On the agenda: Harrisonburg meeting — data center (Jul 7)

County of Rockingham

Rachel A. Salatin
Director

Department of Community Development
Planning Commission Meeting Agenda
July 7, 2026
Board Meeting Room at 6:00 p.m.

1) Call to Order – Chairman Rohrer
2) Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation – Commissioner Harvey
3) Approval of Minutes of June 2, 2026, Regular Meeting
4) Public Hearing
Rezoning Request
REZ26-0759 Lord & Haile LLC (Orchard Ridge Apartments) requests to rezone approximately
2.698 acres from A-2 (General Agricultural) to PMF (Planned Multi-Family). The property is
located at the corner of Jim Britt Way (Rt. 704) and Spotswood Trail (US 33). Tax Map # 125A-199, 125-A-200, and a portion of 125-A-205. Election District 3.
Ordinance Amendments
OA26-0886 Staff generated ordinance amendment to table 17-606, Land Use and Zoning
table, and section 17-607, Supplemental Standards for Certain Land Uses, to amend the land
use permissions and supplemental standards for the use "dwelling, manufactured home” to
comply with state code.
OA26-0888 Staff generated ordinance to section 17-607, Supplemental Standards for Certain
Land Uses, to amend the supplemental standards for the uses large solar energy facility and
small solar energy facility to comply with state code.
OA26-0887 Staff generated ordinance amendment to table 17-606, Land Use and Zoning
Table, and section 17-607, Supplemental Standards for Certain Land Uses, to amend the
supplemental standards for the use data center and create supplemental standards for the
use heavy industry to comply with state code.
OA26-0800 Staff generated ordinance amendment to section 17-707.04 and table 17-707.04
Signs as Permitted Uses, to establish additional sign regulations and criteria applicable to the
Business Interchange (BX) zoning district.
5) Unfinished Business – None.
6) New Business – None.
7) Ongoing Business
a. City Planning Commission Liaison Report: June 10 – Commissioner Sheets
b. Upcoming City Planning Commission Liaison Report: July 8 – Commissioner Harvey
8) Staff Report Overview
9) Adjournment

20 East Gay Street Harrisonburg, VA 22802 | (540) 564-3030 | rockinghamcountyva.gov

PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
June 2, 2026
The Rockingham County Planning Commission met on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in the Board of Supervisors
Room in the Rockingham County Administration Center. The following members were present: Chairman
Jordan Rohrer, Commissioner Kevin Flint, Commissioner David Curfman, and Commissioner Keith Sheets.
The following staff members were present: Director of Community Development Rachel Salatin, Zoning
Administrator Kelly Getz, Deputy Zoning Administrator Daniel Barnett, County Attorney Tom Miller, Senior
Planner Kayla Yankey, Planner Julia Cottrell, Deed and Subdivision Reviewer Donna Jenkins, Building
Inspector Josh Harris and Secretary Jackie White.
Chairman Rohrer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Commissioner Sheets provided the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
On motion by Commissioner Sheets, seconded by Commissioner Flint, and carried by a roll call vote of 4
to 0, voting recorded as follows, Curfman Aye; Flint Aye; Rohrer Aye; Sheets Aye; the Planning Commission
approved the minutes of the May 5, 2026, regular meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS.
Ms. Yankey presented the following request:
AFD26-0594 Rockingham County to amend Chapter 17, Zoning Ordinance, Article 5, Overlay Districts,
Section 505 Keezletown North Agricultural and Forest District, and Section 506, Keezletown South
Agricultural and Forestal District, to combine the districts into one Keezletown Agricultural and Forestal
District and to renew the district.
Commissioner Sheets requested clarification of the conditions of the Keezletown districts.
Ms. Yankey explained that the property owners voluntarily offer their own conditions, but the conditions
can be modified by the board during a term renewal period.
Commissioner Sheets asked if the property owners that withdrew from the district were still subject to
the conditions.
Ms. Yankey replied that if a property owner withdraws from the district, they would no longer be subject
to the conditions.
Chairman Rohrer opened the public hearing at 6:07 p.m.
Seeing as there was no one to speak in favor or opposition to the ordinance amendment, Chairman Rohrer
closed the public hearing at 6:07 p.m.
Planning Commission, June 2, 2026
1|Page

On motion by Commissioner Curfman, seconded by Commissioner Sheets, and carried by a roll call vote
of 4 to 0, voting recorded as follows, Flint Aye; Rohrer Aye; Sheets Aye; Curfman Aye; the ordinance was
recommended for approval.

Ms. Cottrell presented the following request:
OA26-0693 Staff generated ordinance amendment to Rockingham County Code, Chapter 17 (Zoning
Ordinance), Section 17-402.05, Planned Single Family (PSF) to amend the common area requirements for
certain projects.
Commissioner Curfman asked if the amendment would only apply to the PSF district, or all planned
districts.
Ms. Cottrell replied that it would only apply to the PSF district and that the district was intentionally
chosen because it does not have a minimum acreage requirement, while the other planned districts do.
Commissioner Curfman asked what concern was being addressed by the ordinance amendment.
Ms. Cottrell stated that the conventional districts contain strict dimensional requirements such as
minimum lot-width and road frontage requirements. These requirements create scenarios in which
irregular lots cannot subdivide to allow for the creation of additional dwelling units on separate parcels.
The proposed change would allow owners of irregular R-1, R-2, and R-3 lots that are within the growth
boundary to rezone to PSF and have an option to construct up to two dwellings without needing to create
a Property Owner’s Association to manage common area.
Chairman Rohrer opened the public hearing at 6:15 p.m.
Seeing as there was no one to speak in favor or opposition to the ordinance amendment, Chairman Rohrer
closed the public hearing at 6:15 p.m.
On motion by Commissioner Sheets, seconded by Commissioner Flint, and carried by a roll call vote of 4
to 0, voting recorded as follows, Flint Aye; Curfman Aye; Rohrer Aye; Sheets Aye; the ordinance was
recommended for approval.

Mr. Getz presented the following request:

OA26-0756 Staff generated ordinance amendment to amend and recodify the Rockingham County Code,
Chapter 16 (Subdivision of Land). The amendments clarify when exceptions to the Subdivision of Land
Ordinance are permissible, and the application of the waiting period for non-family divisions.

Commissioner Sheets requested clarification that the black lettering in the draft ordinance represented
reformatting within the ordinance and the red lettering represented changes.
Mr. Getz noted that the items in red represented substantive changes to the ordinance, rather than
formatting changes.
Mr. Miller added that redundant passages were removed, which makes the subdivision ordinance cleaner.
Planning Commission, June 2, 2026
2|Page

Commissioner Sheets stated that A-1 parcels under 40 acres are not eligible for division. He asked what
the rationale was behind choosing the number ‘40’ for this purpose.
Mr. Miller stated that he believed it to be related to the minimum acreage required to effectively farm.
Commissioner Sheets requested clarification regarding grantor to self-divisions. Specifically, that an
individual may only do one a lifetime regardless of the number of properties the individual owns within
the county.
Mr. Getz confirmed that to be correct.
Commissioner Sheets asked if it was the individual that is prohibited from further grantor to self-divisions
or is the property also prohibited from future grantor to self-divisions?
Mr. Getz responded that the restrictions run with the property as well.
Mr. Miller added that the intention of the ordinance was to prevent large parcels from being divided into
smaller parcels.
Commissioner Sheets requested clarification that agricultural divisions under the subdivision ordinance
are not of right.
Mr. Getz and Mr. Miller confirmed and stated that agricultural divisions were never of right under the
subdivision ordinance and the new language is intended to clarify that.
Commissioner Rohrer and Commissioner Flint requested clarification that a court order or a will would
allow an individual to divide their land as they wish.
Mr. Miller responded that localities are required by state code to approve subdivisions mandated by court
orders.
Chairman Rohrer opened the public hearing at 6:30 p.m.
Seeing as there was no one to speak in favor or opposition to the ordinance amendment, Chairman Rorher
closed the public hearing at 6:30 p.m.
On motion by Commissioner Curfman, seconded by Commissioner Sheets, and carried by a roll call vote
of 4 to 0, voting recorded as follows, Flint Aye; Rohrer Aye; Curfman Aye; Sheets Aye; the ordinance was
recommended for approval.

