Comment on Warren Comp Plan

Good news. Warren County residents have a little more time to read through the final draft of the comprehensive plan and provide feedback. There will be a three minute open comment period at the Dec. 11 planning commission meeting and they will also make the decision to hold the second public hearing in January 2025 before it moves to the board of supervisors.

At the November 13 planning commission meeting, members decided to table the issue, to allow for more time to incorporate comments received at the outreach meeting and public hearing and to give more time for the public to review the document and provide feedback.

The planning staff and commission members did a great job getting the draft plan to this stage but we think there is still room for improvement, specifically in the following areas:

A better approach to the concern about housing: The draft plan references the need for more housing as well as options for affordable housing options. The plan also states that new housing should be focused in and around the Town of Front Royal and then points to ADUs or accessory dwelling units (a second dwelling with its own well and septic on the same parcel as the primary dwelling) as the solution to create more housing options.

We question whether ADUs are the most effective approach to address the need for housing. And in fact, we are concerned that without proper guardrails in place, ADUs could ultimately lead to more residential development in the rural areas undermining the long-shared goals of protecting open space and agricultural character.

To better address the need for new housing options, we suggest a comprehensive look at all the approaches to expand housing options, especially focusing on options to create new housing near existing infrastructure. We would also suggest an update to the zoning ordinance to include specific guidelines on setbacks, square footage, minimum lot size, and other appropriate specifics for ADU’s.

Adjustments to the proposed Rt. 340/522 Corridor: The new future land use map proposes changing the zoning of a 141-acre agricultural parcel just north of the Family Dollar distribution center to industrial. This parcel should remain agricultural and not rezoned. This land encompasses open space providing an important separation between the industrial Rt. 340/522 Corridor District and the rural area to the north and east.

We have been working hard together for almost two years and these final changes can ensure Warren County adopts a plan that best incorporates the community’s shared values and vision.

It is important for Warren County residents to get comments in as soon as possible in order for them to be considered, even if it’s to say you support the update. You can submit email comments to your planning commission member, supervisor and planning staff.