning the use of adjacent properties. (d) Other extraordinary conditions of the specific parcel of land. (5) Variances shall only be authorized if the Board finds the following: (a) That the strict application of this chapter would produce undue hardship as described above. (b) That such hardship is not shared generally by other properties in the same zoning district and the same vicinity. (c) That the authorization of such variance will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property and that the character of the district will not be changed by granting the variance. (3) No variance shall be granted for any proposed use, development or activity in the Floodway District that will cause any increase in flood levels during the one-hundred-year flood. (4) When considering a variance application located within the floodplain districts, additional factors contained in ARTICLE VII, § 165-702.18, must be followed. D. Procedures. Applications for variances shall be made to the Zoning Administrator in accordance with rules adopted by the Zoning Administrator. Plans, maps and other application materials shall be provided by the applicant as required. Variances; shall be promptly transmitted to the Board of Zoning Appeals for public hearing. No variance shall be granted until after notice and a public hearing is held according to the requirements of the Code of Virginia. Applications for variances shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee in an amount as set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors from time to time. APPEALS AND VARIANCES Proposed Changes to Chapter 165 – Variances E. Conditions. In granting a variance, the Board of Zoning Appeals may impose such conditions regarding the location, character and other features of the proposed structure or use as it may deem necessary in the public interest and may require a guaranty or bond to ensure that the conditions imposed are being and will continue to be complied with. F. Decisions of the Board of Zoning Appeals may be appealed to the Circuit Court according to procedures set forth in the Code of Virginia. ARTICLE I GENERAL PROVISIONS, AMENDMENTS, AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS Part 101 – General Provisions § 165-101.02 Definitions & word usage. VARIANCE - A reasonable deviation from those provisions regulating the shape, size or area of a lot or parcel of land, or the size, height, area, bulk or location of a building or structure when the strict application of this chapter would result in unnecessary or unreasonable hardship to the property owners unreasonably restrict the utilization of the property, and such need for a variance would not be shared generally by other properties, and provided that such variance is not contrary to the intended spirit and purpose of this chapter and would result in substantial justice being done. VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY --2015 SESSION CHAPTER 597 An Act to amend and reenact §§ 15.2-2201, 15.2-2308, 15.2-2309, and 15.2-2314 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-2308.1, relating to variances. [H 1849] Approved March 26, 2015 Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia: 1. That §§ 15.2-2201, 15.2-2308, 15.2-2309, and 15.2-2314 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-2308.1 as follows: § 15.2-2201. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning: "Affordable housing" means, as a guideline, housing that is affordable to households with incomes at or below the area median income, provided that the occupant pays no more than thirty percent of his gross income for gross housing costs, including utilities. For the purpose of administering affordable dwelling unit ordinances authorized by this chapter, local governments may establish individual definitions of affordable housing and affordable dwelling units including determination of the appropriate percent of area median income and percent of gross income. "Conditional zoning" means, as part of classifying land within a locality into areas and districts by legislative action, the allowing of reasonable conditions governing the use of such property, such conditions being in addition to, or modification of the regulations provided for a particular zoning district or zone by the overall zoning ordinance. "Development" means a tract of land developed or to be developed as a unit under single ownership or unified control which is to be used for any business or industrial purpose or is to contain three or more residential dwelling units. The term "development" shall not be construed to include any tract of land which will be principally devoted to agricultural production. "Historic area" means an area containing one or more buildings or places in which historic events occurred or having special public value because of notable architectural, archaeological or other features relating to the cultural or artistic heritage of the community, of such significance as to warrant conservation and preservation. "Incentive zoning" means the use of bonuses in the form of increased project density or other benefits to a developer in return for the developer providing certain features, design elements, uses, services, or amenities desired by the locality, including but not limited to, site design incorporating principles of new urbanism and traditional neighborhood development, environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient building design, affordable housing