Proposed Text Amendments for Agricultural / Rural Overlay Divisions of Land

Farm with Grazing PhotoIn August 2021, City Council adopted an Initiating Resolution (PDF) requesting the Planning Commission consider and make recommendations concerning amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance pertaining to the definition of agricultural division as it pertains to the timing of such subdivisions. Portions of the City Subdivision Ordinance and the City Zoning Ordinance related to lot size, density, and minor subdivisions of land within the rural overlay district and agricultural zoning district are proposed for revision. In addition, definitions of agricultural lands and bona fide agricultural use are proposed for addition to the City Subdivision Ordinance. The application, PLN-TXT-2021-011, titled Agricultural Subdivisions was heard by Planning Commission on July 13, 2022.

This presentation contains background and details of the existing conditions and changes proposed following staff analysis and the Staff Report (PDF). Staff's Recommendation (PDF) and Planning Commission's Recommendation (PDF) provide proposed language edits in the Subdivision Ordinance of the City Code. City Council will next hear this application, the meeting date below will be updated once it is placed on a Council meeting agenda.

Public Hearing Schedule

Stakeholder Outreach

  • Coastal Virginia Building Industry Association
    Virtual Meeting May 4, 2022, at 2 p.m.
  • Representatives of the Virginia Farm Bureau
    May 5, 2022, at 10 a.m.
  • Members of the Virginia Farm Bureau
    June 6, 2022, at 7 p.m.

All other written correspondence pertaining to the proposed text amendments may be sent to email the Planning Department.