NEW BUSINESS.
Commissioner Flint reminded his fellow commissioners to submit mileage reports to Ms. Salatin.
ONGOING BUSINESS.
Planning Commission, June 2, 2026
3|Page

A. City Planning Commission Liaison Report
Commissioner Curfman provided an overview of the agenda items from May 13, 2026, Harrisonburg City
Planning Commission Meeting.
B. Upcoming City Planning Commission Liaison Report
Commissioner Sheets is the liaison for the June 10, 2026, Harrisonburg City Planning Commission Meeting.
STAFF REPORT OVERVIEW.
Ms. Salatin reiterated the need for the mileage reports and shared that the July 21, 2026, work session
will be a joint session with the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission, and will take place
from 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Ms. Salatin introduced new building inspector, Josh Harris.
ADJOURNMENT.
Having no further business, the Commission adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

Minutes approved by the Commission on _____________________, 2026 by:
________________________________
Jordan Rohrer, Chairman
________________________________
Jackie White, Secretary

Planning Commission, June 2, 2026
4|Page

County of Rockingham

Rachel A. Salatin
Director

Department of Community Development

Rezoning Case Report: REZ26-0759
Applicant
Location
Stone Spring Urban
Development Area
Plan Designation
Tax Map #
Present Zoning
Proposed Zoning
Acreage
Election District
Planning
Commission Action
Board of
Supervisors Action

Lord & Haile LLC (Orchard Ridge Apartments)
Located at the corner of Jim Britt Way (Rt 704) and Spotswood
Trail (US 33)
Neighborhood Center within the Stone Ridge Area
125-A-199, 125-A-200, and a portion of 125-A-205
A-2 - General Agricultural District
PMF - Planned Multi-Family District
2.698
3
Scheduled for July 7, 2026
Tentatively scheduled for August 26, 2026

General Information

Overview and Background
The applicant requests to rezone approximately 2.698 acres from A-2 (General Agricultural) to PMF (Planned MultiFamily). The proposed Master Plan includes 5 apartment buildings, consisting of 60 two-bedroom units. The property
is accessed from Boyers Road and interconnects to the Ridgeview Townhouse development for access to US 33.
A portion of tax map 125-A-205, 2,550 square feet, will remain zoned A-2 with the intent to incorporate this area into
the existing platted lots of the Ridgeview Townhomes Subdivision, through a future rezoning.

Staff and Agency Analysis

Planning and Zoning
Stone Spring Urban Development Area Plan
This site is located within the Stone Ridge area of the Stone Spring Urban Development Area Plan, designated as a T-4
Neighborhood Center transect zone. The T-4 zone consists of higher density mixed-use buildings that accommodate
residential (such as townhouses and apartments) and commercial (such as offices and retail). The T-4 has a compact
network of neighborhood streets, with consistent sidewalks, street tree plantings, and buildings placed close to the
sidewalks and streets. Development is organized around neighborhood parks within a 1/4-mile walk.
Zoning Ordinance
The Planned Multi-Family (PMF) district provides residential opportunities, common area, and commercial
opportunities in a clustered development. The zoning ordinance requires the PMF district to be located in urban growth
areas as designated in the comprehensive plan or any other plan adopted by the county.
Engineering
If the rezoning is approved, the proposed project will require a fully engineered site plan to be submitted for review
and approval prior to issuance of building permit.
Environmental
If the rezoning is approved, the proposed project will require engineered Erosion & Sediment Control and Stormwater
Management Plans.
Building Services
Construction plans must be submitted for review and approval to the building division for permitting prior to beginning
any construction.
Fire
This request is located within the Port Republic Road Emergency Response Station and the Harrisonburg Volunteer
Rescue Squad's response areas. The Fire Marshal's Office has no concerns with the proposed rezoning request.
Public Works
With the current topography of the property, it is unknown if the accessible Ridgeview Townhomes manhole is at an
elevation conducive with serving the proposed Orchard Ridge development with any gravity connections. Further
engineering will be required to establish accessibility to the existing gravity system. The applicant is proposing to install
a private sewer pump station and force main to be used temporarily until gravity sewer infrastructure becomes
available along Boyers Road.
The long-standing policy, adopted by the Board of Supervisors, is that there be no net gain of sewer pump stations.
While the Plan Description states the private pump station will be temporary, there is no assurance of the timeline that
the connection to gravity sewer will occur. Additionally, the Plan Description states that the HOA will own and maintain
the private pump station and force main; however, there is concern that in the future, when conditions deteriorate,
the expectation will be that the County will take over repair and operation of the pump station, effectively violating
the Board’s policy of no net gain. Permitting this pump station may set a precedent encouraging additional “private”
pump station in the future. Public Works prefers that a gravity flow solution be found for the entirety of the project.
A private gravity sewer, pump station, and force main system may be required to serve this property under the current
conditions. If a private system is approved, it will be owned by the developer and will be required to have private

easements as well as a maintenance agreement. The system will be required to be designed and constructed to
Rockingham County standards.
Rockingham County Public Schools (RCPS)
This property is located in the Spotswood High School attendance district. A project of 60 apartment units is estimated
to generate an additional 12 students at Cub Run Elementary School, 6 students at Montevideo Middle School, and 8
students at Spotswood High School. The cumulative impact of this project, along with other recently approved
developments, will place significant pressure on RCPS resources—particularly at the elementary school level. To
address this impact, student redistricting or the construction of a new elementary school will be necessary.
Additionally, expansions at both the middle and high schools may be required if redistricting does not take place.
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
VDOT has no concerns with the proposed rezoning request. During site plan review, VDOT will review to ensure the
plan meets all applicable state standards. Should the use or safety of the property change in the future, VDOT reserves
the right to require additional improvements as necessary at that time.

