Planning staff previews redline to slow 25-acre divisions and clean up subdivision rules

Planning staff briefed the commission on a midyear table and map showing parcels that remain eligible for 25-acre divisions and noted a steep drop in 25-acre divisions this year. Staff said review times have lengthened after VDOT entrance approvals became required for certain divisions.

The staff redline would prevent a boundary line adjustment that reduces a parcel to less than 25 acres if the parcel had a 25-acre division within the prior five years; the change is intended to slow sequential splitting while preserving family divisions. Staff described the draft as a cleaning that would keep family divisions intact but slow non-family divisions that accelerate development.

Commissioners discussed conservation easements, minimum lot-size uniformity across zoning districts, and the possibility of a rural-residential zone with maximum and minimum lot sizes to help preserve open space while allowing varied housing choices. Staff will circulate a cleaner draft to the subdivision subcommittee and present a near-final redline at a future meeting.