Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions from property owners in the Rural Policy Area of Loudoun County who have received a letter from the Board of Supervisors, dated May 18, 2006, about an upcoming public hearing in June on rural zoning proposals.

I received a similar letter in January. Why am I getting another one?

The Code of Virginia requires a public hearing before the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors prior to acting upon a proposal to rezone properties or change the policies of the General Plan. The letter in January was notification of the Planning Commission's public hearing. This letter is notification of the Board of Supervisors' public hearing.

Do I have to attend both public hearing sessions before the Board of Supervisors if I want to comment on the proposed amendments to the General Plan or the proposed remapping and text amendments?

No, you do not have to attend both sessions; however, you are welcome to.

If I cannot attend the public hearing sessions are there other ways I can let the Board know my views?

Yes. You can send an e-mail to the county or contact your member of the Board of Supervisors or the Chairman, who represents the county at-large. Information on how to contact the Board of Supervisors is online here.

My property is already fully developed (for example; a dwelling in a rural hamlet). How does this change affect me?

There is no direct impact upon your property. The proposed amendments would still allow you to enjoy your property as a residence.

If I have a vacant lot that is legally recorded can I still build on it?

As a general rule, yes; as long as you can meet all the other requirements of the Zoning Ordinance (some uses may have minimum size requirements, must meet setbacks, etc.) and other Loudoun County regulations such as the provision of water and sewer (well and septic).

The letter says that there is a proposed overlay district (e.g. Historic District, Floodplain, Mountainside, Airport Noise, Village). Does this mean something has changed on my property?

No. The "proposed" overlay district is actually the existing overlay district. With the exception of the Village Overlay District, most of these districts were established in the late 1980s. The listing of the overlay districts is a reaffirmation of the district.

How many acres do I need to subdivide my lot?

That depends upon the proposed zoning district. If you are in the Agricultural Rural-1 (AR-1) District, you will need 20 acres. If you are in the Agricultural Rural-2 (AR-2) District, you will need 40 acres.