AGENDA DATE: 8/5/2026
TITLE:
Title
Schedule a Public Hearing for a Chapter 9 Ordinance Amendment Authorizing Photo Speed Monitoring Devices in School Crossing and Highway Work Zones
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: To schedule a public hearing to consider an amendment to Chapter 9 of the County Ordinance, updating 9-504 to align with 2026 legislative updates.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Herrick, Bohdan, Reeves, Stewart, Marden
PRESENTER (S): Jason Marden
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In 2020, the Commonwealth of Virginia passed §46.2-882.1 authorizing the use of photo speed monitoring devices in school crossing and highway work zones. In 2023, the County adopted 9-504, authorizing the Albemarle County Police Department to operate Automated Speed Enforcement. In 2026, the General Assembly amended VA Code 46.2-882.1 by adding additional zones of photo speed monitoring devices that may be operated and broadened the personnel authorized to operate them. The proposed changes would bring the County Ordinance into alignment with the Virginia Code and modify the language to be more adaptable to possible future changes.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: Albemarle County Code Chapter 9, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article 5, Video-Monitoring System and Photo Speed Monitoring Devices, as currently constituted, authorizes and regulates the use of video-monitoring systems on school buses and photo speed monitoring devices in school crossing zones and highway work zones. The proposed ordinance (Attachment A) amends Albemarle County Code Sec. 9-504 by updating current references to applicable sections of the Virginia Code as it relates to:
1. the authorization to install and operate photo speed monitoring devices (Sec. 9-504(A))
2. the personnel able to swear to or affirm the certificate required by Virginia Code or issue civil summons for a violation (Sec. 9-504(B))
3. restrictions on information collection (Sec. 9-504(C))
4. enforcement of violations (Sec. 9-504(D))
5. required signage (Sec. 9-504(E))
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact associated with the adoption of the proposed ordinance. However, changes to the VA Code require that by July 1, 2027, six of the required signs indicating that a photo speed monitoring device is being used, also be a speed display sign. The Albemarle County Police Department is currently procuring speed display signs, which will be paid for by funds generated by violations enforced by the photo speed monitoring devices.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommend that the Board schedule a public hearing to consider the adoption of the attached proposed ordinance (Attachment A).
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Proposed Ordinance