AGENDA DATE: 12/10/2025
TITLE:
Zoning Modernization Formatting and Early Updates
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Presentation on the current status of ZTA-2022-02 Zoning Modernization ordinance rewrite, with projected dates for early ordinance changes and phasing.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Filardo, Svoboda, MacCall, Brumfield
PRESENTER (S): Lea Brumfield, Senior Planner II
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Beginning in August 2022, Albemarle County contracted with the Berkley Group, a local government consulting firm, to evaluate the Zoning Ordinance in preparation for modernizing the County’s entire Zoning Ordinance.
The update process has been split into multiple separate phases of work. In Phase I, County staff drafted four articles of the new ordinance with the guidance and aid of Berkley Group, and established the tone, modern language style, and ordinance format of the new ordinance. These articles were reviewed by stakeholder groups, the Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors in 2024.
In October 2025, the County adopted a new comprehensive plan, AC44. This new comprehensive plan provides larger community priorities and the seven Big Moves for implementation, including regulatory modernization changes to the Zoning Ordinance.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality of Life - Encourage a vibrant community with economic and recreational opportunities that serve all community members
DISCUSSION: The additional phases have been reorganized, and Phase II will provide formatting modernization updates following the tone, style, and format established in Phase I. Phase III will incorporate regulatory changes to the ordinance, guided by AC44 and modern best planning practices. The overall process will be guided by County staff, the Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors, with opportunities for input from the community and a robust public informational process.
In Phase II, currently underway, staff is drafting the reformatted and rewritten Zoning Ordinance without substantive regulatory changes. At the end of Phase II, staff will present reformatted draft articles of the entire Zoning Ordinance to the Board for review and adoption. Throughout the concurrently running Phase III, staff will solicit input from expert groups and stakeholders, including the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. The resultant drafted regulatory changes are intended to address AC44 recommendations and incorporate best planning practices. At the end of Phase III, staff will present to the Board the revised draft articles for review and adoption.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact associated with this agenda item.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board receive the presentation on the project update.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Projected Project Timeline