creation and preservation, and historical preservation, as part of the development. "Local planning commission" means a municipal planning commission or a county planning commission. "Military installation" means a base, camp, post, station, yard, center, homeport facility for any ship, or other activity under jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Defense, including any leased facility, or any land or interest in land owned by the Commonwealth and administered by the Adjutant General of Virginia or the Virginia Department of Military Affairs. "Military installation" does not include any facility used primarily for civil works, rivers and harbors projects, or flood control projects. "Mixed use development" means property that incorporates two or more different uses, and may include a variety of housing types, within a single development. "Official map" means a map of legally established and proposed public streets, waterways, and public areas adopted by a locality in accordance with the provisions of Article 4 (§ 15.2-2233 et seq.) hereof. "Planned unit development" means a form of development characterized by unified site design for a variety of housing types and densities, clustering of buildings, common open space, and a mix of building types and land uses in which project planning and density calculation are performed for the entire development rather than on an individual lot basis. "Planning district commission" means a regional planning agency chartered under the provisions of Chapter 42 (§ 15.2-4200 et seq.) of this title. "Plat" or "plat of subdivision" means the schematic representation of land divided or to be divided and information in accordance with the provisions of §§ 15.2-2241, 15.2-2242, 15.2-2258, 15.2-2262, and 15.2-2264, and other applicable statutes. "Preliminary subdivision plat" means the proposed schematic representation of development or subdivision that establishes how the provisions of §§ 15.2-2241 and 15.2-2242, and other applicable 2 of 6 statutes will be achieved. "Resident curator" means a person, firm, or corporation that leases or otherwise contracts to manage, preserve, maintain, operate, or reside in a historic property in accordance with the provisions of § 15.2-2306 and other applicable statutes. "Site plan" means the proposal for a development or a subdivision including all covenants, grants or easements and other conditions relating to use, location and bulk of buildings, density of development, common open space, public facilities and such other information as required by the subdivision ordinance to which the proposed development or subdivision is subject. "Special exception" means a special use, that is a use not permitted in a particular district except by a special use permit granted under the provisions of this chapter and any zoning ordinances adopted herewith. "Street" means highway, street, avenue, boulevard, road, lane, alley, or any public way. "Subdivision," unless otherwise defined in an ordinance adopted pursuant to § 15.2-2240, means the division of a parcel of land into three or more lots or parcels of less than five acres each for the purpose of transfer of ownership or building development, or, if a new street is involved in such division, any division of a parcel of land. The term includes resubdivision and, when appropriate to the context, shall relate to the process of subdividing or to the land subdivided and solely for the purpose of recordation of any single division of land into two lots or parcels, a plat of such division shall be submitted for approval in accordance with § 15.2-2258. "Variance" means, in the application of a zoning ordinance, a reasonable deviation from those provisions regulating the shape,size,or area of a lot or parcel of land, or the size,height,area, bulk,or location of a building or structure when the strict application of the ordinance would result in unnecessary or unreasonable hardship to the property owner unreasonably restrict the utilization of the property, and such need for a variance would not be shared generally by other properties, and provided such variance is not contrary to the intended spirit and purpose of the ordinance, and would result in substantial justice being done. It shall not include a change in use,which change shall be accomplished by a rezoning or by a conditional zoning. "Zoning" or "to zone" means the process of classifying land within a locality into areas and districts, such areas and districts being generally referred to as "zones," by legislative action and the prescribing and application in each area and district of regulations concerning building and structure designs, building and structure placement and uses to which land, buildings and structures within such designated areas and districts may be put. § 15.2-2308. Boards of zoning appeals to be created; membership, organization, etc. A. Every locality that has enacted or enacts a zoning ordinance pursuant to this chapter or prior enabling laws, shall establish a board of zoning appeals that shall consist of either five or seven residents of the locality, appointed by the circuit court for the locality. Boards of zoning appeals for a locality within the fifteenth or nineteenth judicial circuit may be appointed by the chief judge or his designated judge or judges in their respective circuit, upon concurrence of such locality. Their terms of office shall be for five years each except that original appointments shall be made for such terms that the term of one member shall expire each year. The secretary of the board shall notify the court at least thirty days in advance of the expiration of any term of office, and shall also notify the court promptly if any vacancy occurs. