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File #: 25-424    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Special Exception Status: Action Items
File created: 10/13/2025 In control: Board of Supervisors
On agenda: 11/5/2025 Final action:
Title: SE-2025-00033 - Rivanna Futures Building Height and SE-2025-00034 - Rivanna Futures Stepback
Attachments: 1. Att.A - SE-2025-33 and SE-2025-34 Staff Report, 2. Att.A1 - Applicant’s request and justification, 3. Att.A2 - Aerial photo of the area, 4. Att.A3 - Portion of initial site plan showing proposed building envelope, 5. Att.A4 - Resolution to approve the special exception request for SE-2025-00033 to allow an increase in building height, 6. Att.A5 - Resolution to approve the special exception request for SE-2025-00034 to waive the requirement for stepbacks
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AGENDA DATE: 11/5/2025

TITLE:
Title
SE-2025-00033 - Rivanna Futures Building Height and SE-2025-00034 - Rivanna Futures Stepback
BODY

SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Special exceptions to modify the height requirement of County Code ?18-26.4 of the County Code, and to waive the minimum stepback requirements of County Code ? 18-4.20.

ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item

STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Herrick, Tevendale, Svoboda, Kilroy, Fritz

PRESENTER (S): Bill Fritz

LEGAL REVIEW: Yes

REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson

BACKGROUND: The Rivanna Futures property (Tax Map Parcels: 03300-00-00-001D0, 03300-00-00-01000, and 03300-00-00-00100) was acquired by the County to facilitate development consistent with national security and the economic development goals of the County. A pharmaceutical manufacturer has selected portions of the Rivanna Futures property for development which is consistent with the County's economic development goals. The manufacturing requirements of the pharmaceutical industry necessitate a building height in excess of 65 feet and a waiver of the building stepback.

STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality of Life - Encourage a vibrant community with economic and recreational opportunities that serve all community members.

DISCUSSION: The Staff Report (Attachment A) provides a more detailed review of the request (Attachment A1): special exceptions to modify the requirement of County Code ?18-26.4 to increase the building height to 140 feet, and waive the stepback requirement of County Code ??18-26.4 and 18.2-4.20 .

In Industrial Districts, the County Code limits the building height to 65 feet and requires that for each story that begins above 40 feet in height or for each story above the third story, whichever is less, the minimum stepback is 15 feet. The County Code allows for an increase in the building height and a waiver of the stepback requirements by special exception.

An aerial photo of the area is included as Attachment A2. A po...

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