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CPPC 10-14-96 Meeting Agenda01<[a CLQ0 COUNTY of FREDERICK Department of Planning and Development 540/665-5651 FAX: 540/678-0682 MEMORANDUM TO: Comprehensive Plans and Programs Subcommittee FROM: Eric R. Lawrence, Planner I SUBJECT: 1997 Comprehensive Plan Update DATE: October 8, 1996 The Frederick County Comprehensive Plans and Programs Subcommittee (CPPS) will be meeting on Monday, October 14, 1996 at 7:30 PM in the Old Frederick County Court House. AGENDA I. Review the 1997 Comprehensive Plan update. Attached is information pertaining to this agenda item. II. Prioritizing proposed actions for inclusion in the 1997 Comprehensive Plan. III. Other. Please contact this office if you will be unable to attend. Thank you. Attachment 107 North Kent Street • Winchester. Vir-inia 22601- 000 ITEM I: Review the 1997 Comprehensive Plan update. The annual review of the Frederick County Comprehensive Plan is upon us once again. This year, staff has provided the CPPS with only those pages of the plan that have endured significant changes and statistical updates. Staff feels that reproducing the entire plan is not an affective method of providing the CPPS with the modified materials. By providing fewer pages of materials to peruse, staff feels that the CPPS may be more efficient in their efforts spent locating and commenting on the 1997 Comprehensive Plan update. The entire plan has undergone a review. Corrections to grammatical errors and organization of topics within the overall plan have occurred; these changes were generally cosmetic. The portion of the plan's content that has been significantly modified is provided on the following pages. Population and Housing Growth in Housing The number of permits issued for the construction of new homes has varied dramatically, following the rise and fall of the national housing market. The numbers of permits issued for new houses each year rose steadily in the early 1970's, but fluctuated in the middle 1970'x. Starting from 1977, a steady decline in permits issued occurred reaching a low of only 212 permits in 1982. From 1982 to 1988, permits for new houses increased steadily to an all-time high of 980 permits in 1988. However, between 1989 and 1992, building permits issued for new residences in the County declined dramatically (47%) as a result of a recession in the national housing market. By 1992, the amount of permits issued decreased to a total of 520 permits. The permits issued in 1993, however, ended this four year decline. Seven hundred and eleven (71 1) permits were issued for the construction of new homes in 1993. This total rose sightly in 1994 to seven hundred and thirty two (732). Now home construction liet,,i+k; isS,:Gd Neaaed rix 1994; figures for 1995 were much lower. A decline In permiw issued was apparent in 1995 when five hundred -seventy (570) permits were icmiPd. Figure 4 Building Permits for New Residences Frederick County, Virginia 1000 800 600 8 a 400 200 - o 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Year Growth in the local economy is a major factor influencing overall growth in Frederick County. The economies of Frederick County and the City of Winchester are interrelated and economic changes affect both jurisdictions. There has been a continued growth in local employment in both the City and County. An additional factor influencing growth in Frederick County has been an increasing movement of people into the County from the Washington Metropolitan Area. It can be anticipated that economic growth will continue, thereby supporting continued steady rates of overall growth. 1997 Frederick County 20 Comprehensive Plan Population and HousinS The population projections can also be used to project the number of new households that will be created in the County and the number of new dwellings that will be needed. The demand for new housing will be affected by the extent to which the average number of persons per household declines. The low household projections use the low population projections and assume that the average household size will not decrease further. The medium and high household projections use the medium and high populations projections and assume that the average household size will drop to 2.7 persons per household by 1995 and to 2.6 persons per household by 2000. Table 5: Projected New Dwellings Needed (Frederick Countv 1990-2014 New Dwellings Needed Per ' .'_ New Dwellings Needed Per Y .*"+ ° ' • . , Decade yl.T Iritr np- 19 2000 .000-2010 1"0-2000 MO -4110 Low 3,610 3,257 361 326 Medium 5,8 6 4 601 587 460 High I6,752 7,443 675 744 Source_ Frederick County Department of Planning and Development The projections suggest that an average of between 260 and 675 housing units will be needed each year for the next several years. Again, the projected housing need will probably be closer to the higher projections than to the lower ones. Even the higher projections suggest that annual rates of housing construction will not need to be as high as in the late 1980's to meet projected demand. Conclusions ► Population growth continues in Frederick County. ► The average number of persons living in each household has dropped in recent years. This results in the fact that the number of new dwellings has been growing at a faster rate than the population. ► The construction of new homes rose to.a record high in 1988, then dropped through 1992 when the number began to rise again through 1994. New home construction decreased in 1995. ► Population growth and new residential development has been distributed throughout the County, but particularly high concentrations of growth have occurred in the Buf#lick, Fredericktowne, Redbud Run, Senseny, and Cross Junction neighborhoods. 