DRRC 09-28-17 Meeting Minutes
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DRRC Meeting Summary for 09/28/17
Members Present: Unger, Kenney, Stowe, Shenk
Members Absent: Thomas, Oates, Wilmot, Wagner, Ambrogi, Banks
Staff Present: M. Tyler Klein, AICP, Planner
Others Present: Seven (7) members of the public
The meeting called to order at approximately 7PM.
Item #1 – Solar (Photovoltaic) Power Plants. Discussion of a request from a local engineering firm to
add solar power generating facilities to the use list for the RA (Rural Areas) Zoning District.
Staff provided an overview of the proposed text amendment to add solar (photovoltaic) energy
generating facilities to the RA Zoning District, noting that after consultation with the County Attorney,
the use would be considered as a “permitted” use like “public energy generating facilities.” Staff walked
the DRRC through the new definition and supplemental use regulations.
The DRRC unanimously supported the text amendment and moving the request forward to the Planning
Commission for further discussion.
Item # 2 – Chicken Coops in the RP (Residential Performance) Zoning District. Discussion of a request
from a private citizen to allow backyard chickens (and chicken coops) as an accessory use in the RP
(Residential Performance) Zoning District.
Recognizing citizens in attendance, Staff noted that this was a meeting open to the public but not a
“public hearing” on this request; rather a committee meeting to discuss the appropriateness of this
request before further consideration by the Planning Commission. Staff noted there may be an
opportunity for the public to voice their support or concerns at the request of committee members.
Staff provided an overview of a request to allow backyard chickens (and chicken coops) in the RP Zoning
District. Staff noted that agricultural uses, including the keeping of chickens (and other livestock), are
currently only permitted in the County’s RA (Rural Areas) Zoning District. Staff invited the initiator of the
request, Sherry Riley (resident at 2017 Montgomery Circle, Stephens City) to present her request as
well. Mrs. Riley noted she had chickens at her address, but had to remove them due to a Zoning
Violation. Mrs. Riley noted many of the perceived benefits of having urban-type chickens, noting
sustainability, fresh eggs and free fertilizer. She also noted other localities in the region, including the
Town of Front Royal, the Town of Stephens City, and the Town of Boyce allowed chickens to be kept in
residential neighborhoods. Staff noted they had researched other localities as well, such as Warren
County, Fairfax County, Rockingham County and the City of Winchester which allowed backyard
chickens (a certain number based on the property acreage).
The DRRC discussed the following concerns regarding backyard chickens: the use is already allowed
elsewhere in the County in the RA (Rural Areas) Zoning District; environmental quality including odor,
noise and the disposal of chicken waste; other wild animals being attached to chickens including coyotes
and foxes; and how allowing such a use may encourage many owners to have chickens in neighborhoods
where they previously were not envisioned to have them.
The DRRC expressed their reservations about the request, noting the concerns above. However, to
provide an opportunity for absent DRRC members to provide additional feedback, the DRRC requested
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Staff provide a comparison of how other localities addressed this type of use, and speak with the Zoning
Administrator and County Attorney on how it could be allowed and how it would be enforced if a
complaint arose. Staff noted they would prepare a draft amendment in anticipation of the October
meeting.
There were no other items discussed.
Staff noted the next meeting is October 26th.
The meeting concluded at 7:35 PM.