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In the debate over Agricultural and Forestry Districts that began here last spring, opponents seized as a rallying point the impact that use value taxation allowed in the districts will have on the county’s tax base.
According to the commissioner of revenue’s projections, that “impact” is one cent on the current levy. But even if it were much more, the cost would have to be weighed against the benefits that Agricultural and Forestry Districts bring, benefits that are underscored in a ruling handed down by Judge Thomas Home last month in a Fauquier County case. Home’s decision shows that ag districts can buttress development controls, a lesson important to a populace united behind the effort to preserve Rappahannock County’s unique rural character and scenic beauty.
The case at issue, Costello, et al v. Board of Supervisors of Fauquier County, involved a challenge to the board’s actions in downzoning a 22.5 acre tract at Old Tavern from commercial to residential.
In a 15-page opinion rendered on June 22, Judge Home upheld the county’s actions. His findings give great support to well-reasoned long term planning and zoning on the local level. He cited several points as reasoning for his decision, points that Rappahannock’s planning commissioners would be well advised to go over as part of their review and revision of zoning and subdivision ordinances here. One point in particular, however, offers a counter argument
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