AGENDA DATE: 8/21/2024
TITLE:
Title
Zoning Modernization Phase 1 Article Review
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Receive Board feedback on Zoning Modernization Phase 1, including draft article review
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Rosenberg, Herrick, Filardo, Svoboda, Brumfield
PRESENTER (S): Lea Brumfield, Rebecca Cobb
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Community Development staff is engaged in a multi-year effort to modernize the County’s zoning ordinance, in coordination with the update of the County’s Comprehensive Plan (AC44). The Zoning Modernization project is intended to establish more efficient administrative procedures, provide a clear and user-friendly format, and create an adaptive, modern ordinance that meets the current and projected future needs of Albemarle County. With assistance from a local consulting firm, The Berkley Group, staff has completed the draft ordinance for Phase 1, consisting of the administrative sections of the ordinance.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality of Life - Encourage a vibrant community with economic and recreational opportunities that serve all community members.
DISCUSSION: The Zoning Modernization project has been divided into five phases (Attachment A6), with the first phase encompassing the following draft articles:
Article 1 - General Provisions (Attachment A2)
Article 2 - Administration (Attachment A3)
Article 3 - Permits and Applications (Attachment A4)
Article 10 - Nonconformities (Attachment A5)
The draft articles follow guidelines that provide a foundation for a clear, user-friendly zoning ordinance, with a consistent, hierarchical organization scheme and best practices for modern zoning ordinances. The proposed articles have been reviewed and edited according to best practice, internal procedure, public input, and Planning Commission direction (Attachments A and A1). The County Attorney has conducted a review of the proposed articles and will comprehensively review articles prior to adoption.
Though the proposed articles are intended to be adopted as a total package following the completion of all five proposed project phases, the articles are being presented to the Board for general review and discussion in phases, as they are completed. Following an overview of the new articles, with emphasis on notable changes in each draft article, staff will ask for the Board’s general feedback on the articles presented.
BUDGET IMPACT: The Zoning Modernization project is fully funded through the end of Phase I and no additional funding is requested currently.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Board provide general feedback on the draft Zoning Ordinance articles presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attach.A - Staff memo from June 25, 2024 Planning Commission Work Session
Attach.A1 - Berkley Group Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance Update - Worksession #4 Memo
Attach.A2 - Draft Article 1- General Provisions
Attach.A3 - Draft Article 2 - Administration
Attach.A4 - Draft Article 3 - Permits and Applications
Attach.A5 - Draft Article 10 - Nonconformities
Attach.A6 - Ordinance Crosswalk