AGENDA DATE: 6/5/2019
TITLE:
Title
Ordinance to Amend County Code Appendix A.1 (Acquisition of Conservation Easements (ACE) Program
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Public hearing to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend County Code Appendix A.1 (Acquisition of Conservation Easements Program) by amending Section A.1-108(A)(2)
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Graham, Kamptner, Herrick, DeLoria, Goodall
PRESENTER (S): Richard DeLoria
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Acquisition of Conservation Easements (ACE) Committee is charged with reviewing the program's ordinance and recommending any changes needed either to maintain the program's consistency with the County's Comprehensive Plan and policies or to improve the administration, implementation, and effectiveness of the program. The ACE Ordinance was most recently amended in 2018.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Our Vision: Abundant natural, rural, historic, and scenic resources and Healthy ecosystems. Natural Resources Stewardship: 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. Rural Area Character: Preserve the character of rural life with thriving farms and forests, traditional crossroad communities, and protected scenic areas, historic sites, and biodiversity.
DISCUSSION: The ACE Committee's recent review of the ACE Ordinance focused on its ranking criteria as it pertains to the scoring of property acreage. The Committee prefers to incentivize larger parcel applications to the program, those being 100 acres or more. Currently, the ranking criteria under County Code ? A.1-108(A)(2) awards zero points to parcels less than 50 acres, one point for parcels larger than 50 acres, one point for each additional 50-acre unit, and one additional point for each 50-acre unit above 200 acres. The C...
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