HomeMy WebLinkAboutZMA201400001 Resolution of IntentRESOLUTION OF INTENT
WHEREAS, Chapter 18, Zoning, of the Albemarle County Code, regulates the disturbance of slopes of
25% or greater as "critical slopes "; and
WHEREAS, the current critical slopes regulations in Sections 18 -4.2 through 18 -4.2.6 have failed to
allow the purposes of those sections to be fully realized for various reasons including, but not limited to, their
failure to adequately distinguish the Comprehensive Plan's varying goals for development and preservation in
different parts of the County; their failure to acknowledge that critical slopes may have different values
depending on their location, including their proximity to waterways; and, their failure to provide standards for
slope grading and retaining walls that would provide long -term safety, structural and surface stability, ease of
maintenance, prevent erosion, be aesthetic, and be complementary to adjoining properties; and
WHEREAS, on April 1, 2009, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution of
intent to consider amending the regulations in Chapter 18 pertaining to the disturbance of slopes greater than
25 %; and
WHEREAS, after public work sessions conducted by the Planning Commission and staff - conducted
meetings with the public, the boundaries of a proposed Steep Slopes Overlay District, as well as two classes of
steep slopes — preserved slopes and managed slopes — have been identified; and
WHEREAS, it is desired to amend the Albemarle County Zoning Map to establish the boundaries of the
proposed Steep Slopes Overlay District, which boundaries coincide with the development areas identified in the
Comprehensive Plan, and to depict the managed and preserved slopes therein.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT for purposes of public necessity, convenience,
general welfare and good zoning practices, the Albemarle County Planning Commission hereby adopts a
resolution of intent to consider amending the Albemarle County Zoning Map to establish the boundaries of the
Steep Slopes Overlay District as described herein and to depict the locations of managed and preserved slopes
therein.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the
zoning map amendment proposed by this resolution of intent, and make its recommendation to the Board of
Supervisors, at the earliest possible date.