Considerations
Stone Spring Urban Development Area (UDA) Plan
In the T-4 Neighborhood Center transect zone, buildings are intended to be placed close to the sidewalks and streets
with parking placed behind the buildings. The Master Plan proposes two of the five apartment buildings along US 33
to have shallow setbacks with parking to the rear of the buildings. A shared use path and street trees are proposed
along the frontage and western side of the project.
Use and Density
The T-4 Neighborhood Center transect zone consists of higher density development, such as apartments. This use is
consistent with the goals of the T-4 transect zone. The PMF zoning district allows a maximum of 32 apartment units
per gross acre; this project proposes 22.
Private Pump Station
The applicant is proposing to install a temporary private sewer pump station and force main until gravity sewer
infrastructure becomes available along Boyers Road. While the Plan Description states the private pump station will be
temporary, there is no assurance of the timeline for when the connection to gravity sewer will occur. This uncertainty
creates concern about the long-term management and maintenance of the pump station, especially since the Board of
Supervisors has a policy against increasing the net number of sewer pump stations in the county.
Rockingham County Public School (RCPS) Capacity
The addition of 60 apartment units is projected to result in an increase of students at Cub Run Elementary, Montevideo
Middle, and Spotswood High School, with elementary schools expected to experience the most pressure.
Transportation
This development’s access to Boyers Road contributes to the traffic generated at the intersection of Boyers Road and
Stone Spring Road. An improvement for a traffic signal at the intersection of Boyers Road and Stone Spring Road is within
the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2027. A portion of the funding has been contributed by other
proposed developments along Boyers Road that will contribute to traffic generation, and the remaining balance would
be paid for by the County.
Common Area
The proposed master plan includes open green space. Common area is intended to be usable passive or active
recreational space; specific uses of the common area are not identified on the Master Plan. The PMF zoning district
requires a minimum of 15% of the project area to be dedicated as common area.

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OA26-0886
ORDINANCE AMENDING
SECTIONS 17-606 AND 17-607
OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
OF
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY,
VIRGINIA:
That table 17-606 Land Use and Zoning table be and hereby is amended as follows:
P: Permitted;
SU: Special
Use; A:
Permitted
Accessory;
Asterisk *:
Supplemental
Standards
Apply
Dwelling,
manufactured
home

Table 17-606. Land Use and Zoning Table

R
P P
M M M
P P
A- A- R
R- R- RP R- RB- B- B
I- PI SRS M
H- H X
C M
1 2 V
1 2 3
G 4 5
1 2 X
1 D 1
1
F F
1 P U
D R

S
U
P* P* P* * P* P* P* P*

P* P* P* P*

P P
* *

P*

P*

All other parts of Table 17-606 are re-affirmed.
That the following land use in Section 17-607 supplemental standards for certain land uses
be and hereby are enacted as follows:
Dwelling, manufactured home
(a) All manufactured homes shall display a HUD seal of approval or the seal of a testing
facility approved by the Commonwealth of Virginia. All manufactured homes shall meet the
plumbing, electrical, building, and anchoring requirements of the Uniform Statewide
Building Code.

OA26-0886
(b ) All manufactured homes shall be completely skirted.
(c) (a) All devices designed for the transportation of the unit shall be removed or
completely concealed by the skirting.
(d) (b) Manufactured homes shall only be used for residential single-family dwelling
purposes, except that manufactured homes may be used as offices on a manufactured
home dealer's lot and as an office in a manufactured home park or mixed home
subdivision by the park owner or manager of the park or subdivision.
(e) (c) Manufactured homes shall be neither used for storage buildings nor stored on
property except on manufactured home sales lots approved by the county.
(f) (d) No manufactured home shall be moved onto any lot, whether in a park, subdivision,
or on private land without first obtaining proper permits from the county.
(g) Gasoline, liquefied petroleum, gas, or oil storage tanks shall be so installed as to
comply with all county, state, and federal fire prevention and protection regulations.
(h) All structures accessory to a manufactured home, whether in a park, subdivision, or on
private land, erected or constructed after October 1, 2014, shall meet the following
requirements:
(1) All porches, decks, or other accessory structures shall meet the requirements of
the Uniform Statewide Building Code, and the proper permits shall be obtained.
(2) Any accessory structure placed on a manufactured home lot shall be accessory
only to the manufactured home.
(3) At a minimum, a four (4) foot by four (4) foot landing shall be required at each
door and shall be in place prior to final inspection and occupancy of the home.
(i) (e) For the purpose of this chapter, any home constructed prior to 1976, known as a
mobile home, shall meet the same requirements as a manufactured home.
(f) In the RV, RR-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, PSF, PG, R-4, R-5, MXU, and PMR districts, the following
standards shall apply:
(1) Manufactured homes must be converted to real property in accordance with
State Code section 46.2-653.1, and;

OA26-0886
(2) Manufactured homes must be constructed so that the certificate of occupancy
is issued within five years following the date of manufacture listed on the home’s
data plate, and;
(3) Manufactured homes must be placed on individual lots.
All other portions of Section 17-607 are reaffirmed.

OA26-0886
This ordinance shall be effective from the ____ day of ___________, 2026.
Adopted the ____ day of ____________, 2026.

Aye

Nay

Abstain

Absent

Supervisor Ritchie
District 1
Supervisor Wolfe-Garrison
District 2
Supervisor Dale
District 3
Supervisor Longcor
District 4
Supervisor Hensley
District 5

________________________________
Leila Longcor
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors
ATTESTE:
_______________________
Casey Armstrong
County Administrator

OA26-0888
ORDINANCE AMENDING
SECTION 17-607
OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
OF
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY,
VIRGINIA:
That the following land use in Section 17-607. Supplemental standards for certain land
uses be and hereby are enacted as follows:

Section 17-607 Supplemental standards for certain land uses.
Solar energy facility, large.
(a) Ground-mounted:
(1) Aggregate cap: Commencing on November 17, 2021, and continuing until
amended by the board of supervisors, no more than one thousand eight hundred
(1,800) acres, in aggregate, may be approved for large solar energy facilities by
special use permit .
(2) Per-site cap: Except as provided immediately below, no more than fifty (50) acres
may be approved for an individual large solar energy facility permitted by special use
permit on land zoned A-1, A-2, RV, RR-1, PG, B-1, and B-2. This 50-acre per-site cap
does not apply to ground-mounted large solar energy facilities proposed to be
located in planned development zoning districts, industrial zoning districts, or
public service districts. Newly proposed large solar facilities shall be located in near
proximity to the demonstrated need based on intended customers. Newly proposed
large solar facilities shall be placed no closer to a pre-existing large solar facility
than necessary to serve those intended customers. Need may be demonstrated by
indicia such as, but not limited to, subscriber interest shown at the community
meeting.

OA26-0888
(3) Exception: Up to twenty-five (25) percent of the one thousand eight hundred
(1,800) acre aggregate cap, or four hundred fifty (450) acres, may be occupied by
large solar facilities that are comprised of more than fifty (50) acres per site, up to a
maximum per-site acreage of one hundred fifty (150) acres.
(4)(1) The acreage "occupied" by a large solar facility shall be as shown on the site
plan approved by the board as part of the special use permit. The site plan
submitted with the application shall show a perimeter line around the area
proposed to be occupied by the facility and shall include an acreage calculation for
the area within the perimeter. Area calculations shall not be based upon the size of
individual panels multiplied by the number of panels.
(5) (2)Setbacks for a large solar energy facility shall be measured from nearest edge
of the equipment. For the purposes of this subsection, ‘equipment’ is limited to
solar panels, racking equipment, and inverters. Required setbacks are as follows
requiring a special use permit:
a. When two (2) acres to thirty (30) acres of land, inclusive, are occupied by a
solar energy facility, all above-ground infrastructure shall be no less than one
hundred (100) feet from property lines and no less than two hundred (200)
feet from existing dwellings, reduceable by notarized consent from an
adjoining property owner. Setbacks are not required among and between
participating landowners' parcels.
b. When more than thirty (30) acres of land are occupied by a solar energy
facility, all above-ground infrastructure shall be no less than one hundred
fifty (150) feet from property lines and shall be no less than two hundred fifty
(250) feet from any existing dwellings, reduceable by notarized consent from
an adjoining property owner. Setbacks are not required among and between
participating landowners' parcels.
c. Transformers shall be set back one hundred fifty (150) feet from property
lines.
a. Two-hundred (200) feet from the nearest point on the outer wall of existing
occupied community buildings and dwellings on non-participating
properties;
b. One hundred (100) feet from the outside edge of the roadbed of any road
abutting the property;

