Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update)

Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update) What is a Comprehensive Plan? The adopted official statement of a legislative body of a local government that sets forth (in words, maps illustrations, and /or tables) goals, policies, and guidelines intended to direct the present and future physical, social, and economic development that occurs within its planning jurisdiction and that includes a unified physical design for the public and private development of land and water.

How many years does a Comprehensive Plan consider?  Planning horizons can range from years.  20 years is the most commonly used timeframe.  The Amherst County Comprehensive Plan is from  By law, the comprehensive plan in Virginia shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission at least once every five years. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update)

Authority to Plan  Section through of the Code of Virginia.  The Planning Commission is charged with the responsibility of preparing and recommending a comprehensive plan to the Board of Supervisors for adoption. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update)

Community Participation  In 2003 Planning Commissioners, Board of Supervisors members and County staff began the formal planning process.  Approximately 200 citizens participated in as members of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update)

Plan Adoption  Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 27, 2007 and recommended approval on May 3,  Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on June 11, 2007 and adopted the plan on June 21, 2007.

Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update) Updating the Plan  Section  “At least once every five years the comprehensive plan shall be reviewed by the local planning commission to determine whether it is advisable to amend the plan.”

Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update) Updating the Plan  In 2011 added Mixed Use / Traditional Neighborhood Development as a Land Use (Urban Development Area)  In 2012 added Residential Mixed Use as a Land Use  “Old Town” Madison Heights

Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update) Current Updates  Updated tables, figures, maps, and analysis to reflect new data primarily from U.S. Census Bureau  Population  Employment  Income  Housing

Community Facilities  A total of fourteen (14) categories with goals, objectives and strategies are presented including descriptive summaries of specific service areas and facilities are addressed in this section.  These sections were updated based on comments from the respective departments and/or organizations and comments from the Planning Commission Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update)

Community Facilities 1. Public Water and Wastewater 2. Amherst County Watershed Protection Program 3. Solid Waste Management 4. Transportation 5. Public Education 6. Public Library Services 7. Parks and Recreation Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update)

Community Facilities 8. Law Enforcement 9. Public Safety 10. Housing 11. Social Services and Health Care 12. Economic Development 13. Information Technology and Broadband Services 14. Cultural Resources and Community Aesthetics Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update)

Transportation  This section was updated based on new requirements in State Code  Highlights of existing transportation conditions  Assessment of roadways, bridges, pedestrian facilities, bicycle facilities  Table of Transportation and Intersection Improvements  Consolidation of all relevant plans and recommendations Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update)

Land Use  Added Sliding Scale Zoning as a measure for Agriculture/Open Space Preservation  Limits the number of times a parcel can be split based on its size, i.e. the larger the parcel size the more splits that may occur  Consideration to adopt this zoning in the A-1 Agricultural Residential District Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update)

Future Land Use  Removed Agricultural General Amherst County Comprehensive Plan (Update)

1. Why do we Plan? The purpose of planning is to ensure that Amherst County’s excellent quality of life will continue. Throughout the planning process, county residents, business owners and community organizations have helped shape Amherst County’s future growth. Without planning, land use decisions are made on a private, individual basis without consideration of the consequences for all citizens who live in the community. Frequently Asked Questions

2. What is the Comprehensive Plan? Under § of the Code of Virginia, “The local planning commission shall prepare and recommend a comprehensive plan for the physical development of the territory within its jurisdiction and every governing body shall adopt a comprehensive plan for the territory under its jurisdiction.” The plan “shall be general in nature” in that it must show the approximate location of each feature shown (or discussed) in the Plan. Frequently Asked Questions

3. Where can I get a copy of the Comprehensive Plan? Copies of the Plan are available at the Amherst County Planning Department, and online at Frequently Asked Questions

4. Can the Comprehensive Plan be changed? Yes. The Code of Virginia mandates that the Comprehensive Plan be reviewed at least once every five years to determine whether it is advisable to amend the plan. Frequently Asked Questions