Henrico Planning Commission endorses 2045 Comprehensive Plan, zoning rule changes
At its July 9 meeting, the Henrico Planning Commission recommended approval of the draft 2045 Comprehensive Plan, known as “HenricoNext.” This version includes revisions made in response to review by the Virginia Department of Transportation and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, as well as 40 revisions suggested by Henrico residents.
The most significant change made, which came in response to community feedback, would alter the maximum allowed density for the Prime Agricultural/Rural Conservation or “PA/RC” designation from one residential unit per 5 acres to one residential unit per 1 to 5 acres.
Henrico officials also have agreed to study minimum lot sizes and standards as part of implementing the designation.
The commission also recommended approval of a series of changes to the county’s zoning ordinances. A proposed new “A-2” zoning district has been removed to allow for further study. The A-2 designation was, “intended to maintain a lower-density rural character in specific parts of the county by increasing minimum lot size and width requirements for new subdivisions.”
The change would be designed to help keep residential development in those areas from becoming too dense, according to planners.
“One of the major points of discussion has been how to preserve the rural character of Varina while respecting land owner rights, and I think we’ve made good progress over the last several weeks in trying to achieve a balance of those interests,” said Three Chopt Commissioner Bob Shippee, though he added that “we need further study on this issue to be sure we get it right.”
The studies of the new PA/RC and A-2 zoning designations aim to address that desire.
The HenricoNEXT plan and proposed zoning changes next will go before the Henrico Board of Supervisors at its July 28 meeting.
At the commission's July 9 meeting, it also recommended three development proposals for approval by the board of supervisors:
• A proposal to rezone 26 acres in Varina on Beckley Road, next to I-295, to build single-family homes. The recommendation came despite the opposition of several nearby residents, who were concerned about the impact of more development on the Chickahominy River, the water table, potential flooding, and area wildlife.
• A request for a provisional use permit to bring “Occasions Too!” (an events space in the Newbridge Square Shopping Center on Nine Mile Road in the Varina District) into compliance with the zoning code. The permit includes multiple changes to address safety concerns, lasts for one year, and caps operating hours at 10 p.m.. The owners can return after that time and seek an extension of their operating hours to allow for events that run later into the night.
• A proposal to demolish the Masonic Lodge in Brookland on Bethlehem Road next to its intersection with Dickens Road. The owners then would build a larger lodge hall on the site.
These three proposals are scheduled to receive a final decision from the board of supervisors at its August 11 meeting.
