Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 15, 1994 TAG: 9410170044
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: BRIAN KELLEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
The proposal is designed to force would-be rural subdividers to apply for rezoning under the more stringent residential zoning classification. The minimum lot size in rural areas is one-half acre currently. The change is unpopular with at least two members of the county Board of Supervisors.
Both board Chairman Larry Linkous and longtime member Ira Long objected to the provision in informal discussions last month. Linkous said such a restriction would prohibit so-called "mini-farms" of less than 20 acres, because horses and livestock cannot be kept in residentially zoned areas.
They and other supervisors will meet with the county Planning Commission, which favors the change, at a meeting beginning 6:30 p.m. Monday in the law library on the fourth floor of the Montgomery County Courthouse.
Planning Commission members, who are appointed by the supervisors, favor taking a stronger stance toward controlling the spread of suburban development into the county's agricultural areas.
The commissioners have recommended two major changes: the 20-acre minimum lot size in an agricultural district; and requiring new subdivisions to connect to public water and sewer systems only when such service is "reasonably available," rather than the current 200-foot requirement.
Following comments gathered at a July 25 public hearing, the Planning Commission recommended that the 20-acre minimum be waived when a lot is divided from family land to be given to a daughter, son or other family member.
The Planning Commission also recommended that the supervisors consider these measures just the first steps toward addressing rural development.
by CNB