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term. Members may be reappointed to succeed themselves. Members of the board shall hold no other public office in the locality except that one may be a member of the local planning commission. A member whose term expires shall continue to serve until his successor is appointed and qualifies. The circuit court for the City of Chesapeake and the Circuit Court for the City of Hampton shall appoint at least one but not more than three alternates to the board of zoning appeals. At the request of the local governing body, the circuit court for any other locality may appoint not more than three alternates to the board of zoning appeals. The qualifications, terms and compensation of alternate members shall be the same as those of regular members. A regular member when he knows he will be absent from or will have to abstain from any application at a meeting shall notify the chairman twenty-four hours prior to the meeting of such fact. The chairman shall select an alternate to serve in the absent or abstaining member's place and the records of the board shall so note. Such alternate member may vote on any application in which a regular member abstains. B. Localities may, by ordinances enacted in each jurisdiction, create a joint board of zoning appeals that shall consist of two members appointed from among the residents of each participating jurisdiction by the circuit court for each county or city, plus one member from the area at large to be appointed by the circuit court or jointly by such courts if more than one, having jurisdiction in the area. The term of office of each member shall be five years except that of the two members first appointed from each jurisdiction, the term of one shall be for two years and of the other, four years. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired terms. In other respects, joint boards of zoning appeals shall be governed by all other provisions of this article. C. With the exception of its secretary and the alternates, the board shall elect from its own membership its officers who shall serve annual terms as such and may succeed themselves. The board 3 of 6 may elect as its secretary either one of its members or a qualified individual who is not a member of the board, excluding the alternate members. A secretary who is not a member of the board shall not be entitled to vote on matters before the board. For Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, for the conduct of any hearing, a quorum shall be not less than a majority of all the members of the board and the board shall offer an equal amount of time in a hearing on the case to the applicant, appellant or other person aggrieved under § 15.2-2314, and the staff of the local governing body. Except for matters governed by § 15.2-2312, no action of the board shall be valid unless authorized by a majority vote of those present and voting. The board may make, alter and rescind rules and forms for its procedures, consistent with ordinances of the locality and general laws of the Commonwealth. The board shall keep a full public record of its proceedings and shall submit a report of its activities to the governing body or bodies at least once each year. D. Within the limits of funds appropriated by the governing body, the board may employ or contract for secretaries, clerks, legal counsel, consultants, and other technical and clerical services. Members of the board may receive such compensation as may be authorized by the respective governing bodies. Any board member or alternate may be removed for malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance in office, or for other just cause, by the court that appointed him, after a hearing held after at least fifteen days' notice. E. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of this section, in the City of Virginia Beach, members of the board shall be appointed by the governing body. The governing body of such city shall also appoint at least one but not more than three alternates to the board. § 15.2-2308.1. Boards of zoning appeals, ex parte communications, proceedings. A. The non-legal staff of the governing body may have ex parte communications with a member of the board prior to the hearing but may not discuss the facts or law relative to a particular case. The applicant, landowner or his agent or attorney may have ex parte communications with a member of the board prior to the hearing but may not discuss the facts or law relative to a particular case. If any ex parte discussion of facts or law in fact occurs, the party engaging in such communication shall inform the other party as soon as practicable and advise the other party of the substance of such communication. For purposes of this section, regardless of whether all parties participate, ex parte communications shall not include (i) discussions as part of a public meeting or (ii) discussions prior to a public meeting to which staff of the governing body, the applicant, landowner or his agent or attorney are all invited. B. Any materials relating to a particular case, including a staff recommendation or report furnished to a member of the board, shall be made available without cost to such applicant, appellant or