Outdated zoning codes

Ihave been in the community planning industry and I find that what goes around, comes around. While a comprehensive plan is merely a guide, the real culprit is the county's zoning ordinance.

Specifically, in Washington, DC 44 years ago consultants for the city forecast major problems that the city is facing today because of an outdated zoning code. 44 years ago!

“For reference … [writer Neil] Flanagan wrote:

“If zoning helps deter population growth, is it contributing to an imbalanced society in the jurisdiction?”

The consultants noted that these zoning restrictions would push out the middle class, “leaving predominantly the rich and the poor of both races.” They wrote that this is not a local fluke, but one that is recognizable nationwide. (The emphasis was mine.)

Aggressive downzoning, ostensibly to preserve urban character, exacerbated these problems during the 1980s. The report raised this concern, warning, “Local residents might stretch the zoning process to become exclusionary.” The specter of explicit segregation was fresh in the public’s memory, so they worried that the code might be abused to the same end.

If I can change the word in that quote from urban to rural, Rappahannock County faces the same kind of exclusionary policies.

The comprehensive plan should be a visionary document and in its current draft form, it is anything but visionary. The zoning ordinance should reflect the county's vision, not merely keeping things the same. Growth will happen. Either on the county's terms or on [builder] Toll Brother's terms.