Board requires disclosure of real parties of interest in special‑exception applications

Rockbridge County supervisors voted Feb. 23 to adopt an ordinance that requires applicants for special exceptions, special use permits, variances, rezonings and conditional zoning to disclose real parties of interest and to update that disclosure if material information changes before final action.

Public comments included praise for the change as a transparency measure. Bill Russell, who had suggested the idea after prior solar‑project hearings, thanked county staff and counsel for drafting the ordinance. County staff said the change is authorized by the cited Virginia code provision in the meeting packet and that a Community Development form will be required to be completed under penalty of perjury.

The ordinance passed by recorded vote with all supervisors voting in favor. Staff said the requirement will apply to applications handled by the planning commission and the board and that the planning commission and zoning administrator may request the disclosure during review.

Implementation steps include publishing the new application form, training planning staff and public outreach to applicants and practitioners. The county clerk and community development office will provide the completed records to the public on request.