Frederick County has a head start over most other fast-growth counties in Virginia in adapting to The Comprehensive Transportation Funding and Reform Act of 2007. It already has an Urban Development Area, mandated by the legislation, which says where development should take place.
Now Frederick planners are turning their attention to revising their zoning code to accommodate more mixed-used development and neo-traditional (new urbanism) design, which was mentioned in the legislation, though somewhat vaguely, as a guide for what that development should look like. According to the Winchester Star, the Development Review and Regulations Subcommittee met Thursday to discuss such details as parking, setbacks and ground-floor windows. Writes reporter Mark Dorolek:
The study calls for potential focal points in the county that would have mixed-use housing, stores, and other commercial development centered on a park, school, or other gathering place with a more neo-traditional design.
“The Board of Supervisors were very clear that they need something quick,” said Susan K. Eddy, senior planner for the Planning and Development Department. “Even if it’s just a Band-Aid.”