1997 Frederick County 24 Comprehensive Plan Economy Employment Trends The number of employed people living in Frederick County and Winchester has grown in recent years despite fluctuations following the rise and fall.of the: national economy. With the exception of a slight decrease in 1991, employment within the private sector has steadily increased over the past decade by an average of 4.3% per year. This includes both the City of Winchester and Frederick County. According to the Virginia Employment Commission, total employment within the private sector was 21,617 in 1983. By 1993, the labor force had increased to 31,980. Manufacturing continues to play a major role in Frederick County's economy. Employment within manufacturing has accounted for more than 35% of total private employment in Frederick County over the past decade. Sixteen percent of the private labor force were employed in retail trade in 1993, and 15% were employed in service related jobs. Jobs .related to finance, insurance, and real estate has experienced the greatest percent increase. In 1983, jobs within this sector accounted for only .6% of Frederick County's total employment. By 1993, the employment in this sector increased to 3.6%. Table 6: Employment Trends Within Private Sector tFrederick County and Winchester SECTOR 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 Winchester -Frederick Total 23M8 27,631- 30 244 30,098 31,980 40,Od2 Agricultural Services 438 517 534 491 634 71.3 Mining 122 1 144 172 157 1 148 155 Contract Construction 1,552 2,001 2,304 1-1772- 1 805 1033 Manufacturing 7,906 8,962 8_96-54. 8 809 9 679 10,310 Transportation and Utilities 1,251 1,291 1,317 1,474 1,219 1,:3452 Wholesale Trade 1,770 2,111 2 617 2,222 2,244 2,712 Retail Trade 5,064 6,204 7.399 7,148 7,099 8.071 Finance, I nsurance,Real Estate 824 930 944 966 1,017 1,079 Services 4,881 52467 6,303 7,059 8,135,680 Nonclassi6able 40 4 0 0 0 0 Source: Virginia Employment Commission; Frederick County Department of Planning and Development 1997 Frederick County 32 Comprehensive Plan Economy retail sales by on tenth of one percentage point. While this amount may seem small, it translates to nearly $47 million in increased share of sales. ► From 1985 to 1993 private sector employment in Frederick County and Winchester increased by 40%. ► While Per Capita Income (PCI) has dropped dramatically in other regions, the PCI in Winchester -Frederick County rose from $18,812 in 1993 to $19,699 in 1994. H -in Nevertheless, this figure remains below the state average of $20,883. ► According to the 1990 Census, 77% of workers living in the area worked in the area. However, the percentage of those commuting to other areas to work is increasing. From 1980 to 1990, the percent of the workforce commuting to northern Virginia increased from 2% to 9%. ► Projections, based on recent population and employment trends and national projections, suggest that the local economy will continue to grow. Table 7: Employment Trends Within Private Sector (Frederick County) SECTOR 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 , Frederick County Total 7,962 9,163 11 571 10,060 11Y 11,515 I�II IYYYYYYYYY�YYYYYYYYY� 12,788 Agricultural Services 404 450 387 323 473 585 Mining 122 144 172 157 148 155 Contract Construction 1-10-13 1,262 1 447 1 122 1,126 1,287 Manufacturing 2,715 3,607 2,908 4,127 4,1 2 -----2,473 Transportation and Utilities 727 746 841 944 754 840 Wholesale Trade 848 1,034 1,356 937 857 9713 Retail Trade 1 168 1 411 1,911 1,869 1,867 1,950 Finance,lnsurance,Real Estate 150 163 434 367 418 461, Services 1,042 1,237 1,416 1,433 1,745 Nonclaggiflahle 15 ___U_ _2t389 0 Source: Virginia Employment Commission: Frederick County Department of Planning and Development 1997 Frederick County 34 Comprehensive Plan Environment properties and waters be protected from soil erosion and sedimentation resulting from development activities. The current standards require that increased stormwater created by development be conveyed to an adequate channel, capable of carrying the maximum storm that will occur on the average once every two years. Stormwater Management Growth and development bring along with it changes in the natural condition of the land. Areas which were once woodlands or pastures have been developed with roads, parking lots, and buildings. This process brings changes to the runoff characteristics of surface water, both in quantity and quality. The County recognizes the need to develop ordinances and standards relating to stormwater runoff.. In order to accomplish this task, the County has completed a stormwater management study to use as a basis for developing these regulations. In reference to this stormwatermanagement study, the following recommendations have been made: 1) Obtain a model of a Stormwater Management Ordinance that would implement the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Stormwater Management Regulations. Submit the model to the Development Review and Regulations Subcommittee for modifications and recommendations. Submit the proposed regulations with the Stormwater Evaluation to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for review. Adopt the Stormwater Management Ordinance. 2) Consider requirements for detailed site plans in the Subdivision Ordinance for lots adjacent to drainage easements, drainage structures, stormwater retention facilities, drainageways, or steep slopes. } Clearly define the adaninistrative rewonsibu ities for enforcement of stormwater management requirements. • The County Engineer should direct and suNrv,ise the effort. • Persons in the Building D-Pn ,arL-nent should 'be wed to inspect construction projects for grading, drainage, and soil erosion compliance. • The County Engineer should oversee a program for addressing drainage problems in existing developments. • The County Engineer should maintain a. file on such problems. • Enlist the Virginia Department of Transportation's(VDOT) assistance in correcting some problems. • Require developers to make improvements when the development process is still underway. • Develop a strategy for dealing with probi-ems that cannot be corrected by VDOT or the developer. 