other person aggrieved under § 15.2-2314, as soon as practicable thereafter, but in no event more than three business days of providing such materials to a member of the board. If the applicant, appellant or other person aggrieved under § 15.2-2314 requests additional documents or materials be provided by the locality other than those materials provided to the board, such request shall be made pursuant to § 2.2-3704. Any such materials furnished to a member of the board shall also be made available for public inspection pursuant to subsection F of § 2.2-3707. C. For the purposes of this section, "non-legal staff of the governing body" means any staff who is not in the office of the attorney for the locality, or for the board, or who is appointed by special law or pursuant to § 15.2-1542. Nothing in this section shall preclude the board from having ex parte communications with any attorney or staff of any attorney where such communication is protected by the attorney-client privilege or other similar privilege or protection of confidentiality. D. This section shall not apply to cases where an application for a special exception has been filed pursuant to subdivision 6 of § 15.2-2309. § 15.2-2309. Powers and duties of boards of zoning appeals. Boards of zoning appeals shall have the following powers and duties: 1. To hear and decide appeals from any order, requirement, decision,or determination made by an administrative officer in the administration or enforcement of this article or of any ordinance adopted pursuant thereto. The decision on such appeal shall be based on the board's judgment of whether the administrative officer was correct.The determination of the administrative officer shall be presumed to be correct. At a hearing on an appeal, the administrative officer shall explain the basis for his determination after which the appellant has the burden of proof to rebut such presumption of correctness by a preponderance of the evidence.The board shall consider the purpose and intent of any applicable ordinances, laws,and regulations in making its decision.For purposes of this section, determination means any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative officer. Any appeal of a determination to the board shall be in compliance with this section, notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special. 2. To authorize Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, to grant upon appeal or original application in specific cases such a variance as defined in § 15.2-2201 from the terms of the ordinance as will not be contrary to the public interest, when, owing to special conditions a literal enforcement of the provisions will result in unnecessary hardship;,provided that the spirit of the ordinance shall be observed and substantial justice done, as follows:the burden of proof shall be on the 4 of 6 applicant for a variance to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that his application meets the standard for a variance as defined in § 15.2-2201 and the criteria set out in this section. When a property owner can show that his Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, a variance shall be granted if the evidence shows that the strict application of the terms of the ordinance would unreasonably restrict the utilization of the property or that the granting of the variance would alleviate a hardship due to a physical condition relating to the property or improvements thereon at the time of the effective date of the ordinance, and (i) the property interest for which the variance is being requested was acquired in good faith and where by reason of the exceptional and any hardship was not created by the applicant for the variance;narrowness, shallowness, size,or shape of a specific piece of property at the time of the effective date of the ordinance, or where by reason of exceptional topographic conditions or other extraordinary situation or condition of the piece of property, or of the condition, situation, or development of property immediately adjacent thereto, the strict application of the terms of the ordinance would effectively prohibit or unreasonably restrict the utilization of the property or where the board is satisfied, upon the evidence heard by it, that the granting of the variance will alleviate a clearly demonstrable hardship, as distinguished from a special privilege or convenience sought by the applicant, provided that all variances shall be in harmony with the intended spirit and purpose of the ordinance.(ii) the granting of the variance will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property and nearby properties in the proximity of that geographical area; (iii) the condition or situation of the property concerned is not of so general or recurring a nature as to make reasonably practicable the formulation of a general regulation to be adopted as an amendment to the ordinance; (iv) the granting of the variance does not result in a use that is not otherwise permitted on such property or a change in the zoning classification of the property; and (v) the relief or remedy sought by the variance application is not available through a special exception process that is authorized in the ordinance pursuant to subdivision 6 of § 15.2-2309 or the process for modification of a zoning ordinance pursuant to subdivision A4 of § 15.2-2286 at the time of the filing of the variance application. No such variance shall be authorized by the board unless it finds: a. That