Roanoke County 200 Plan information
Roanoke County 200 Plan (find the link here)
The Roanoke County 200 Plan is a major update to the Comprehensive Plan. It belongs to every citizen of Roanoke County. The plan:
Expresses an overarching community vision as well as unique goals for 11 community planning areas within the County and the Town of Vinton.
Provides guidance for public policies about land development, public services and resource protection.
Allows decision makers to study the long-term consequences of current decisions and recognize that today's actions will impact the county for many years to come.
What is a Comprehensive Plan (from page 1-2)
A Comprehensive Plan, also know as a comprehensive land use plan or master plan, is a long-range planning
document that sets forth a vision for the future of a community and provides guidance on how to achieve that vision. It is a comprehensive plan in the sense that it addresses all aspects of community development, including land use,
transportation, housing, economic development, parks and recreation, public facilities, infrastructure and environmental protection.
Definitions of zoning density designations
R-3 Medium Density Multi-family Residential District defined according to Code (find link here)
Sec. 30-45-1. - Purpose.
The purpose of the R-3, medium density multi-family residential district is to provide areas in the county within the urban service area where existing middle-high density residential development (six (6) to twelve (12) units per acre) has been established and land areas which generally appear to be appropriate for such development. This district is intended to coincide with the development and transition land use categories contained in the comprehensive plan. They are designated based on access to major streets, sewer and water, and schools with suitable capacity to accommodate development at the stated density, and where parcel sizes allow for well-planned residential development. The areas designated in this district are also intended to serve as a buffer between less intensive residential areas and more intensive office, commercial and industrial areas and districts. A variety of housing densities and styles is encouraged in order to permit a diversity and flexibility in design and layout. Additional standards are established to provide for amenities in higher density developments.
(Ord. No. 042799-11, § 1f., 4-27-99; Ord. No. 042208-16, § 1, 4-22-08)
R-2 Medium Density Residential District defined (find the link here)
Sec. 30-41-1 - Purpose
The purpose of the R-2, medium density district is to establish areas in the county within the urban service area where existing low-middle to middle density residential development (one (1) to six (6) units per acre) is primarily located and land areas which appear generally appropriate for such development. These areas are consistent with the neighborhood conservation land use category, and where public services warrant the development land use category as recommended in the comprehensive plan. This district is intended to provide reasonable protection to existing single family residential neighborhoods, while accommodating a diversity of alternative housing options. These areas are designated based on access to roads, sewer and water, and schools with suitable capacity to accommodate development at the stated density. Older neighborhoods where smaller platted lot sizes exist are also included where opportunities exist for additional in-fill development.
(Ord. No. 042799-11, § 1f., 4-27-99; Ord. No. 042208-16, § 1, 4-22-08)
R-1 Low Density Residential District defined (find the link here)
Sec 30-41-1 Purpose
The R-1, low density residential district is established for areas of the county within the urban service area with existing low-middle density residential development, with an average density of from one (1) to three (3) units per acre, and land which appears appropriate for such development. These areas are generally consistent with the neighborhood conservation land use category as recommended in the comprehensive plan. In addition, where surrounding development and the level of public services warrant, these areas coincide with the development category recommended in the plan. This district is intended to provide the highest degree of protection from potentially incompatible uses and residential development of a significantly different density, size, or scale, in order to maintain the health, safety, appearance and overall quality of life of existing and future neighborhoods. In addition to single-family residences, only uses of a community nature which are generally deemed compatible are permitted in this district. This would include parks and playgrounds, schools and other similar neighborhood activities.(Ord. No. 042799-11, § 1f., 4-27-99; Ord. No. 042208-16, § 1, 4-22-08)
Suburban Village information according to Roanoke County 200 Plan (Find the link here)
The plan quotes Suburban Village as “A future land use area that represents the focus of surrounding, generally lower intensity commercial, institutional and residential growth for a broad mixture of surrounding development. New neighborhood development occurs in close proximity to institutional, office and retail uses. Cluster developments and greenways are encouraged in conjunction with formerly rural land uses focusing on environmental and building and site design innovation.”
Under Land Use Types Residential is listed and defined, as well as Parks and Outdoor education/ecotourism, community activity centers, and commercial.
“Residential - Suburban densities (up to six units per acre) of single and two-family housing, attached, detached, zero-lot line, cluster, low density multi-family, townhouses and garden apartments.”
“Commercial - Convenience retail establishments supplying limited goods and services to village residents. Planned small-scale or cluster retail such as local target area shopping centers with specialty businesses and personal services. Also found are small highway retail establishments providing goods and services to passing motorists. Such facilities should be designed to complement the suburban surroundings.”
Back Creek Community Planning Area - Roanoke County 200 Plan (find the link here)
Document is dated September 24, 2024
Page 14 highlights comments from community meeting held on October, 28, 2021 - 17 attendees
“Residents of Back Creek appreciate living in the country with the convenience of a short drive to suburban amenities.”
“Attendees were concerned about preservation of the landscape of Back Creek and wanted to encourage higher development standards to protect natural spaces”
Page 15 Spring 2022 Open House Meetings Draft Goals and Recommendations
Spring 2022 Community Survey Highlights:
81% of respondents support the proposed changes to the Future Land Use Map.
Route 221 Area Plan (find the link here)
“The Route 221 Area Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on January 27, 2009, to protect the area's unique resources while planning for compatible development. This Plan highlights the character of the Route 221/Back Creek Community and generates a functional plan with attainable short and long-term goals, objectives and strategies.”