DRRC 08-24-17 Meeting MinutesDRRC Meeting Summary for 08/24/17
Members Present: Unger, Kenney, Ambrogi, Stowe, Shenk, Wagner, Oates, Banks & Wilmot
Members Absent: Thomas
Staff Present: M. Tyler Klein, AICP, Planner
Others Present: Patrick Sowers (Dave Holiday), Jeremy Tweedie (Greenway Engineering), Paul Anderson
(VA Farm Bureau)
The meeting called to order at approximately 7:00 PM.
Item #1 – Residential Separation Buffers. Additional discussion of a request to modify residential
separation buffers requirements for infill type lots in the RP (Residential Performance) Zoning District.
Staff provided an overview of the draft text amendment for the proposed changes to the residential
separation buffer requirements, noting this item had been discussed at the April, May and July DRRC
meetings. Staff noted the change would reduce the buffer requirement from a Category B Type Buffer to
a Category A type buffer for townhome developments adjacent to single-family detached and single-
family small lot (attached or detached). In the simplest terms, it would reduce the buffer distance from
50 feet (FT) for a Category B Type Buffer with a full landscape to 25 FT for a Category A Type Buffer with
a full landscape screen, including plantings and a fence.
The DRRC unanimously supported this text amendment and it going to a future Planning Commission
meeting for discussion, tentatively scheduled for September 20.
Item #2 – Solar (Photovoltaic) Power Plants. Discussion of a request to add solar power generating
facilities to the use list for the RA (Rural Areas) Zoning District.
Staff provided a recap of the request to include “solar farms” to the use list for the RA Zoning District.
Staff highlighted this emerging technology; noting it is was a growing industry in Virginia and something
being addressed by other localities through their zoning regulations. Staff discussed with the DRRC how
other localities, such as Clarke County and Rockingham County were regulating this use, which is very
similar to a public utility, but typically run by private companies. Staff noted they would take any
feedback provided by the DRRC and draft a text amendment to come back to the committee for review
at a future meeting.
Staff then facilitated a discussion with DRRC members on how best to regulate the proposed use. DRRC
committee members expressed support for including the use as a by-right use, as it is similar to other
public utilities, and setting a minimum lot size. Further discussion include discussion of setbacks (and
meeting setbacks outlined in the RA Zoning District requirements based on acreage), and requiring (or
not) buffers and screening from adjacent properties and roadways. Committee members expressed
support for not restricting the use to “non-prime agricultural soils,” as the use (solar farms) may be a
more viable, and financially beneficial, option for property owners than traditional agricultural activities,
and would be a better option for the County then residential subdivisions.
Staff noted the next meeting is September 28th.
The meeting concluded at 7:35 PM.