1997 Frederick County 42 Comprehensive Plan Land Use Development within the busiriess corandu,rs suuu d be accomplished with an understanding of the aesthetics associated with landscap»ng. Establishinglandscapebufers betweenthe road art ii pa king facilities is important to promote a more pleasant environment- ,A.dditionally, the proper landscape design surrounding parking facilities reduces radiant heat reflection uoru the parking surface and :lessens the facilities impact on its surroundings. The county should develop landscape guidelines Haat achieve more aesthetically pleasing developments. Conflicts occur when incompatible usesor zoning districts are adjacent to one another. These conflicts can be addressed by requiring sufficient buffer distances between the incompatible uses. Screening, in the form of plants, walls, or berms can also be used to block the vision of adjoining uses or to reduce noise or other impacts. A strip of mature woodland of sufficient depth is a particularly effective screen which can be relied on to remain with minimal maintenance. Figure 15 Typical Preferred Scre g; Py. 1997 Frederick County 64 Comprehensive Plan Land Use In recent years, the County has worked to minimize the vi ,uzd impacts that signs have on our community. Signs should be informational in content and not vi�'►i?.ii}: corridors are typically associated with commerce activities and its related signs. In addressing this different nature of the business corridors, the C uuniy should develop guidelines that contain specific provisions for business corridors. Signs can affect the character of an area and the value of properties. Excessive numbers of signs in business areas can make the signs difficult to notice or read and can make highway frontages appear cluttered and confusing, causing potential traffic hazards. Issues: Controls on signs along our primary highwaysplay an importantrole in establishing the character of business corridors. Appropriate measures for buffers and screening are critical. Route 50 Corridor The area included in the Route 50 corridor land use plan consists of nearly 3,000 acres. The corridor extends from the 81 interchange to the eastern edge of the Westview Business Centre, a distance of 3.6 miles. The corridor study area also extends south to encompass the Winchester Regional Airport, the Airport Business Park, and surrounding uses. The largest single zoning category within the study area remains Rural Area (RA) zoning with approximately 1,300 acres. RA zoning permits general agricultural uses and low density residential development (one unit per five acres). The bulk of the remaining acreage, roughly 1,000 acres, is presently zoned for retail office and or industrial uses. Residential Performance (RP) zoning accounts for roughly 550 acres. RP zoning allows for residential development at a maximum density of up to ten units per acre, with an average overall density of four units per acre. Of the three corridors which have had land use plans developed, the Route 50 corridor is the largest and has the greatest potential for additional commercial growth. Its proximity to the Winchester Regional Airport, in addition to Interstate 81, make it a highly desirable location for many commercial uses. Of the nearly 3,000 acres in the corridor study area, roughly 1,400 acres are vacant. Of this vacant acreage, 550 acres are already zoned for commercial or industrial use. For this reason, the transportation network within and around the corridor area will be of great importance. 1997 Frederick County 65 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services As development continues in Frederick County, there is a need to carefully plan for the facilities and services that will be required. Planned development will effect the expenditures and facilities that will be needed. It will also effect the: location and types of facilities that must be provided. There is a need to carefully monitor growth and to plan land use and facilities in a coordinated fashion. This can be accomplished through annual comprehensive planning and capital improvements planning. Schools There are nine elementary schools in Frederick County, and a tenth currently under construction, which provide for grades Kindergarten through 5. There are three middle schools in Frederick County which provide for Grades 6 through 8. James Wood High School and Sherando High School provide for grades 9 through 12. The Northwest Regional Education Programs (NREP) provides special education services and Dowell J. Howard Vocational Technical Center provides vocational education services for high school students and adults. During the past several decades, student enrollment has increased steadily. In particular, the decade of the 90's has seen a dramatic increase in student enrollment. In 1990, student enrollment was 8,223 students. In the fall of f995 „ _, student enrollment was 9-,4-h 9;974 §tadcnts, which represents a 3 3 5'% increase from ;sand an increase of f-,4+8- 1, students, or IV%, since 1990. In +9951' h6; of the nine elementary schools, six five exceed 90% of capacity: Armel (+64 )T ro), Bass -Hoover (9& 100`'/0), Indian Hollow (+66 94%), Middletown (i-66 %), ), and SCtserry-Rx ax� Redbud Run (90%). Total elementary school enrollment is 93% of capacity. t. n_ hued growth in student enroll ent resulted in the opening ,f Redbud lt;3ii t".' jdra-eiitary School hi the fall of 1996, renovation and construction of an addition to Senseny Read Elementary School, and the constructionof a new SWuewall Elementary Scl ool which will open in the fall of 1997. As Middle school enrollment is at 80'x' 84% of capacity. The completion of classroom additions to James Wood High School and Shera_ndo High SGuooi, and the use of six modular classrooms at James Wood High School has resulted in increased student capacities. High School enroffi-nent is 88% of capacity. Several schools are experiencing overcrowding due steadily increasing enrollment to increases} 1997 Frederick Count,, 137 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services em-offiment and changes in the educational program. To combat this problem, seven schools are utilizing a total of 29 "2' 1 modular units. Implementation of the Capital Improvements Plan over the Text sevefarl years sl-1ould help keep pace AA ith increased enrollment and reduce the need for modular units. 1997 Frederick Countv 138 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services Figure 16 PUBLIC SCHOOL Frederick Students 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 ENROLLMENT County 1 aaaaaaaaaaaaaas • • • i 1 ' • i � 1 i i' i • � i • 1 • • � • • School Year K-5 6-8 9-12 Total Source: Frederick County School Board ..• .. L919i aft I I 11911191962LIVA111081 41r.1101111"a M The current total enrollment to capacity ratio is 9211/a 89% of capacity. Enrollment meets or exceeds 90% of capacity at eight srhuok. Six schools, and five additional schools meet or exceed 85% of capacity. Great care is needed in considering the expansion of school capacity beyond what is needed to deal with current crowding and what is needed to replace outdated facilities. Enrollment, demographic, and development trends need to be carefully monitored. 