HomeMy WebLinkAboutZTA201000001 Legacy Document 2010-03-17COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AGENDA TITLE: Resolution of Intent to Amend Zoning
Ordinance Section 27 and any other sections of the Zoning
Ordinance to encourage the infill development of business
and industrial uses in the Development Areas.
SUBJECT /PROPOSAL /REQUEST: Allow By -right Heavy
Industrial (HI) uses in the Light - Industrial (LI) district by
special use permit
STAFF CONTACT(S): Ms. McCulley; Mr. Cilimberg, Mr
Newberry, Ms. Baldwin, Ms. Stimart, Mr. Kamptner
AGENDA DATE: March 16, 2010
ACTION:
CONSENT AGENDA:
ACTION: Yes
ATTACHMENTS: Yes
BACKGROUND:
In an effort improve the economic vitality of the Development Areas, the Board directed staff to amend the County Zoning
Code to allow Heavy Industrial (HI) uses in the Light Industrial (LI) district by Special Use Permit. This direction was
supported by earlier discussions of industrial land and building shortages for industrial and small contractor businesses.
On March 4, 2009 the Board of Supervisors adopted an update of the Economic Development Policy wherein one of the
top short -term priority items was:
"Objective II. Strategy 4. Encourage infill development of business and industrial uses in Development Areas,
including consideration of proactively rezoning to light- industrial uses as needs are identified through Master
Plans and other efforts. Initiate zoning text amendments that further enable business and industrial uses of
the appropriate zoning districts."
On January 6, 2010, the Board passed an Action Plan which included the following: "The report on available light
industrial zoning should be expedited and a report on the possibility of expansion of this type of zoning in these areas
should be brought back to the Board in the first quarter of the year for discussion and possible action."
On February 3, 2010, staff presented the Industrial Land survey, which a) documented a shortage of land and b) indicated
challenges with the existing LI and HI zoning districts. The Board directed staff to consider and recommend HI uses that
should be moved into the LI District by special -use permit.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The County will continue to maintain a strong and sustainable economy and increase the economic vitality of the
development areas.
DISCUSSION:
From the Industrial Land Survey work session, the Board requested an expedited schedule to update this section of the
Zoning Code to allow HI uses in the LI district by Special Use permit. One key goal of the proposed regulations is to
expand the locations at which industrial business operations may occur subject to performance standards to mitigate
impacts. Accordingly, another key goal of the proposed regulations is to implement reasonable processes that assure that
public health and safety considerations are addressed but which are economical and expeditious given the proposed use.
BUDGETIMPACT:
No cost impact to the budget is expected, however, implementation is expected to result in increased business
activity which in turn can generate additional tax revenues. Review of special use permits, as with other zoning
applications, will involve a review fee to cover staff costs.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Adopt the Resolution of Intent to Amend the Zoning Ordinance (Attachment A).
Attachment A: Resolution of Intent
ATTACHMENT A
RESOLUTION OF INTENT
WHEREAS, one of the Objectives of the County's Economic Development Policy is to encourage infill
development of business and industrial uses in the Development Areas; and
WHEREAS, one of the strategies to achieve that Objective would be to expand the uses allowed in the Light
Industry zoning district by allowing heavy industry uses in the Light Industry zoning district by special use permit; and
WHEREAS, it is desired to amend the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance as provided hereinabove.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT for purposes of public necessity, convenience, general
welfare and good zoning practices, the Planning Commission hereby adopts a resolution of intent to amend Zoning
Ordinance § 27 and any other sections of the Zoning Ordinance determined to be appropriate to achieve the purposes
described herein; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the zoning text
amendment proposed by this resolution of intent, and make its recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, at the earliest
possible date.