the strict application of the ordinance would produce undue hardship relating to the property; b. That the hardship is not shared generally by other properties in the same zoning district and the same vicinity; and c. That the authorization of the variance will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property and that the character of the district will not be changed by the granting of the variance. No variance shall be authorized considered except after notice and hearing as required by § 15.2-2204. However, when giving any required notice to the owners, their agents or the occupants of abutting property and property immediately across the street or road from the property affected, the board may give such notice by first-class mail rather than by registered or certified mail. No variance shall be authorized unless the board finds that the condition or situation of the property concerned is not of so general or recurring a nature as to make reasonably practicable the formulation of a general regulation to be adopted as an amendment to the ordinance. In authorizing granting a variance,the board may impose such conditions regarding the location, character,and other features of the proposed structure or use as it may deem necessary in the public interest, and may require a guarantee or bond to ensure that the conditions imposed are being and will continue to be complied with. Notwithstanding any other provision of law,general or special,the property upon which a property owner has been granted a variance shall be treated as conforming for all purposes under state law and local ordinance; however, the structure permitted by the variance may not be expanded unless the expansion is within an area of the site or part of the structure for which no variance is required under the ordinance. Where the expansion is proposed within an area of the site or part of the structure for which a variance is required, the approval of an additional variance shall be required. 3. To hear and decide appeals from the decision of the zoning administrator after notice and hearing as provided by § 15.2-2204. However, when giving any required notice to the owners, their agents or the occupants of abutting property and property immediately across the street or road from the property affected, the board may give such notice by first-class mail rather than by registered or certified mail. 4. To hear and decide applications for interpretation of the district map where there is any uncertainty as to the location of a district boundary. After notice to the owners of the property affected by the question, and after public hearing with notice as required by § 15.2-2204, the board may interpret the map in such way as to carry out the intent and purpose of the ordinance for the particular section or district in question. However, when giving any required notice to the owners, their agents or the occupants of abutting property and property immediately across the street or road from the property affected, the board may give such notice by first-class mail rather than by registered or certified mail. The board shall not have the power to change substantially the locations of district boundaries as established by ordinance. 5. No provision of this section shall be construed as granting any board the power to rezone property or to base board decisions on the merits of the purpose and intent of local ordinances duly adopted by the governing body. 5 of 6 6. To hear and decide applications for special exceptions as may be authorized in the ordinance. The board may impose such conditions relating to the use for which a permit is granted as it may deem necessary in the public interest, including limiting the duration of a permit, and may require a guarantee or bond to ensure that the conditions imposed are being and will continue to be complied with. No special exception may be granted except after notice and hearing as provided by § 15.2-2204. However, when giving any required notice to the owners, their agents or the occupants of abutting property and property immediately across the street or road from the property affected, the board may give such notice by first-class mail rather than by registered or certified mail. 7. To revoke a special exception previously granted by the board of zoning appeals if the board determines that there has not been compliance with the terms or conditions of the permit. No special exception may be revoked except after notice and hearing as provided by § 15.2-2204. However, when giving any required notice to the owners, their agents or the occupants of abutting property and property immediately across the street or road from the property affected, the board may give such notice by first-class mail rather than by registered or certified mail. If a governing body reserves unto itself the right to issue special exceptions pursuant to § 15.2-2286, and, if the governing body determines that there has not been compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit, then it may also revoke special exceptions in the manner provided by this subdivision. 