1997 Frederick County 140 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services Table 14: School Capacity and Enrollment for Frederick County 1995-1 9 996-1997 % of SCHOOLS Grade Practical 1996-1997 Practical Level Capacity Enrollment Capacity Apple Pie Ride K-5 675 564 84% Armel K-5 645 664 103% Bass -Hoover K-5 735 733 100%", Gainesboro K-5 260 180 69% Indian Hollow K-5 585 547 94% Middletown K-5 585 626 107% Redbud Run K-5 750 674 90% Robinson K-5 318 269 85% Sensen Road K-5 570 489 86% Total Elementary K-5 5423 441,746 93"/0 Robert E. Aylor Middle School 6-8 965 747 77% Frederick County Middle School 6-8 845 695 82% James Wood Middle 6-8 1 000 918 91% Total Middle 6-8 2,810 2,360 84% James Wood High 9-12 1,670 1,483 89% Sherando High 9-12 1,550 1,357 88% Total High School 9-12 3,220 2,840 880/0 NREP Ages 2- 21 56 28 50% Total K•12 11,209 9,974 89% Source: Frederick County School Board, September 1996 1997 Frederick Count% 141 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services Emergency Services The Frederick County Fire and Rescue System currently consists of ten volunteer fire and rescue companies. Of these companies, all ten provide Fire Suppression Services, eight provide Emergency Medical Ambulance Services, and two provide Medical "First Responder" Service. The County fire and rescue companies are as follows: Company 11 - Stephens City Fire and Rescue Company Company 12 - Middletown Fire and Rescue Company Company 13 - Clearbrook Fire and Rescue Company Company 14 - Gore Fire Company Company 15 - Round Hill Community Fire and Rescue Company Company 16 - Gainesboro Fire and Rescue Company Company 17 - Star Tannery Fire Company Company 18 - Greenwood Fire and Rescue Company Company 19 - North Mountain Fire and Rescue Company Company 20 - Reynolds Store Fire and Rescue Company Staffing of fire and rescue stations is accomplished by a combination of volunteers from each community and a small corp of career personnel employed by Frederick County. The County currently provides 20 career Fire -Medics who provide coverage for seven of our fire and rescue stations during weekday hours. The County also employs a full-time director to supervise career personnel and coordinate the service delivery of our volunteer fire and rescue companies. Two full- time Fire Marshals perform fire prevention, fire investigation, and public education services. Future challenges include meeting fire and rescue equipment needs, maintenance and expansion of fire and rescue stations, increasing the number of dry hydrants in the rural areas, meeting training and certification requirements, increasing emergency medical service to the Advanced Life Support level, improving Radio Communication Systems, and developing additional Fire and Rescue stations where needed. Recent completion of the Street Address System will now permit the County to upgrade its 911 telephone service to the fully enhanced system. Conversion to E-911 should be implemented within the next 18 months along with a new consolidated communication center for fire, rescue, and police services. In conjunction with the Winchester Regional Airport Authority and the Greenwood Volunteer Fire and rescue Company, a plan has been developed to establish a fire -rescue station at the afiTc; rt. This station would service growth in the Route 50 East and Route 522 South corridors. It would also pro% ide "on field" response service to the airport as required by the Federal Aviation Authority regulations to accommodate future airport expansion. 1997 Frederick County 142 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services Continued growth will undoubtedly lead to the need for additional fire and rescue stations within the urban area. Locations for future fire station sites should be identified and dedication of sites should be encouraged at the time of rezonings. Station locations should be determined based on projected service needs and response time criteria. Airport The Winchester Regional Airport is a 338 -acre 362 -acre, 'i11 weather, 24-hour general aviation airport with a 5,500 foot runway located southeast of the Route 50 interchange of Interstate 81. The facility currently has 5-r F Aie down spaces, a 12,000 square foot public common hangar, a ten unit and a 20 -unit T -hangar and four private corporate hangars. These hangars accommodate 103 aircraft, including 14 corporate aircraft, ranging in size from small passenger planes to corporate jets. Services available include 24-hour U.S. Customs and Immigration. The Winchester Regional Airport Authority was formed by the Virginia General Assembly on July 1, 1987. The Authority consists of representatives from the City of Winchester, Frederick, Clarke, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties. Since its formation, the Winchester Regional Airport Authority has embarked on an extensive airport improvement program to upgrade the facility. Projects accomplished under this program include updating the master plan and the construction of a runway extension, new General Aviation Terminal Building, T -hangar and corporate hangars, above ground fuel storage facility, and safety areas at each end of the runway. Collaborating with Frederick County and the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Authority has also made improvements to primary access roads to the airport. Sewer and water service has also been established. To date, more than $$-310 million dollars has been invested in Airport capital improvements, equipment, and promotions through Federal. State, and local funding. Caf.rital improvements have been accomplished in order to comply with federal design standards. A Precision Instrument Approach is in the process of being implemented to provide better all weather access to the Airport. This requires acquisition of additional land and navigation easements. Future developments include building t-ihan�geKs, installing security and perimeter fencing. Land acquisition will include an area for a Frederick County satellite fire station: Through the support of the member jurisdictions, the Winchester Regional Airport will continue 1997 Frederick Count\ 143 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services to evolve in a modern first class air transportation facility which will benefit and attract new industries and commercial business to the area. Future plans include bringing commercial air service to the airport providing the community alternative modes of transportation. Handley