ZMA202200002 Review Comments Zoning Map Amendment 2022-04-19County of Albemarle
\;. Community Development Department - Planning Division
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Cameron Langille
FROM:
Kim Biasiolli
RE:
ZMA-2022-00002: Sieg Property Rezoning
DATE:
April 18, 2022
KIM BIASIOLLI
kb iasiol I i @al bemarl e.o rx
tel: 434-296-5832 ext. 3325
fax:434-972-4126
The following comments are provided to encourage the design of a development that protects important natural resources
identified within and adjacent to the site.
1. Approximately 27 ac of parcel 75-53 is part of a large forest block identified in the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP);
much of this will be disturbed and removed as part of the proposed development.
Recommendation: Use the County's Native Plant Database to select site -appropriate native trees for the
landscaping plan to help mitigate the impacts of this natural forest loss.
2. The NW corner of parcel 75-53 (approximately 0.6 ac) is part of the Ragged Mountains and Reservoir Important
Site. Important Sites are locally significant ecological areas identified in the BAP; the area also contains an
intermittent stream and critical slopes. The plan currently identifies the area as greenspace.
Recommendation: This area should remain undisturbed and in natural forest cover. The proposed trailway
identified in the Code of Development (Figure 5) should be a primitive nature trail only.
3. The Code of Development (2.5.2) - Buffers - states that "...removal and replacement of trees within the buffer
shall be allowed if the Director of Community Development determines that the existing tree or trees create a
substantial risk to people or property or the trees are diseased or dying." Because trees within the buffer, even
those that are diseased or dying, provide important ecological functions, their removal and replacement should be
avoided, especially along the Rt 29 buffer adjacent to Moore's Creek, unless posing a substantial risk to people or
property.
Recommendation: Revise section 2.5.5 of the Code to eliminate'or the trees are diseased or dying' from the
second to last sentence. If removal of trees is required, use the County's Native Plant Database to select site -
appropriate native trees for replacement.
4. Impacts to Moore's Creek due to the proximity of the parking lot to the floodplain area concern (shown as'H' on
Conceptual Plan Fig 4).
Recommendation: Consider relocation of the parking area to increase the width of the buffer to Moore's Creek to
200' from the top of the bank. Use permeable pavement for parking areas.
5. The proposed development could better protect the large forest block and adjacent natural areas from light
pollution by choosing Dark Sky Friendly outdoor lighting.
Recommendation: Minimize outdoor lighting impacts by:
a. Utilizing fully shielded fixtures;
b. Ensuring all outdoor fixtures have a color temperature of 3000K or less; and
c. Dimming and/or turning off outdoor lights between 10 PM - 5 AM.
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