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History of the District
The
Orlean/Hume Agricultural and Forestal District was
originally created in 1981 and was last renewed by the Board
of Supervisors, effective January 20, 1997, for an eight
year period, which expires on January 20, 2005. The District
currently consists of 82 parcels and totals approximately
7,563 acres.
Property
The
applicants have requested the addition of two parcels
totaling 31.01 acres to the District. The applicants
indicate this property is utilized for a part-time owner
occupied farm, but have provided no detailed information on
the farming activity. The larger parcel has two houses on
the property, as well as a paddock shelter, stable, and pole
equipment shed. The smaller parcel has no structures located
on it. Review of the parcel indicates that the sites are
partially wooded with gently rolling terrain. These parcels
are located on Ernest Robinson Road and are zoned Rural
Agriculture.
One of the
parcels proposed for inclusion contains less than 25 acres.
In 1990, the Board of Supervisors adopted a policy stating
that parcels which are less than 25 acres will not be
permitted within an agricultural and forestal district.
However, a landowner may request an exemption from this
policy, for reasons to include:
- The
subject property is under an open space easement; and/or
- The
subject property is part of a working farm and under the
same ownership, or family ownership, of other lands
which are currently a working farm and are in or being
added to an Agricultural and Forestal District.
The
applicant has provided no information or justification
regarding the 1.01-acre parcel; however, staff would note
that it is contiguous to the larger parcel.
Standards
The Code of Virginia, Section 15.2-4306, establishes the
following factors to be considered in evaluating an
application for an agricultural and forestal district:
1.
The agricultural and forestal significance of land
within the district or addition and in areas adjacent
thereto;
2.
The presence of any significant agricultural lands or
significant forestal lands within the District and in areas
adjacent thereto that are not now in active agricultural or
forestal production;
3.
The nature and extent of land uses other than active
farming or forestry within the District and in areas
adjacent thereto;
4.
Local development patterns and needs;
5.
The comprehensive plan and, if applicable, the zoning
regulations;
6.
The environmental benefits of retaining the lands in
the district for agricultural and forestal uses; and
7.
Any other matter which may be relevant.
Agricultural and Forestal Advisory Board and Planning
Commission Review
The
Agricultural and Forestal Advisory Board and the Planning
Commission have both met to review this application. These
bodies are charged with advising the Board of Supervisors
regarding the potential impacts of additions/withdrawals to
Agricultural and Forestal Districts.
The
Agricultural and Forestal Advisory Board and the Planning
Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve
this request with the following conditions:
- If any
portion of the parcel less than 25 acres is boundary
line adjusted or divided, then the entire parcel shall
be removed from the District;
- If any
portion of the parcel greater than 25 acres is boundary
line adjusted or divided to below 25 acres, then the
portion less than 25 acres shall be removed from the
District; and
- Should
the 1.01-acre parcel be sold, it will automatically be
removed from the District.
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