Library Library service is provided to Frederick County through the Handley Regional Library headquartered in Winchester, which serves Winchester, Frederick County, and Clarke County. As of Septerthere were more than­+$;696I4,82U registered library users from Frederick County. In fiscal year+995 INV Frederick County residents borrowed -f66 -A76172,625 items from the Handley Library, the Clarke County Library branch in Berryville, and the Bookmobile, an increase of overt6% "f (over the previous year. The regional system supports education, preschool through post -secondary, by providing assistance and research materials for projects and papers, and by being open nights, Saturdays, some Sundays, and during the summer when schools are closed. It is also an important resource for adults seeking to improve their skills and for introducing preschoolers to books and reading. The library also provides the business community and the public with information for their research needs as well as recreational reading. The current Handley building holds about 100,000 volumes and is filled to capacity. Because of these space limitations, Handley Library is below state standards in the areas of books per capita, square footage per capita, seating per capita, periodicals per capita, etc. In addition, parents and students living at a distance from Winchester find it difficult to drive into the city as well as find parking near the library. Based upon a library consultant's study of the community's library needs through the year 2001, the Handley Regional Library Board formulated a long-range development plan. The first step in that plan is to build a 34,000 square -foot Frederick County Library in the tephers City ' area with construction to start in 1999. The Library Board is working with a committee of Frederick County residents to gather public support for their plans and to raise funds to purchase books for the library. County Offices In 1996, the County-bcgancompletld construction of a 68,000 square foot building adjacent to the Frederick County Administration Building. Funding for this new building was obtained through the issuance of a bond. The new construction vcff Mc orporated7the existing 32,000 square foot Frederick County Administration Building, and provided'a county government complex totaling 100,000 square feet. Most of the County's departments and agencieswrll-betre noW housed in this new county government complex in downtowr#Wincheste . upon its curnpiction in the fail of i996. 1997 Frederick County 144 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services Refuse Collection, Landfill, and Recycling Refuse collection service is provided by Frederick County at 12 1-5 refuse collection stations. lite might of these stations consist of hydraulic compactor machines with separable roll -off containers; the other` & ; Community Facilities and Services New developments need to be provided with appropriate means of solid waste collection. Either private collection or new collection stations should be provided by new developments. Sewer and Water Facilities The location of public sewer and water lines determines where urban development will occur. The Urban Development Area described by the Frederick County Comprehensive Plan is roughly the same as the service areas for public sewer and water. Because sewer and water facility location determines the location of urban development, great care is needed in planning where such facilities will be provided. The Frederick County Sanitation Authority has the responsibility for the treatment, transmission, and distribution of potable water and the collection and transmission of wastewater. Most of the sewer and water mains and laterals in the County are owned, operated, and maintained by the Sanitation Authority. Frederick County and the Sanitation Authority have executed a Facilities Planning Agreement which sets forth procedures for the planning of sewer and water mains in the County. The agreement includes provisions for adopting a water and sewer facilities plan as a part of the Comprehensive Pian, specifying the location of mains over eight inches in size. It also includes provisions for review and update of the plan and for including sewer and water facilities projects in the Frederick County Capital Improvements Plan. The City of Winchesterowns and maintains sewer and water lines in portions of the County adjacent to the City corporate limits. Such lines have been extended into the County following a previous agreement between the City and the County. A Gravity Flow Sewer Agreement between the City and the County has been adopted which specifies that either jurisdiction may transmit sewage from the other jurisdiction to the Opequon Plant if that sewage flows by gravity to the receiving jurisdiction. This agreement requires that the delivering area be of a minimum size and that receiving facilities have sufficient capacity. The delivering jurisdiction will be charged for the service provided by the receiving jurisdiction. The Winchester -Frederick Service Authority has the responsibility of providing wastewater treatment for the Sanitation Authority and the City of Winchester. The Service Authority currently owns the Opequon Water Reclamation Facility and the Parkins Mills Plant and the Steplicris Ran P'iant and contracts for their operation. The City operates the Opequon Facility and the Sanitation Authority operates the odic, facilities Parkins Mills. 1997 Frederick CoumN 146 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services Figure 17 Total New Connections Frederick County Virginia „oo +000 moo � eoo o aoo V Opp 1 app 300 � s e7 eB e9 90 91 D1 9a 94 96 96 Fiscal Yetar 0 Water Sawar 1997 Frederick Countv 148 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services Sewage treatment in the County is provided by timer tuvo sewage treatment plants: the Opequon Water Reclamation Facility, the Stephens RUIT Phurt, and the Parkins Mills Plant. The Opequon Plant serves the Abrams Creek drainage area and surrounding drainage areas east and north of Winchester, and provides sewage treatment for Winchester. The Parkins Mills plant serves the upper Opequon Creek, diainagc=aand poLtionsof the Wrights Run, and Stephens Ruddrainage areas. . The current capacity of the Opequon Water Reclamation Facility is 6.25 million gallons per day. Assuming a constant connection rate of 200 connections per year, the Frederick County Sanitation Authority has projected there will be sufficient capacity in the Opequon Plant through the year 2005. At an 8% growth rate, capacity is projected to be sufficient through the year 2002. An increase in the combined flows of the City of Winchester and the Frederick County Sanitation Authority may exceed the hydrolic §K=1`fcapacity of the Opequon Plant prior to this date. The Stephens Run and Parkins Mills Plant serves zrn intetcannectionai systcni of scme, fines in the u Stephens Run, Wrights Run, and Upper Opequon drainage areas. The combiner} rated capacity of these tl is."