OA26-0888
c. Seventy-five (75) feet from the nearest shared property line for
nonparticipating properties;
d. For projects not greater than twenty-five (25) megawatts, fifty (50) feet
from the top of the bank of perennial streams and from the edge of non-tidal
wetlands.
e. For projects greater than twenty-five (25) megawatts, one-hundred (100)
feet from the top of the bank of perennial streams and from the edge of nontidal wetlands.
f. Setbacks are reduceable by notarized consent from an adjoining property
owner.
(6) Setbacks for a large solar energy facility installed over impervious surfaces, shall
be set back ten (10) feet from public and private roads and streets.
(7) (3) Community meeting:
a. No more than six (6) months prior to the submittal of a special use permit
application for a large solar energy facility, the applicant shall hold a meeting
to inform the community about the proposed facility. This meeting shall be
open to the public and held at such a time and day as to maximize
attendance from the public.
b. Notice of the date, time, and location of the meeting; a contact name and
phone number of the project representative; and a summary of the proposed
facility shall be delivered by first-class mail to all property owners located
within one (1) mile of the parcel boundary of the proposed facility, as noted in
the Rockingham County tax records. Such notice shall be mailed not less
than fourteen (14) working days prior to the community meeting.
c. The meeting shall be held within the one (1) mile radius or at the nearest
location open to the public with adequate parking and seating facilities
which may accommodate persons with disabilities.
d. The meeting shall give members of the public the opportunity to review
application materials, ask questions of the applicant, and provide feedback
including an indication of willingness to be a subscriber or customer of the
proposed facility, if appropriate.

OA26-0888
e. Upon conclusion of the community meeting, a certified mailing list of
property owners notified, a sign-in sheet from the meeting, and a written
summary of the meeting shall be included with the application.
(8) (4) Vegetative buffer: If needed to mitigate off-site visual impact, as determined
by the Board of Supervisors at the time of issuance of a special use permit or
rezoning, a vegetative buffer of year-round effectiveness shall be installed and
maintained within the setback area by the solar facility operator or landowner as
follows:
a. All plants shall be climate-hardy.
b. No monoculture shall be permitted; at least five (5) different species of
shrubs and three six-foot-high trees shall be installed, with preference given
to indigenous trees and shrubs. Invasive species as defined in state code
section 10.1-104.6:2 are prohibited.
c. Selected species shall have mixed leaf- and branch-types of varying
mature heights.
d. Two or three of the same species shall be grouped to ensure a naturalized
effect. Uniform, staggered rows of plantings are not permitted.
e. Existing vegetation in the setback area shall be supplemented with new
plantings, and all existing, invasive species shall be removed prior to new
plantings being installed.
f. Land within the setback, not in trees and shrubs, shall have a stabilizing
ground cover.
g. Any fencing shall be located interior to the vegetative buffer. Fencing for
the facility shall comply with state code section 55.1-2804, the latest
version of the National Electrical Safety Code or any applicable successor
standard regarding requirements for limiting access to facilities, and the
Uniform Statewide Building Code.
h. Trees and shrubs are not required where utility easements cross the
setback.
i. Vegetative buffers may not be less than twenty-five (25) feet and shall not
be required to be greater than fifty (50) feet in width.
j. Vegetative buffers may incorporate pre-existing natural or manmade visual
barriers.

OA26-0888
i k. Ongoing maintenance:
1. All vegetation (trees, shrubs, and ground covers) in the setback
areas shall be maintained from installation through
decommissioning. Ground covers shall provide continuous coverage
for the life of the project.
2. The solar facility operator and landowner shall manage noninvasive species and remove invasive species for the life of the
project.
3. Trees and shrubs shall be replaced if needed to maintain intended,
camouflage effect.
(9) (5) Vegetated gGround cover: Ground cover shall be installed and maintained
throughout the on at least seventy-five (75) percent of the site, including the setback
area, as follows:
a. Ground cover shall be climate-hardy, non-invasive, and pollinator-friendly
species, with preference given to indigenous plants.
b. Shade-tolerant plants shall be installed under the solar panels.
c. Ground covers shall meet erosion and sediment control and stormwater
management regulations effective at the time of site plan approval.
d. Ongoing maintenance: The solar facility operator and landowner shall
manage non-invasive species and remove invasive species for the life of the
project.
(10) (6) Vegetative buffers and ground covers shall be addressed in the SUP
application and on the site plan.
(11) (7) Wildlife corridors: The establishment of wildlife corridors shall be as
determined by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
(12) (8) Historic sites: No facility shall be located on a property in the Virginia
Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) Landmarks Registry, National Registry, or
within the Core Area and Field of Fire Area as designated in the Cross Keys and Port
Republic Battlefields Preservation Plan.
(13) (9) Viewshed: A viewshed simulation, from points selected by the county, shall
be included in the SUP application.

OA26-0888
(14) (10)Tree cover: No facility will be permitted on land from which trees have been
or are proposed to be extensively cut, as determined by the Board of Supervisors.
(15) (11)Glare and appearance.
a. All large solar energy facility structures, racks, and associated facilities
shall have a non-reflective finish or appearance. Solar collectors shall be
designed to maximize absorption and minimize glare outward toward
adjoining properties and upward toward aircraft. Vehicles travelling on
adjoining interstate and state-maintained roads shall also be protected from
potential glare, including tractor trailer cabs.
b. The design of support buildings and related structures shall use materials,
colors, textures, and landscaping that will camouflage the large solar energy
facility from surrounding residences.
c. The height of the solar panels shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet when
the arrays are at full tilt, except in cases where an exception is necessary to
allow for agrivoltaics activity below or in proximity to the panels. For the
purposes of this regulation, agrivoltaics means the same as that term is
defined in state code section 10.1-1197.5.
d. The facility shall implement light intensity dimming solution technology
that provides a means of tailoring the intensity level of lights according to
surrounding visibility.
(12) Topsoil shall not be removed from the project site. Topsoil shall be returned to
disturbed areas from stockpiles as quickly as site conditions allow, unless returning
soil would cause adverse impacts to topsoil integrity or is otherwise not practicable
for construction activities.
(16) (13) Decommissioning.
a. Decommissioning plan: A decommissioning plan shall be developed by
the applicant, owner, or operator prior to the approval of a site plan being
issued for a large solar energy facility. If the large solar energy facility is
completely inactive or has substantially discontinued the delivery of
electricity to a grid for a continuous six-month period it shall be considered
an inactive solar energy facility. The applicant, owner of the real estate, or
owner or operator of the facility shall provide notice to Rockingham County in
writing once the property becomes an inactive large solar energy facility. The
decommissioning of the site shall commence within six (6) months of receipt