8. The board by resolution may fix a schedule of regular meetings, and may also fix the day or days to which any meeting shall be continued if the chairman, or vice-chairman if the chairman is unable to act, finds and declares that weather or other conditions are such that it is hazardous for members to attend the meeting. Such finding shall be communicated to the members and the press as promptly as possible. All hearings and other matters previously advertised for such meeting in accordance with § 15.2-2312 shall be conducted at the continued meeting and no further advertisement is required. § 15.2-2314. Certiorari to review decision of board. Any person or persons jointly or severally aggrieved by any decision of the board of zoning appeals, or any aggrieved taxpayer or any officer, department, board or bureau of the locality, may file with the clerk of the circuit court for the county or city a petition that shall be styled "In Re: date Decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals of [locality name]" specifying the grounds on which aggrieved within 30 days after the final decision of the board. Upon the presentation of such petition, the court shall allow a writ of certiorari to review the decision of the board of zoning appeals and shall prescribe therein the time within which a return thereto must be made and served upon the secretary of the board of zoning appeals or, if no secretary exists, the chair of the board of zoning appeals, which shall not be less than 10 days and may be extended by the court. The allowance of the writ shall not stay proceedings upon the decision appealed from, but the court may, on application, on notice to the board and on due cause shown, grant a restraining order. Any review of a decision of the board shall not be considered an action against the board and the board shall not be a party to the proceedings; however, the board shall participate in the proceedings to the extent required by this section. The governing body, the landowner, and the applicant before the board of zoning appeals shall be necessary parties to the proceedings in the circuit court. The court may permit intervention by any other person or persons jointly or severally aggrieved by any decision of the board of zoning appeals. The board of zoning appeals shall not be required to return the original papers acted upon by it but it shall be sufficient to return certified or sworn copies thereof or of the portions thereof as may be called for by the writ. The return shall concisely set forth such other facts as may be pertinent and material to show the grounds of the decision appealed from and shall be verified. If, upon the hearing, it shall appear to the court that testimony is necessary for the proper disposition of the matter, it may take evidence or appoint a commissioner to take evidence as it may direct and report the evidence to the court with his findings of fact and conclusions of law, which shall constitute a part of the proceedings upon which the determination of the court shall be made. The court may reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the decision brought up for review. In the case of an appeal from the board of zoning appeals to the circuit court of an order, requirement, decision or determination of a zoning administrator or other administrative officer in the administration or enforcement of any ordinance or provision of state law, or any modification of zoning requirements pursuant to § 15.2-2286, the findings and conclusions of the board of zoning appeals on questions of fact shall be presumed to be correct. The appealing party may rebut that presumption by proving by a preponderance of the evidence, including the record before the board of zoning appeals, that the board of zoning appeals erred in its decision. Any party may introduce evidence in the proceedings in the court. The court shall hear any arguments on questions of law de novo. In the case of an appeal by a person of any decision of the board of zoning appeals that denied or granted an application for a variance, or application for a special exception, the decision of the board of zoning appeals shall be presumed to be correct. The petitioner may rebut that presumption by showing to the satisfaction of the court that the board of zoning appeals applied erroneous principles of law, or where the discretion of the board of zoning appeals is involved, the decision of the board of zoning 6 of 6 appeals was plainly wrong and in violation of the purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance proving by a preponderance of the evidence, including the record before the board of zoning appeals, that the board of zoning appeals erred in its decision. In the case of an appeal by a person of any decision of the board of zoning appeals that denied or granted application for a special exception, the decision of the board of zoning appeals shall be presumed to be correct. The petitioner may rebut that presumption by showing to the satisfaction of the court that the board of zoning appeals applied erroneous principles of law, or where the discretion of the board of zoning appeals is involved, the decision of the board of zoning appeals was plainly wrong, was in violation of the purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance, and is not fairly debatable. In the case of an appeal from the board of zoning appeals to the circuit court of a decision of the board, any party may introduce evidence in the proceedings in the court in accordance with the Rules of Evidence of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Costs shall not be allowed against the locality, unless it shall appear to the court that it acted in bad faith or with malice. In the event the decision of the board is affirmed and the court finds that the appeal was frivolous, the court may order the person or persons who requested the issuance of the writ of certiorari to pay the costs incurred in making the return of the record pursuant to the writ of certiorari. If the petition is withdrawn subsequent to the filing of the return, the locality may request that the court hear the matter on the question of whether the appeal was frivolous. 