* lant is 750,06 2.0 million gallons per day. The current average daily flow of these this plant is about 1.1 million 750,000 gallons per day. 1997 Frederick County 147 Comprehensive Plan IP F11 11.1111tonowwrive I" iv 1161U.JUINI U&SW =1 1997 Frederick County 147 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services Figure 18. Opequon Treatment Plant; Sewer Flows Versus Capacity 2 1 M Flow ❑ FCSA ❑ City it OWRF FLOW of 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 Fiscal Year Certain portions or the Urban Development Area, such as the Apple Pie Ridge area, may not be intended to be sewer and water service areas. Rural Community Centers that are outside of the Urban Development Area may be provided with some form of service, depending on the policies established for each particular center. The intention is that additional extensions of sewer and water service will reflect the boundaries of the Urban Development Area. The extension of mains into areas not included in sewer and water service areas described by the facilities plan will require an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. In this way, the County will maintain an orderly process of development. All sewer and water mains extended should be publicly owned mains. 1997 Frederick County 151 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services 19: Parkins Mills 'Treatment Plant; Flow Versus Capacity 2 1.8 ,6 a ,.4 m 1.2 CL 0 c 0.8 O 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 87 PMTP FLOW 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 Fiscal Year Flow Limit Capital Improvements Plan The Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) is the community's plan for public facilities. It provides a list of projects planned for five years and is updated each year as projects are completed and new projects added. In general, projects on the Capital Improvements Plan are relatively expensive, fixed assets that require expenditures that do not recur annually and last for a relatively long time. The first year in the Capital Improvements Plan should provide a capital budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The scheduling of projects needs to be coordinated with plans for development 1997 Frederick County 152 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services contained in the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan should be used as a tool to aid in determining priorities among projects, for estimating required funding, and for scheduling projects. The Capital Improvements Plan helps to guide development, to achieve the most efficient use of funds, and to maintain astable financial program. The County's procedures for reviewing and adopting the CIP need to be improved. The CIP needs to have a direct link to available or projected funds. Projects need to be systematically reviewed against established standards in order to determine priorities. These standards need to be developed and reviewed on a regular basis. The County Finance Department should play an active role in the CIP development process. Facility Cost Impacts Rezoning requests should be evaluated to determine their potential impacts on community facilities. Costs to the County should be estimated in terms of what impact the development, which could result from the proposed rezoning, would have on facilities and infrastructure. These costs are estimated in terms of facility use per unit of development. The estimated facility use is determined through the use of established multipliers which use averages derived from existing development. These multipliers set out such factors as: expected numbers of vehicle trips, school children, gallons of sewer and water usage per dwelling unit, square footage of commercial use, or person. The demand on various facilities resulting from a proposed rezoning can then be estimated based on the projected number of units which could result. Actual cost estimates are then calculated using the costs of facilities listed in the Capital Improvements Plan. Initially, costs are estimated in terms of the actual costs of providing facilities to support the potential development. Frederick County has developed an impact model which is being used to project the potential costs of rezonings on schools, parks, and fire and rescue facilities. The model projects the gross potential costs of the facilities that would be needed to support a new development using the basic formula described above. Credit is given for the projected revenues that would be generated by the development. Potential revenues are subtracted from the projected gross costs resulting in an actual projected net fiscal impact of the development on the County. The staff will need to update information used in the model in order to keep it accurate. In general, we can anticipate some cost impacts on parks and schools to result from residential rezonings. These same costs resulting from commercial and industrial rezonings tend to be offset by the revenues generated from this type of development. Nearly all rezonings have some potential impact on emergency services and facilities. No rezoning should be approved unless the net impacts on community facilities are positive, or if the negative impacts can be adequately addressed through proffers or some other means. A request for rezoning may be turned down even though all fiscal impacts appear to be addressed. If there are other impacts which are not addressed or if the request does not conform to this plan. A similar method should be developed for determining the impacts of proposed developments on 1997 Frederick County 153 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services transportation systems and other publics far_.ilities. Issues-- There ssue_ -There is a need