OA26-0888
of such notice by Rockingham County. The decommissioning plan shall
include:
1. Anticipated life of the solar energy facility;
2. The estimated future cost of the decommissioning and
repurposing, expressed in current dollars, by a Virginia State-licensed
professional engineer;
3. Method used to determine the estimate;
4. The manner in which the project will be decommissioned; and
5. The name and physical address of the person or entity responsible
for the decommissioning plan.
b. Repurposing: All material removed from the site shall be transferred to a
reclamation or repurposing facility that specializes in recycling, reclaiming,
or repurposing solar facility materials.
c. Surety: Unless the large solar energy facility project is owned by a public
utility within the Commonwealth of Virginia, the gross costs of
decommissioning shall be secured by an adequate surety in a form agreed to
by the county attorney, including but not limited to cash or a letter of credit,
bond or other guarantee issued by an entity whose debt is rated as
investment grade by either Standard and Poor's or by Moody's, and posted
prior to the project receiving its certificate of completion, or equivalent, from
Rockingham County to operate the use. If an adequate surety is required, the
cost estimates of the decommissioning shall be updated at least every five
(5) years by the applicant, owner, or operator, and provided to the county.
"Gross costs" shall not include a deduction for salvage value.
d. Applicant, facility owner and property owner obligation: Within six (6)
months after the cessation of use of the large solar energy facility for
electrical power generation or transmission, the applicant or its successor, at
its sole cost and expense, shall decommission the large solar energy facility
in accordance with the decommissioning plan approved by the county. If the
applicant or its successor fails to commence decommissioning in a timely
manner so that decommissioning may be completed within six (6) months of
the facility becoming an inactive large solar energy facility, the property
owner shall conduct the decommissioning in accordance with the plan and
may use bonded resources to do so, as approved and released by the county.

OA26-0888
Following completion of decommissioning of the entire large solar energy
facility, the bond shall be released and, if the county has called upon the
bond and taken control of bond resources, any remaining resources held by
the county shall be distributed to the property owners in proportion to their
ownership interests.
e. Applicant, owner default; decommissioning by the county.
1. If the applicant, its successor, and the property owners fail to
decommission the solar energy facility within six (6) months, the
county shall have the right, but not the obligation, to commence
decommissioning activities and shall have access to the property,
access to the full amount of the decommissioning surety, and the
rights to the solar energy equipment and materials on the property.
The applicant, and property owners, or successors, shall be
responsible for reimbursing the county for all costs and expenses of
decommissioning in excess of the decommissioning surety, and all
such excess amounts shall attach to the real estate as a tax lien until
paid in full.
2. Any excess decommissioning surety funds shall be released to the
then owners of the property after completion of decommissioning.
3. Prior to the issuance of any permits, the applicant and the property
owners shall deliver a legal instrument to the county granting the
county the right to access the property and the solar energy facility
equipment and materials so the county can complete the
decommissioning, should it choose to do so, upon the applicant's
and property owners' default. Such instrument shall bind the
applicant and property owners and their successors, heirs, and
assigns. Nothing herein shall limit other rights or remedies that may
be available to the county to enforce the obligations of the applicant,
operator, or property owner, including remedies under the county's
zoning powers.
f. Equipment, structure, and building removal: Unless otherwise approved by
the county, all physical improvements, materials, and equipment related to
solar energy generation, both surface and subsurface components,
regardless of depth underground, shall be removed in the removal process.

OA26-0888
g. A reclamation plan shall be required as a part of the decommissioning
plan and included for site plan approval for all large solar facilities. The
reclamation plan shall be included in the cost estimate for the
decommissioning bond. The reclamation plan shall include, at a minimum:
1. All above-ground and underground infrastructure shall be removed
and recycled or reused, unless a written request is received from the
then current property owner proposing the retention of any
infrastructure, and the request is approved by the county:
2. Final land surface conditions (grass, trees, cropland, pasture, etc.),
including the status of on-site gravel roads, if to remain;
3. Final contours and grades; and
4. Permanent best management practices (BMPs) to remain or to be
removed, based on final surface condition, with supportive
calculations.
h. Partial decommissioning: Any reference to decommissioning the large
solar energy facility shall include the obligation to decommission all or a
portion of the facility, whichever is applicable with respect to a particular
situation. If decommissioning is triggered for a portion, but not the entire
solar energy facility, then the partial decommissioning shall be completed in
accordance with the decommissioning plan and this section for the
applicable portion of the large solar energy facility.
(b)Roof-mounted:
(1) Separate flush or frame-mounted solar energy facilities installed on the roof or
structure shall not:
(2) Project vertically more than one (1) foot above the peak of the sloped roof to
which it is attached; or
(3) Project vertically more than five (5) feet above a flat roof installation.
(4) The combined height of a roof-mounted facility and the primary structure to
which it is attached shall not exceed the maximum height for the zoning district in
which it is located.
(5) It shall be demonstrated that the placement of the facility shall not adversely
affect safe access to the roof, pathways to specific areas of the roof, and safe egress
from the roof.

OA26-0888
(6) Any glare generated by the system must be mitigated or directed away from
adjoining property or road when it creates a nuisance or safety hazard.
(7) An ocular-impact study shall be performed for airports within five (5) miles of the
project site and for public roads within sight of the system. The analysis shall be
performed using FAA solar glare hazard analysis tool (SGHAT) to demonstrate
compliance with FAA standards for measuring ocular impact.
(c) Appearance.
(1) The solar energy facility shall be maintained in the color or finish that was
originally applied by the manufacturer.
(2) All signs, other than the manufacturer's identification, installer's identification,
appropriate warning signs, or owner's identification shall be prohibited.
(d) Removal.
(1) At such time that a solar energy facility is scheduled to be abandoned or
discontinued, the owner of the facility shall notify the county by certified U.S. mail of
the expected date of abandonment or discontinuation of operations.
(2) Within three hundred sixty-five (365) days of the date of abandonment or
discontinuation, the owner of the system shall physically remove all components of
the solar energy facility. If not removed within the allotted time, the county may have
it removed at the expense of the property owner.
Solar Energy Facility, Small.
(a)Ground-mounted:
(1) Setbacks for Small Solar Energy Facility, occupying between a half-acre and two
(2) acres:
a. A Small Solar Energy Facility shall be located at least one hundred (100)
feet from existing dwellings not on the same parcel as the facility.
b. Setback distance is reduceable by notarized consent from the owner(s) of
the dwelling.
(2) Setbacks for Small Solar Energy Facility panels, occupying less than a half-acre:
a. When total Small Solar Energy Facility panel area is five hundred eighty
(580) square feet or less, the solar array shall meet the same setback as
accessory structures that are less than five hundred eighty (580) square foot.

OA26-0888
b. When total Small Solar Energy Facility panel area is more than five
hundred eighty (580) square feet and less than a half-acre, the solar array
shall meet the same setbacks as primary structures.
(1) The following setbacks shall apply to small solar energy facilities which have
generating capacity of one megawatt or more and are designed to serve the
electricity or thermal needs of a property other than the property where such facility
is located. Setbacks for small solar energy facilities shall be measured from nearest
edge of the equipment. For the purposes of this subsection, ‘equipment’ is limited
to solar panels, racking equipment, and inverters. Required setbacks are as follows:
a. Two-hundred (200) feet from the nearest point on the outer wall of existing
occupied community buildings and dwellings on non-participating
properties;
b. One hundred (100) feet from the outside edge of the roadbed of any road
abutting the property;
c. Seventy-five (75) feet from the nearest shared property line for
nonparticipating properties;
d. For projects not greater than twenty-five (25) megawatts, fifty (50) feet
from the top of bank of perennial streams and from the edge of non-tidal
wetlands.
e. For projects greater than twenty-five (25) megawatts, one-hundred (100)
feet from the top of bank of perennial streams and from the edge of non-tidal
wetlands.
f. Setbacks are reduceable by notarized consent from an adjoining property
owner.
(2) The following setbacks shall apply to small solar energy facilities which have a
generating capacity of less than one megawatt and occupy between a half acre and
two (2) acres:
a. A Small Solar Energy Facility shall be located at least one hundred (100)
feet from existing dwellings not on the same parcel as the facility.
b. Setback distance is reduceable by notarized consent from the owner(s) of
the dwelling.
(3) The following setbacks shall apply to small solar energy facilities which have a
generating capacity of less than one megawatt and occupy less than a half acre:

