HomeMy WebLinkAboutAFD200800004 Review Comments Miscellaneous Submittal 2008-08-20COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
STAFF REPORT SUMMARY
Project Name:
Staff: Scott Clark
AFD2008 -00004 Free Union AF District
Review
Planning Commission Public Hearing:
Board of Supervisors Public Hearing:
September 9, 2008
October 8, 2008
Proposal: Periodic review of the Free Union
Comprehensive Plan Designation:
AF district.
Rural Areas
RECOMMENDATION: That the Commission recommend renewal of the District for another 10-
year period.
AFD 2008 -00004 Free Union District Review
The Albemarle County Code currently contains this description of the Free Union district:
Sec. 3 -213 Free Union Agricultural and Forestal District.
The district known as the "Free Union Agricultural and Forestal District" consists of the following described
properties: Tax map 7, parcels 6, 7, 8A, 9, 9A, 9B, 913 1, 9C; Tax map 16, parcels 4B, 4C, 13A, 13D, 15A, 15A3,
15C, 15E, 15G, 1613, 17, 26, 3013, 36, 37, 38, 39, 52B1, 52132, 54; Tax Map 17, parcels 8, 813, 8C, 17C, 18H, 20A2,
22, tax map 29, parcel 1H (part). This district, created on September 21, 1988 for not more than 10 years and last
reviewed on September 9, 1998, shall be next reviewed prior to September 21, 2008.
(Code 1988, § 2.14(m); Ord. 98 -A(1), 8 -5 -98; Ord. 98 -3(1), 9 -9 -98)
The district is located northwest of Free Union, from the area of Chapel Spring Lane northwest to Fox
Mountain (see Attachment A for a map). The majority of the district is located in the Buck Mountain
Creek watershed, which drains to the South Fork Rivanna River and the community's largest surface -
water supply. A small portion of the district drains to the South Fork Rivanna through Ward's Creek and
the Moorman's River. Land cover in the district is largely forested on Fox Mountain and along Peavine
Hollow, and more open closer to Free Union.
The district was created in 1988, and originally included 1,650 acres. In 1989, 30 more acres were
added, and 733 acres were added in 1991. However, during the 1998 review, 1,012 acres (two parcels)
were removed. The district now includes 1,400.94 acres.
Landowners may withdraw their parcels from districts by right during a renewal at anytime before the
Board of Supervisors takes final action to continue, modify, or terminate the district. No landowners
have requested withdrawal yet.
Agricultural and Forestal District Significance: Of the 1400.94 acres that comprise the Free Union
District, 210.19 acres are enrolled in the Agricultural category of the land -use taxation program, while
770.93 acres are enrolled in the Forestry category, and 45.81 acres are in the Open Space category
Enrollment in these tax categories is an indicator of active rural land uses.
Land Use other than Agriculture and Forestry: In addition to agricultural and forestal uses, the Free
Union district includes approximately 20 dwellings.
Local Development Patterns: The district is largely made up of large farm parcels, as are the
surroundings. The area includes some land in smaller residential lots and an area zoned for Planned
Residential Development, but is largely rural in character. Four parcels in the District, and many nearby,
are under conservation easements.
Comprehensive Plan Designation and Zoning Districts: The Free Union district is entirely designated as
Rural Areas in the Comprehensive Plan, and the parcels included in the district are zoned RA Rural
Areas.
Environmental Benefits: Conservation of this area will help maintain the environmental integrity of the
County and aids in the protection of ground and surface water, agricultural soils, mountain resources,
critical slopes, and wildlife habitat.
AFD200 -00004 Free Union AF District Review
PC 9 -3 -08 BoS 10 -8 -08 2
Time Period.• The Free Union District is currently on a 10 -year review cycle.
Agricultural /Forestal Districts Advisory Committee Recommendation: On July 28, 2008, the Committee
recommended that the Free Union District be continued for another 10 -year period.
Staff Recommendation: That the Planning Commission recommend renewal of the Free Union District
for a 10 -year period.
Attachment:
A. Free Union district map
AFD200 -00004 Free Union AF District Review
PC 9 -3 -08 BoS 10 -8 -08
Free Un i o it -Agri cu I tu ra I -F49r" ta I Di s tri ct
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AFD200-00004 Free Union AF District Review
PC 9-3-08 BoS 10-8-08
Roads
Free Union APO
COFI&Uvatian Easements
Parcels
4