to carefully monitor school enrollments and to plan for school capacity to deal with overcrowding, replacement of outdated facilities, and population growth in the County. ► There is a need to continue supporting fire and rescue squads and to develop policies to deal with growing emergency service demands. ► House number efforts should continue in association with improved emergency telephone systems. ► The County should support improvements at the Winchester Regional Airport as a part of the overall economic development efforts. ► The County should continue to monitor refuse collection sites and should make improvements or add sites as needed. ► The County should continue to monitor landfill recycling efforts should be supported. ► The County should maintain a process of careful Capital Improvements Planning coordinated with Comprehensive Planning. ► Frederick County and the Frederick County Sanitation Authority need to continue coordinated planning of sewer and water facilities following the procedures described by the Facilities Planning Agreement. ► Additional information is needed on the impacts of new development on community facilities. ► Frederick County and the City of Winchester need to maintain coordinatedplanning of sewer and water facilities in the County through the Sewer Agreements. ► Together with the County and the City, the Frederick -Winchester Service Authority should carefully plan needed sewage treatment capacity based on trends in usage. The Service Authority needs to develop a capital improvements plan that is coordinated with City and County plans. ► Water and sewer service should be provided to service areas in the urban development areas through an orderly process following the Facilities Planning 1997 Frederick County 154 Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities and Services Agreement and using the Capital Improvements Plan. 1997 Frederick County 155 Comprehensive Plan Action Program Comprehensive Policy Goals The following is a summary of the comprehensive planning goals set forth for Frederick County: Protect the historic resources in Frederick County. Promote the preservation and protection of Civil War Battlefield resource_e Maintain a moderate rate of population growth. Provide for a balanced distribution of population growth. Provide for a variety of housing types and locations to meet the varied needs and income levels of the County's present and future population. Reduce the costs of providing housing and public facilities to serve residential areas. Encourage energy efficient housing and housing patterns. Support a business climate conducive to economic activity and orderly economic growth. Provide support to agriculture as a major industry in the County. Provide support to travel and tourist related activities. Protect the natural environment from damage due to development activity. Provide for development according to the capacity of the natural environment to carry that development. Identify and protect important natural resources. Develop land according to the characteristics of the land and the facilities available. Develop land in accordance with standards that provide for appropriate quality of development. Confine urban forms of land development to the Urban Development Area. Provide .sufficient land for a competitive market within the Urban Development Area. Provide efficient and environmentally sensitive use of land in the Urban Development Area. 1997 Frederick County 171 Comprehensive Plan Action Program Provide sufficient land and a diversity of locations for a wide range of suburban housing types. Provide for livable, high quality suburban residential neighborhoods. Protect the environment and avoid adverse impacts that can result from suburban residential areas. Provide sufficient land and a diversity of locations for business and industrial uses. Carefully locate and limit business and industrial areas to avoid conflicts with other uses and to avoid traffic impacts. Provide for quality business and industrial areas. Protect the environment and avoid other adverse impacts in business and industrial areas. Insure that business corridors develop in a manner which is attractive and functional and reflects positively on the community. Insure that corridors develop in a fashion that is sensitive to environmental, visual, and transportation impacts. Insure that a satisfactory level of service for turning movements is provided along business corridors. Provide key economic development sites. Let identified rural community centers serve as service centers for rural areas. Let policies for each rural community center reflect the particular characteristics of each center and the desire of their residents. Maintain agriculture as a significant portion of the County's economy. Maintain the rural character of areas outside of the Urban Development Area. Insure that land development activities in the rural areas are of appropriate quality. Protect the rural environment. Allow large scale new communities that are creatively and appropriately designed to provide the highest possible quality of development. 1997 Frederick County 172 Comprehensive Plan Action Program Insure that new planned communities do not have adverse impacts on the County. Provide a safe and efficient road system throughout the County. Coordinate land use planning and decisions with transportation planning. Encourage the provision of a full range of transportation options including air, rail, and bus services. Provide for adequate and safe pedestrian and bicycle travel. Appropriate services and facilities shall be provided to serve planned land uses and development. Facilities and services should be carefully planned to meet projected needs. Contribute to the physical, mental, and cultural needs of the community, its economic and social well-being, and its sense of civic pride and social responsibility through a complete program of parks and recreation. Continue to develop the County's regional park as a major source of recreational facilities and activities. Insure that appropriate open space and recreational facilities are provided in urban and rural areas. Provide recreational programs and activities based on identifted needs and available fiinding. Provide a safe and efficient road system throughout the County. Coordinate land use planning and decisions with transportation planning. Provide for adequate and safe pedestrian and bicycle travel. Encourage the provision of a full range of transportation options including air, rail, and bus services. Rural business uses should be developed in conformance with performance standards similar to those used for urban businesses. Review the ordinances to insure proper standards. Permitted uses within the rural areas of the County should be evaluated to determine their potential impacts on agricultural operations. 