Nelson County Planning Commission to review suggestions to reform zoning

As soon as Nelson County adopted a Comprehensive Plan update in April, the Berkley Group got to work on a review of the way land use decisions are made to see if they match the intent of the new version of the advisory document. 

“Nelson County’s Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances should be revised to reflect current best practices in zoning and land use; to strengthen the ability to implement the strategies and priority items of the current Comprehensive Plan; and to improve clarity and ease of use,” reads page 14 of the agenda packet.

The consultant recommends several items such as combining the zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance into one document and updating language. They also recommend updates.

“The Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances should be updated to meet the strategies of the Nelson 2042 Comprehensive Plan, including adding low impact design and landscaping standards, allowing for increased density and alternative residential uses, implementing greater conservation regulations in sensitive areas, and others,” the report continues. 

The Berkley Group also recommends creating the provision for a civil penalties for zoning violations. Currently they are misdemeanors. Other suggestions include combining the uses of “bed and breakfast” and “vacation home” into a “short-term rental” use as well as creation of an Accessory Dwelling Unit provision. 

The Nelson County Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. in the General District Courtroom in Lovingston to discuss the recommendations. (meeting info)

In other meetings: 

• The Charlottesville Retirement Commission will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the basement conference room in City Hall. There will be a discussion of “emergency medical technicians as public safety employments.” 
• The Albemarle Board of Equalization will have their organizational meeting for the year as a virtual meeting. This will be held at 1:30 p.m. (meeting info)
• The executive committee of the Regional Housing Partnership is at 2 p.m. (meeting info)
• The Albemarle Broadband Authority meeting scheduled for today has been canceled. They’ll next meet on June 26. (meeting info)
• The Albemarle Fire EMS Board will meet at 1800 hours (6 p.m.) in the county’s office building at 1600 Fifth Street Extended in Room 246. (meeting info)

Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment is from the May 20, 2024 Week Ahead edition of the newsletter.