Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027

1. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan2007-2027 (Update)

2. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(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.

3. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(Update) How many years does a Comprehensive Plan consider? • Planning horizons can range from 20 -50 years. • 20 years is the most commonly used timeframe. • The Amherst County Comprehensive Plan is from 2007-2027. • By law, the comprehensive plan in Virginia shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission at least once every five years.

4. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(Update) Authority to Plan • Section 15.2-2223 through 15.2-2232 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.

5. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(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).

6. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(Update) Plan Adoption • Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 27, 2007 and recommended approval on May 3, 2007. • Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on June 11, 2007 and adopted the plan on June 21, 2007.

7. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(Update) Updating the Plan • Section 15.2-2230 • “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.”

8. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(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

9. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(Update) Current Updates • Updated tables, figures, maps, and analysis to reflect new data primarily from U.S. Census Bureau • Population • Employment • Income • Housing

10. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(Update) 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

11. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(Update) Community Facilities • Public Water and Wastewater • Amherst County Watershed Protection Program • Solid Waste Management • Transportation • Public Education • Public Library Services • Parks and Recreation

12. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(Update) Community Facilities • Law Enforcement • Public Safety • Housing • Social Services and Health Care • Economic Development • Information Technology and Broadband Services • Cultural Resources and Community Aesthetics

13. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(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

14. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(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

15. Amherst County Comprehensive Plan 2007-2027(Update) Future Land Use • Removed Agricultural General

16. Frequently Asked Questions • 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.

17. Frequently Asked Questions 2. What is the Comprehensive Plan? Under §15.2-2223 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.

18. 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 www.countyofamherst.com.

19. 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.