Zoning changes discussed during Franklin Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission joint meeting

The Franklin County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission convened a joint work meeting on May 13 to review proposed revisions to the county's 1988 zoning ordinances. Rebecca Cobb and Cecile Gaines, representatives from The Berkley Group, presented an updated draft that incorporated feedback from extensive public engagement following complaints about an initial draft released in March. The Berkley Group was originally contracted in July 2024 to help update the county's zoning laws. Key areas addressed in the revisions include the preservation of agricultural land and the expansion of housing opportunities. Cobb explained that the revised draft aims for user-friendliness, modernization, and compliance with the Code of Virginia requirements. Sections of Franklin County that are currently unzoned or already zoned will not be impacted by these specific changes. Earlier suggestions, such as a minimum of 10 acres for the A-1 agriculture zone and a special A-2 zone for two-acre parcels, along with regulations on farming and livestock sales, had generated negative feedback from local farmers. The revised draft is considering eliminating the proposed A-2 zone, allowing smaller parcels to remain agricultural and enabling larger parcel owners to subdivide land for family farming. Residential agriculture on smaller parcels was also suggested, and setback regulations for animal shelter structures will be altered. Other recommendations included redefining "waterway" to "wetlands" and addressing silviculture, potentially leading to more protected land designation. While no data centers are currently proposed for Franklin County, the article notes that they remain a controversial issue due to their extensive energy and water consumption. New state legislative standards now require more thorough research for "High Energy Use Facilities" like data centers, including projected water and power use, cooling facilities, emergency procedures, design standards, and air quality testing, which can be incorporated into local zoning regulations. A public hearing to gather further feedback on all zoning issues is scheduled for July 21.