Not Enough Involvement

Not Enough Involvement

“We had citizen involvement but not as much as we probably should have had since the Board of Supervisors made substantial modifications (to the Planning Commission’s proposals)," McNear reported. Citizen response at the last minute, described by McNear as a “blitzkreig behind the scenes” sparked the Supervisors to hold an early Saturday morning meeting where they made changes to the proposed comprehensive plan revisions.

"My title is director of planning and zoning but that’s a misnomer,” continued McNear. “The director is the Board of Supervisors. The planning Commission is only advisory. The Board is the one that votes aye, nay or maybe. The citizens, through their Board, dictate what the comprehensive plan and the zoning and subdivision ordinances look like.’’

A comprehensive plan contains more than zoning and subdivision ordinances, according to McNear. “There are required studies that must be made. In the main, a comprehensive plan is a document that is the legal basis for the zoning and subdivision ordinances containing the reasons and rationale for the various zoning districts and regulations."

Without a plan, “Rappahannock’s ordinances—be they good or bad—are fairly suspect from legal challenge,” McNear contended.

In formulating a comprehensive plan, McNear said, the needs of all citizens must be taken into consideration. "Thirty percent of Rappahannock's resident population lives below the poverty level. This problem must be addressed," he said.

“The comprehensive plan must relate to the ability to provide services—fire, rescue, solid waste disposal, and above all, schools,” McNear continued. He advised planning for “only what is wanted” because "the courts have said if you plan for it, be prepared to provide for it."

“Until Chapter 11 (the section of the Virginia Code