AGENDA DATE: 9/7/2016
TITLE: Agricultural-Forestal Districts Ordinance Amendments.
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Work Session on Proposed Agricultural-Forestal Districts Ordinance Amendments
ITEM TYPE: Work Session
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Walker, Kamptner, Benish, Clark
PRESENTER (S): Scott Clark
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: Agricultural-Forestal Districts are voluntary conservation districts that, among other restrictions, prevent most small-lot (under 21 acre) subdivisions. In recent years, many proposed additions to the Districts have been parcels that have no small-lot development rights. A development right allows a parcel to be divided to create a lot of less than 21 acres. These parcels are not affected by the Districts' subdivision restrictions, so adding them to a District results in little or no conservation gain.
However, landowners can use their District membership to qualify for the open-space category of use-value taxation. This means that landowners who are not making a significant conservation impact can receive a tax benefit that is meant to support conservation.
This tax benefit available for parcels that cannot otherwise be subdivided can be reduced if the County stops accepting parcels without development rights into a District.
On April 18, 2016, the Agricultural-Forestal Districts Advisory Committee voted 5:3 to endorse a policy of not accepting parcels without development rights into a District.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Goal 4: Economic Prosperity -- Foster an environment that stimulates diversified job creation, capital investments, and tax revenues that support community goals.
Goal 6: Natural Resources: Thoughtfully protect and manage Albemarle County's ecosystems and natural resources in both the rural and development areas to safeguard the quality of life of current and future generations.
Goal 8: Rural Areas: Preserve the character of rural life with thriving farms and forests, traditio...
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