HomeMy WebLinkAboutAFD200900004 Staff Report 2009-09-30COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
STAFF REPORT SUMMARY
Project Name: AFD200900004 Chalk Mountain
AFD Review
Staff: Scott Clark
Planning Commission Public Hearing: October 6,
Board of Supervisors Public Hearing: November
2009
4, 2009
RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission recommend renewal of the Chalk Mountain
District for a 10- ear period.
AFD 09 -04
PC October 6, 2009
Staff Report Page 1
The Albemarle County Code currently contains this description of the Chalk Mountain district:
Sec. 3 -211 Chalk Mountain Agricultural and Forestal District.
The district known as the "Chalk Mountain Agricultural and Forestal District" consists of the
following described properties: Tax map 97, parcels 21, 21A, 21B, 22; tax map 98, parcels 11, 12, 13, 14;
tax map 99, parcel 30. This district, created on September 6, 1989 for not more than 10 years and last
reviewed on October 6, 1999, shall next be reviewed prior to September 6, 2009.
The district is located on the west side of US 29, north of Covesville and east of Heards Mountain. The district is
located in the watersheds of the North Fork and South Fork Hardware Rivers, which drain to the James River.
The district was created in October, 1999. No parcels have been withdrawn from the district since it was created.
The district includes 1,560.6 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: Nearly the entire district is forested, with a few open pasture
areas. Prime and Locally Important agricultural soils cover less than a quarter of the district, and are found on the
less- severe slopes. However, the soils of the entire district are rated highly for hardwood production, including
soils favorable for black walnut production along the streams.
Land Use other than Agriculture and Forestry: In addition to agricultural and forestal uses, the district includes a
relatively small number of residences. Aerial photos do not indicate the presence of other significant land uses.
Local Development Patterns: The district is largely made up of forested land, as are the surroundings. The area
includes some land in smaller residential lots, but is largely rural in character. No parcels in the District are under
conservation easement, but several adjacent and/or nearby parcels are.
Comprehensive Plan Designation and Zoning Districts: The Chalk Mountain 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 groundwater, agricultural soils, mountain resources, critical slopes, and wildlife
habitat.
Time Period: The Chalk Mountain District is currently on a 10 -year review cycle.
Agricultural- Forestal Districts Advisory Committee recommendation: At its meeting on August 24, 2009, the
Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Board renew the Chalk Mountain District for a 10 -year
period.
Staff recommendation: That the Planning Commission recommend renewal of the Chalk Mountain District for a
10 -year period.
Attachment
A. Chalk Mountain AFD Map
AFD 09 -04
PC October 6, 2009
Staff Report Page 2
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AFD 09-04
PC October 6, 2009
Staff Report Page 3
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