The Nelson Board of Supervisors adopted a new Comprehensive Plan in April 2024 that called for some changes to the county’s zoning code. The county has hired the Berkley Group to perform the work.
Supervisors held a joint work session with the Planning Commission on February 26 and another one is scheduled for April 23. At the first meeting, the group ran out of time to give direction to the Berkley Group on what new zoning districts should be created. (read the letter)
“Based on the scope of work, Berkley Group can modify the existing zoning districts and add three new zoning districts to better meet the community’s needs,” reads a letter from the company. “These modifications and additions should directly support the Comprehensive Plan’s strategies, ensuring zoning regulations effectively address the County’s long-term vision.”
The Board of Supervisors will be asked to provide direction on how to proceed at their meeting on March 11. For more about that meeting, take a look at yesterday’s Week Ahead newsletter.
Potential districts include a new Residential Zoning District (R-3) to provide a place with slightly more density than currently allowed.
“This district would provide opportunities for a larger mix of housing types, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and multifamily developments, to better accommodate residents at different income levels and life stages,” the letter continues.
The four would be overlay districts. The Mountain Ridge Overlay District would protect steep slopes, ridgelines, and other areas that are ecologically sensitive. The Village Overlay District would provide guidance for six rural communities identified in the Comprehensive Plan.
“This district would establish zoning regulations tailored to the distinct character and development needs of these villages, differentiating them from the A-1 and R-1 districts, which currently encompass most of these areas,” the letter continues.
Those villages are Arrington, Faber, Gladstone, Piney River, Schuyler, and Shipman.
The other two would be the Route 29 Corridor Overlay District and the Route 151 Corridor Overlay District.
Before you go: This piece was originally in the March 10, 2025 edition of the Charlottesville Community Engagement newsletter. It is intended to preview a meeting happening on March 11.
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