Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 27, 1995 TAG: 9506270095
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: BETTY HAYDEN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Under the state law, which takes effect Saturday, localities must treat mobile homes and site-built homes equally.
The amended county ordinance now permits only two dwellings of any kind on a single tract of land, no matter what the size.
``We can't allow these back-door trailer parks to come in,'' said Supervisor Nick Rush. ``I think this ordinance will take care of that.''
Before the board's action, property owners in agricultural districts could put one house per half-acre if septic requirements could be met. The same property owners could only put two single-wide mobile homes on the same tract.
If agricultural landowners want to put more than two dwellings on their land, they will have to follow the county's subdivision ordinance.
Approximately 40 residents turned out for a public hearing before the board and the Planning Commission.
The majority of people who addressed the board and the commission supported the ordinance.
Sandy Jordan, who lives near one of the Shawsville-area mobile home parks, lamented the loss of her community's scenic beauty.
``Too much of Montgomery County is being trashed for the furtherment of developers,'' Jordan said.
Only two residents spoke out against the changes.
After the board closed the public hearing, the Planning Commission and most of the crowd moved across the hall to a smaller conference room.
County planner Jeff Scott explained to the commission that rural landowners who want to provide for relatives have another option - the county's family subdivision ordinance. The county doesn't require developers of family subdivisions to create lots with state road frontage or put in any new streets.
Scott said planners wanted to reclaim some zoning authority for the county.
``We're trying to bring our ordinance into compliance with the state law without losing control of mobile home parks.''
In other action, the board voted 7-0 to deny Ray Epperly's request to rezone 2.33 acres from agricultural to residential. He wanted to put double-wides on the property.
The board voted to table Smith Village Mobile Home Park's request to expand by 25 spaces until the county determines the park met conditions set forth in the park's original special-use permit, issued in 1985.
by CNB