OA26-0888
a. When total Small Solar Energy Facility panel area is five hundred eighty
(580) square feet or less, the solar array shall meet the same setback as
accessory structures that are less than five hundred eighty (580) square foot.
b. When total Small Solar Energy Facility panel area is more than five
hundred eighty (580) square feet and less than a half-acre, the solar array
shall meet the same setbacks as primary structures.[
(3) (4) Maximum Height: No part of a Small Solar Energy Facility shall may exceed
twenty-five (25) fifteen (15) feet in height. except in cases where an exception is
necessary to allow for agrivoltaics activity below or in proximity to the panels. For
the purposes of this regulation, agrivoltaics means the same as that term is defined
in state code section 10.1-1197.5.
(4) (5)In the B-1 and B-2 zoning districts within the Urban Development Area shown
on the comprehensive plan, ground-mounted "Solar Energy Facility, Small" shall be
by special use permit.
(6) Fencing for the facility shall comply with state code section 55.1-2804, the latest
version of the National Electrical Safety Code or any applicable successor standard
regarding requirements for limiting access to facilities, and the Uniform Statewide
Building Code.
(7) Topsoil shall not be removed from the project site. Topsoil shall be returned to
disturbed areas from stockpiles as quickly as site conditions allow, unless returning
soil would cause adverse impacts to topsoil integrity or is otherwise not practicable
for construction activities.
(b) Roof-mounted:
(1) Separate flush or frame-mounted solar energy facilities installed on the roof or
structure shall not:
a. Project vertically more than one (1) foot above the peak of the sloped roof
to which it is attached; or
b. Project vertically more than five (5) feet above a flat roof installation.
(2) The combined height of a roof-mounted system and the principal structure to
which it is attached shall not exceed the maximum height for the zoning district in
which it is located.

OA26-0888
(3) It shall be demonstrated that the placement of the system shall not adversely
affect safe access to the roof, pathways to specific areas of the roof, and safe egress
from the roof.
(4) Any glare generated by the system shall be mitigated or directed away from
adjoining property or road when it creates a nuisance or safety hazard.
(c) Appearance:
(1) The solar energy system shall be maintained in the color or finish that was
originally applied by the manufacturer.
(2) All signs, other than the manufacturer's identification, installer's identification,
appropriate warning signs, or owner's identification shall be prohibited.
(d) Notification:
(1) Consumer shall notify the utility company prior to purchasing and installing the
small solar energy facility.
(2) Installations shall require an electrical permit and inspection by County
personnel.
(3) County personnel shall notify the utility company that the small solar energy
facility has been inspected and approved.
(4) All installations shall comply with IEEE 1547, shall be UL listed and shall be
approved for interconnection by the local utility company. All equipment shall be UL
listed for its installed purpose.
(5) All installations shall comply with all state regulations for small generator
interconnections.
All other parts of Section 17-607 are re-affirmed.

OA26-0888
This ordinance shall be effective from the ____ day of ___________, 2026.
Adopted the ____ day of ____________, 2026.

Aye

Nay

Abstain

Absent

Supervisor Ritchie
District 1
Supervisor Wolfe-Garrison
District 2
Supervisor Dale
District 3
Supervisor Longcor
District 4
Supervisor Hensley
District 5

________________________________
Leila Longcor
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors
ATTESTE:
_______________________
Casey Armstrong
County Administrator

OA26-0887
ORDINANCE AMENDING
SECTIONS 17-606 AND 17-607
OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
OF
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY,
VIRGINIA:
That table 17-606 Land Use and Zoning table be and hereby is amended as follows:
P:
Table 17-606. Land Use and Zoning Table
Permitted;
SU: Special
Use; A:
Permitted
B P P
R
P P
M M M
Accessory;
A- A- R
R- R- RP R- RB- B- X
I- PI SRS M
H- H X
C M
Asterisk *:
1 2 V
1 2 3
G 4 5
1 2
1 D 1
1
F F
1 P U
D R
Supplemen
tal
Standards
Apply
Industry,
heavy

All other parts of Table 17-606 are re-affirmed.
That the following land uses in Section 17-607. Supplemental standards for certain land
uses be and hereby are enacted as follows:
Section 17-607. Supplemental standards for certain land uses.
Data Center
(c) Special Use Permit Application Requirements

S S
U U
* *

OA26-0887
(1) A baseline noise study conducted by a third-party licensed professional
engineer specializing in acoustics or an engineer who is board certified by the
Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE). The study must document noise
and ambient sound levels in the surrounding area of the proposed data center
and provide a model prediction of noise conditions at the site with all equipment
operating simultaneously at full operational load. The baseline noise study must
examine the impacts of the sound profile of the Data Center on residential units
and schools within five hundred (500) feet of the property line. The application
must incorporate sound mitigation measures recommended in the baseline
noise study into the facility design to prevent noise levels from exceeding noise
and ambient sound levels observed in the baseline study.
(2) Architectural depictions of the proposed building, associated equipment, and
infrastructure as viewed from all parcel lines and streets.
(3) Community meeting materials, including a certified mailing list of property
owners notified, a sign-in sheet from the meeting, and a written summary of the
meeting.
(4) Anticipated facility water usage at full operational capacity in a form acceptable
to the Department of Public Works.
(5) A letter from the electrical utility that would supply the Data Center with
electricity stating the following:
a. Any new or existing substations that will be used to serve the Data Center,
and;
b. The anticipated transmission voltage required to serve the Data Center.
(6) A site assessment to examine, at a minimum, the effect of the proposed data
center on the following issues, and any other relevant land use issues:
a. Ground and surface water resources, and;
b. Agricultural resources, and;
c. Parks, and;
d. Registered historic sites, and;
e. Forestland on the proposed site or immediately contiguous with the
proposed site.
All other parts of Section 17-607 are re-affirmed.
That the following land use in Section 17-607. Supplemental standards for certain land
uses be and hereby are enacted as follows:
Industry, heavy

OA26-0887
(a) The following application requirements shall apply to special use permits for the siting
of projects that will require one hundred (100) megawatts or more of electrical power from
an electrical utility:
(1) The applicant must submit a site assessment to examine the impacts of the
sound profile of the proposed use on residential units and schools within five
hundred (500) feet of the property line, and;
(2) The applicant must provide a letter from the electrical utility that would supply
the project with electricity stating the following:
a. Any new or existing substations that will be used to serve the project, and;
b. The anticipated transmission voltage required to serve the project.
(3) A site assessment to examine, at a minimum, the effect of the proposed facility
on the following issues, and any other relevant land use issues:
f. Ground and surface water resources, and;
g. Agricultural resources, and;
h. Parks, and;
i. Registered historic sites, and;
j. Forestland on the proposed site or immediately contiguous with the
proposed site.

All other portions of Section 17-607 are reaffirmed.