1997 Frederick County 173 Comprehensive Plan ITEM 2: Prioritizing Proposed Actions for inclusion in the 1997 Comprehensive Plan The following describes actions or projects that need to be undertaken to achieve the goals described in the Frederick County Comprehensive Plan. Please prioritize the projects in the order which you believe they should be accomplished. Staff will collate priorities received from the Comprehensive Plans and Programs Subcommittee, Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors, and include this action program in the 1997 Comprehensive Plan. Note: This list has been incorporated in the Comprehensive Plan for the past few years and relates to the Goals of the plan. It is not necessarily the intention that these tasks be completed in this order. Instead, the list is intended to set general priorities and assist in developing annual work programs. PUA? L La.Tu"-t'i --FF-7 Si;1IF Opc&j — ALS F - Please prioritize. 1 is high priority; 32 is low priority Provide incentives to encourage the inclusion of affordable housing in larger scale planned developments. Develop a comprehensive housing plan for the City and County to achieve decent, affordable housing for all. Develop a geographic database for the County which is continuously updated and which can be used to monitor development in the County. Develop a comprehensive system for preserving historic sites and battlefields using land dedication and historic districts and use these historic resources to promote tourism and education. Develop methods to protect historic sites. Recognize significant sites with plaques and signs. Review provisions and policies for Rural Community Centers. Develop comprehensive watershed management plans for the Urban Development Area to address existing drainage problems and to develop sufficient stormwater management standards for new development. Undertake an effort to establish appropriate rural and urban residential densities based on the carrying capacity of the environment, roads, and facilities. Develop information to estimate carrying capacity. Establish density standards which provide a balanced distribution of population growth. Page 2 Action Program Prioritization 1997 Comprehensive Plan Undertake a study to identify the impacts of development on groundwater. Develop an interchange area/corridor plan for the Interstate 81, Interchange 310 - Route 11 South - Route 37 area, which addresses land use, traffic patterns, and facilities. Review and develop procedures and criteria for secondary and primary road plans. Develop an interchange area/corridor plan for the Route 37 - Route 522 North area, which addresses land use, traffic patterns, and facilities. Develop an interchange area/corridor plan for the Route 37 - Route 50 West area, which addresses land use, traffic patterns, and facilities. Develop an interchange area/corridor plan for the Interstate 81, Interchange 317 - Route 11 North - Route 37 area, which addresses land use, traffic patterns, and facilities. Study the public service needs and costs associated with development. Develop methods to identify the impacts of land use decisions on public facilities and services. Accept proffers to address the cost impacts on community facilities. Work with local farmers, agricultural organizations, and agriculturally related businesses to develop economic development strategies in relation to agriculture. Emphasis should be placed on developing markets for local agricultural products. Evaluate the uses allowed in the agricultural zoning districts and other districts to insure that a full range of agricultural activities are provided. Work with the Towns of Stephens City and Middletown to develop plans for land in the County surrounding those towns. Develop a means to provide limited sewer and water service to the Round Hill and Clearbrook- B rucetown- Stephenson rural community centers. Develop an interchange area/corridor plan for the Interstate 81, Interchange 307 - Route 277 area which addresses land use, traffic patterns, and facilities. Prepare a County -wide recreation plan identifying parks and recreation needs and addressing the following: *Park, open space, and facility needs in the Urban Development Area *Open space and facility standards for new development *Rural and rural community center recreation needs Page 3 Action Program Prioritization 1997 Comprehensive Plan *Program needs Review ordinances to insure that development within rural community centers is of a high quality and that the public participates in the review. Continue to support fire and rescue squads and plan to increase support according to development in the various service areas. Develop a plan for new fire and rescue facilities. Develop an interchange area/corridor plan for the Interstate 81, Interchange 321 - Route 672 area which addresses land use, traffic patterns, and facilities. Study the transit needs of the urban areas in the County. Undertake a study to develop standards to evaluate proposals for new EM, Extractive Manufacturing areas. Develop an interchange area/corridor plan for the Interstate 81, Interchange 302 - Route 627 area which addresses land use, traffic patterns, and facilities. Develop an interchange area/corridor plan for the Interstate 81, Interchange 323 - Route 669 area which addresses land use, traffic patterns, and facilities. Identify scenic vistas in the County and identify methods to protect those vistas. Review development ordinances to insure that provisions for pedestrian and bicycle travel are made in developments in the urban areas. Review park and ride needs and identify possible locations. Structure plans and ordinances and make land use decisions which recognize the need for more commercial uses in the Gore, Gainesboro, and Round Hill community centers. Review uses allowed in the RA Zoning District and allow rezoning and conditional use permit approvals to promote village commercial development in these areas.