3 Item #2: Self Storage Facilities in the RA District Staff has been requested to assess the potential to include self-storage facilities as a conditional use in the RA (Rural Areas) District. Currently self-storage is a permitted use in the B2, B3, M1 and M2 Districts. It has been requested that staff look into self-storage in the RA District due to this use requiring limited infrastructure (such as water and sewer). Currently other commercial uses permitted through a conditional use permit include:  Country clubs, with or without banquet facilities.  Country general stores.  Service stations.  Antique shops.  Restaurants.  Motels.  Auction houses.  Campgrounds, tourist camps, recreation areas and resorts.  Commercial outdoor recreation, athletic or park facilities.  Nationally chartered fraternal lodges or civic clubs, social centers and their related facilities.  Sawmills and planing mills, Type B.  Landscape contracting businesses.  Veterinary office, clinic or hospital, including livestock services.  Day-care facilities.  Welding Repair (SIC 7692).  Flea Markets, Operated Indoors or Outdoors. Staff would like to discuss with the DRRC the current Ordinance requirements and the proposed revisions. Attachment: 1. Zoning Ordinance - Proposed Addition Proposed Changes to Chapter 165 – Self-Storage Facilities Original language Draft revisions ARTICLE IV AGRICULTURAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS Part 401 – RA Rural Areas District § 165-401.03 Conditional uses. The following uses of structures and land shall be allowed only if a conditional use permit has been granted for the use: NN. Self-Storage Facilities Article II SUPPLEMENTARY USE REGULATIONS, PARKING, BUFFERS, AND REGULATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USES Part 204 – Additional Regulations for Specific Uses § 165-204.18 Storage facilities, self-service. Where allowed, self-service storage facilities shall meet the following requirements: A. Self-service storage facility operations shall be permitted as a primary or accessory use in all zoning districts in which they are permitted. B. All parking areas, travel aisles and maneuvering areas associated with the self-service storage facility operations shall be paved with asphalt, concrete or similar material to provide a durable hard surface. C. Buildings are permitted that provide interior and exterior accessible units. Individual units within the self-service storage building shall not exceed 1,000 square feet in area. D. Minimum building spacing shall be 30 feet apart. Loading areas shall be delineated to ensure that adequate travel aisles are maintained between buildings. E. Recreational vehicles and boats shall be permitted to be stored within completely enclosed areas of the self-service storage facility, provided that the storage area is separate from the parking areas and travel aisles and is depicted on the approved site development plan. Areas utilized for this purpose shall be exempt from the surface requirements specified under § 165-204.18B. F. Self-service storage facilities shall meet the following landscaping or screening requirements: Proposed Changes to Chapter 165 – Self-Storage Facilities (1) Facilities located in the B-2 Business General District shall be completely screened around the perimeter of the property by a double row of evergreen trees that are staggered and planted a maximum of eight feet off center and are a minimum of six feet in height when planted. (2) Facilities located in the B-3 Industrial Transition District or the M-1 Light Industrial District shall be required to landscape the yard area within the front yard setback to provide for a double row of evergreen trees that are staggered and planted a maximum of eight feet off center. The side and rear yards shall be planted with a single row of evergreen or deciduous trees that are planted a maximum of 40 feet off center. All trees shall be a minimum of six feet in height at the time of planting. (3) Facilities located on parcels that are within a master planned industrial park or office park shall be required to landscape the perimeter of the facility with a single row of evergreen or deciduous trees that are planted a maximum of 40 feet off center. All trees shall be a minimum of six feet in height at the time of planting. (4) The required planting of all trees described under this Subsection F shall occur in an area that is between the adjoining property boundary line and the placement of security fencing. The installation of an opaque wall or fence that is a minimum of six feet in height may substitute for required landscaped areas in all zoning districts. G. Self-service storage facility operations shall be designed to accommodate the storage of residential, commercial and industrial items, excluding hazardous, toxic and explosive materials. No use, sale, repair or activity other than storage shall be permitted to occur in self-service storage facility operations. A copy of the lease agreement which describes the requirements of this subsection shall be approved in conjunction with the site development plan for the self-service storage facility operation.