OA26-0887
This ordinance shall be effective from the ____ day of ___________, 2026.
Adopted the ____ day of ____________, 2026.

Aye

Nay

Abstain

Absent

Supervisor Ritchie
District 1
Supervisor Wolfe-Garrison
District 2
Supervisor Dale
District 3
Supervisor Longcor
District 4
Supervisor Hensley
District 5

________________________________
Leila Longcor
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors
ATTESTE:
_______________________
Casey Armstrong
County Administrator

ORDINANCE AMENDING
SECTION 17-707.01 (b), SECTION 17-707.04, and TABLE 17-707.04
OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
OF
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY,
VIRGINIA:
That Section 17-707.01(b) be and hereby is amended as follows:
(b)Sign area shall be measured within a continuous perimeter enclosing the entire display face
of the sign, including background, framing, trim, molding, and other borders, but excluding
supports and uprights unless such supports or uprights are designed as an integral part of the
display for the purpose of illustration or attraction.
(1) Where a sign is thirty-five (35) or fewer feet in height, consists of two (2) identical
parallel faces, which are back to back, and located not more than twenty-four (24) inches
from each other, only one (1) side of such sign shall be used in calculating the sign area.
Where a sign is greater than thirty-five (35) feet and consists of two back to back parallel
faces, only one (1) side of the sign shall be used in calculating sign area.
(2) All faces shall be used to calculate the sign area when structures have non-parallel
faces.
(3) The sign area of a cylindrical sign shall be computed by multiplying one-half (½) the
circumference by the height of the sign.
(4) Where individual letters, characters, or figures are mounted so as to use a building
facade as a background, the sign area shall be determined by calculating the sum of the
area within the outer perimeter of the letters, characters, or figures comprising the total
message, symbol, or advertisement.
(5) The maximum allowable cumulative sign area permitted on any parcel shall be
calculated with respect to the addressed street:
a. Unless otherwise specified, the maximum allowable cumulative area shall be
based on the width of the primary building's façade that is parallel, or nearly so,
to the street frontage.

b. All permanent signs, unless specifically exempted by the terms of this article,
shall be counted in the calculation of maximum cumulative sign area.
All other parts of Section 17-707.01 continue as they were, reaffirmed and unaffected.
That Section 17-707.04 Signs as Permitted Uses and Table 17-707.04 Signs as Permitted
Uses be and hereby are amended as follows:
a) The following table indicates the structural class, area, height, and type of illumination of
signs permitted in land use areas. Where two (2) or more land use areas apply, the more
stringent requirements shall hold.
(1) Approved commercial uses in the Agricultural, Rural Village, and Residential districts
may have internally illuminated signs provided the allowable signage is reduced by twenty (20)
percent.
(2) Maximum cumulative sign area per parcel exclusive of the freestanding sign in the
Public Service, Business, or Industrial districts shall be measured per linear foot of primary
building width.
(3) Parcels which front on a Virginia primary highway shall be allowed a twenty-fivepercent increase in the allowable freestanding sign area.
(4) A special use permit shall be obtained for any signage in the Business Interchange
district that does not directly adjoin the interstate or interchange or meet the below
requirements.
Table 17-707.04. Signs as Permitted Uses.

Freestanding Illumination Structural Class
Signs
Type

Land Use Areas Where Permitted

Agriculture

Freestanding

P

Rural
Village
P

P

Public
Service
P

P

P

Business
Interchange
P

Marquee/canopy

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Projecting

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Roof

P

P

-

-

P

P

Wall

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

SU

-

-

P

P

P

Electric Message Centers

Residential

Business

Industrial

Internal

P*

P*

P*

P

P

P

P

External

-

-

-

P

P

P

P

Maximum area

32 ft.2

32 ft.2

32 ft.2

32 ft.2

64 ft.2

90 ft.2

500 ft.2

9 ft.

9 ft.

9 ft.

25 ft.

25 ft.

35 ft.

100 ft.

24 ft.2

24 ft.2

24 ft.2

1 ft.2 **

1.5 ft.2

1.5 ft.2

1.5 ft.2

Maximum height

Maximum cumulative sign area per
lot or parcel exclusive of the
freestanding sign

All other parts of Section 17-707.04 continue as they were, reaffirmed and unaffected.
This ordinance shall be effective from the ____ day of ___________, 2026.
Adopted the ____ day of ____________, 2026.

Aye

Nay

Abstain

Absent

Supervisor Ritchie
District 1
Supervisor Wolfe-Garrison
District 2
Supervisor Dale
District 3
Supervisor Longcor
District 4
Supervisor Hensley
District 5

________________________________
Leila Longcor
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors
ATTESTE:
_______________________
Casey Armstrong
County Administrator

The Department of Community Development
Staff Report

June 24, 2026

ANNOUNCEMENT
On July 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Community Room, the Board of Supervisors and the
Planning Commission will hold a joint work session to discuss updates to the County’s subdivision
ordinance.

MONTHLY WORK SUMMARY
Monthly Summary

Staff Lead(s)

Ben Terry &
Matt Schultz
Joe Shifflett
& Ben Terry

Building - Plan Review
Building - Inspections

Monthly Status: as of May 31, 2026

39 residential plans under review
12 commercial plans under review
1,880 building inspections (averaged 89.50 daily)

Building - Permits

Josh Haugh

Building - Code Compliance

Josh Haugh

213 total permits issued
- 92 new residential dwellings (SFD, DPLX, TH, APT, MHM)
- 2 new commercial buildings
210 permits created
70 certificates of occupancy issued
8 active code cases – building without permits

Rezoning Applications

Kayla Yankey

5 rezonings under review

Special Use Permits

Daniel
Barnett

11 special use permits under review

Deed & Plat Review

Donna
Jenkins

15 deeds/plats submitted
6 of which are awaiting revisions

Code Compliance

Brittany
Jarvis

44 active code cases
- 13 of which are pending legal action
- 5 are pending action by the magistrate

(Excludes items tabled by BOS)

(Excludes items tabled by BOS)

STANDING COMMITTEES
Standing Committee

Staff
Lead(s)

Agricultural & Forestal
Advisory Committee

Kayla &
Julia

Staff Report: Community Development

Status

Meeting Date

Keezletown Ag Forestal District is currently
under review. Advisory Committee
recommended approval.

April 27, 2026
1

Bicycle & Pedestrian
Advisory Committee
Board of Building
Code Appeals

Dylan

No new business.

As needed

Joe

No new business.

As needed

Board of Zoning
Appeals

Kelly

No new business.

Planning Commission

Rachel

Action item(s) listed below.

Third Tuesday
of every odd
month
First Tuesday
of each month

At its June 2, 2026, meeting, the Planning Commission acted on the following items:
Project # Project Name Request
Location
Status
Staff generated ordinance amendment
PC
to Rockingham County Code, Chapter 17
recommended
OA26Ordinance
(Zoning Ordinance), Section 17-402.05,
-approval 6/2.
0693
Planned Single Family (PSF) to amend
Amendment
To be heard by
the common area requirements for
BOS 6/24.
certain projects.
Staff generated ordinance to amend and
recodify the Rockingham County Code,
PC
Chapter 16 (Subdivision of Land). The
recommended
OA26Ordinance
amendments clarify when exceptions to
-approval 6/2.
0756
Amendment
the Subdivision of Land Ordinance are
To be heard by
permissible, and the application of the
BOS 6/24.
waiting period for non-family divisions.
Rockingham County to amend Chapter
17, Zoning Ordinance, Article 5, Overlay
Districts, Section 505 Keezletown North
PC
Keezletown
Agricultural and Forestal District, and
recommended
Agricultural
AFD26Section 506, Keezletown South
approval 6/2.
and Forestal
-0594
Agricultural and Forestal District, to
To be heard by
District
combine the districts into one
BOS 6/24.
Renewal
Keezletown Agricultural and Forestal
District and to renew the district.
At its July 7, 2026, meeting, the Planning Commission will act on the following items:
Project #
Project Name Request
Location
Status
The property is
located at the
corner of Jim Britt
Request to rezone
Lord & Haile
To be heard
Way (Rt. 704) and
approximately 2.698 acres from
by PC 7/7.
LLC (Orchard
Spotswood Trail (US
A-2 (General Agricultural) to
REZ-0759
Tentative BOS
Ridge
33). Tax Map # 125PMF (Planned Multi-Family).
date 8/26.
Apartments)
A-199, 125-A-200,
Election District 3.
and a portion of
125-A-205.

Staff Report: Community Development

2

Staff generated ordinance
amendment to table 17-606,
Land Use and Zoning Table, and
section 17-607, Supplemental
Standards for Certain Land Uses,
Dwelling,
to amend the land use
OA26-0886 manufactured
permissions and supplemental
home
standards for the use "dwelling,
manufactured home". The
purpose of this ordinance
amendment is to comply with
state code changes.
Staff generated ordinance to
section 17-607, Supplemental
Standards for Certain Land Uses,
to amend the supplemental
Solar
standards for the uses "solar
OA26-0888 Ordinance
energy facility, large" and "solar
Compliance
energy facility, small". The
purpose of this ordinance
amendment is to comply with
state code changes.
Staff generated ordinance
amendment to table 17-606,
Land Use and Zoning Table, and
section 17-607, Supplemental
Standards for Certain Land Uses
to amend the supplemental
OA26-0887 HEUF Noise
standards for the use "Data
Center" and create
supplemental standards for the
use "industry, heavy". The
purpose of this ordinance
amendment is to align with
state code changes.

Staff Report: Community Development

Countywide

To be heard
by PC 7/7.
Tentative BOS
date 8/26.

Countywide

To be heard
by PC 7/7.
Tentative BOS
date 8/26.

Countywide

To be heard
by PC 7/7.
Tentative BOS
date 8/26.

3

PROJECTS
Special Projects

Briery Branch
Community Center

North Route 11
Corridor

Staff
Lead(s)

Kayla &
Rachel

Julia &
Kayla

Description/Status
On February 6, 2025 Rockingham County was awarded a $100,000
Planning Grant through the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) program to support the revitalization of the Briery Branch
Community Center. Final deliverables for the Planning Grant are
due by June 30, 2026.
If all eligibility requirements for a CDBG Implementation Grant are
met, the County—working with assistance from the CSPDC—plans
to submit an application by the July 1, 2026 deadline.
At the July 9, 2025, Board of Supervisor meeting, staff was
directed to continue in long range planning and code
compliance efforts in the North Route 11 Corridor area. At the
March 24, 2026 meeting, staff was directed to develop a scope
of work for a potential area study. Staff has developed a draft
scope of work for the project.

TRANSPORTATION PROJECT APPLICATIONS
Smart Scale
Smart Scale is a transportation project grant program fully funded by VDOT. Smart Scale scores and
potentially funds projects that meet one or more transportation needs identified in Virginia’s
Transportation Plan (VTrans) based on key factors that address improving safety, reducing congestion,
increasing accessibility, contributing to economic development, and promoting efficient land use. The
anticipated benefits are calculated, and the projects are scored and ranked by VDOT staff. This information
is used by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to help guide and inform its project selection
decisions.
The Smart Scale full application period opened on June 1 and closes on August 3. County staff intends to
submit the following three projects. Each project application requires the inclusion of a Board Resolution
of Support which will be presented to the Board on July 8th.
1. Stone Spring Road Dual Left Turn Lane at Reservoir Street:
This project would construct a second left-turn lane on eastbound Stone Spring Road at Reservoir
Street.
2. US 33 Dual Left Turn Lane at Resort Drive:
This project would construct a second left-turn lane on eastbound US 33 at Resort Drive.
3. Mayland Road (Route 259) Improvements:
This project would include shoulder widening on an approximately 900' section of the western
side of Mayland Road (Rt 259) south of Zirkle Lane (Rt 946). Additionally, this project would install
an intersection conflict warning system at the intersection of Phillips Store Road and Wampler
Road.

Staff Report: Community Development

4

LARGE SCALE SOLAR ENERGY FACILITIES
5

Project Name

Location

SolAmerica (Scenic L Farms)
Caden Energix Endless Caverns,
LLC
Sun Ridge Solar
Knight Solar

South of Rockingham Pike &
50’ east of Eagle Rock Road
South of Craney Island Road
10276 South East Side Highway
(old quarry site)
West of intersection of East
Point Road & Freeze Farm Lane

TOTAL

Projects of 50
Acres or Less
(in acres)

Projects of 50
to 150 Acres
(in acres)

18
149
150
149
18

448

.

REQUESTS TABLED BY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Special Use Permit Application(s):
Date
Case #
Applicant

Request

Location

Election
District

Small contractors
operation

4765 Pleasant Valley
Road

Large utility building

Runkles Gap Road

5

6/9/21

SUP21-075

Hank Hensley

8/23/23

SUP23-0921

Aleksandr
Bogdanov

11/15/23

SUP23-1304

Robert Long

Additional dwelling

Doe Hill Road

5

11/13/24

SUP24-1424

Marlen
Showalter

17449 Runions Creek
Road

1

3/11/26

SUP25-1876

White Barn
Group LLC

Two additional
dwellings
Event center,
recreation or
entertainment
outside a building,
and recreation or
entertainment inside
a building.

Located at 18018
Naked Creek Road

5

5/13/26

SUP26-0450

James Janney

15030 N Mountain
Road

1

Staff Report: Community Development

Additional dwelling

3

5

Rezoning Request(s):
Date
Case #

11/12/25

REZ222203

Applicant

Request

Location

B&A Group
LLC

Request to rezone 4.19
acres from B-1 C
(General Business with
Conditions) to I-1 C
(Industrial with
Conditions). Tax Map #
94-A-91.

On the west side of
Kratzer Road (Rt.
753), approximately
0.10 mile north of
Friendship Drive (Rt.
901)

Election
District

2

Ordinance Amendment(s):
Case # Applicant Request
Chapter 17 (Zoning Ordinance), Section 17-306, Low-Density Residential
District (R-1), Section 17-307, Medium Density Residential District (R-2), and
Section 17-308, General Residential District (R-3), to limit the number of
OA24- Staffbuilding permits that may be issued within a development project during any
1387
generated
rolling twelve (12) month period. The allowed number of building permits
issued within a rolling twelve (12) month period may only be exceeded by
special use permit.
Table 17-606 and Section 17-607 of the Rockingham County Code to amend
OA26- Staff
the supplemental standards for the use Large solar energy facility, and to
0034
Generated
amend the land use table for the use Large solar energy.

STAFFING AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Number of Staff
Recent Staff Changes &
Achievements

22

Number of Vacancies
1 Number of Job Postings
2
Sherry Whetzel will be starting her position as Permit Specialist on
June 22nd.

Staff Report: Community Development

6