As part of Engage 2045, the County’s Comprehensive Plan update process, property owners have the opportunity to apply to change the Land Use Map designations for their properties. Applications will be accepted through May 31 via JCC PermitLink, the County’s online application portal. Details about the process and what is required can be found on the Land Use Application website (https://jamescitycountyva.gov/3756/Land-Use-Applications).
Land Use designations help the County make long-term decisions about infrastructure, road improvements, and public facility locations. They are used when the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors consider certain kinds of development proposals, such as rezonings and special use permits. The Land Use Map guides what kind of growth will occur in the County and where and recommends future uses for a given property. Changes to Land Use designations are only considered during the Comprehensive Plan update every five years. Although related, zoning is a separate process as further explained in the frequently asked questions portion of the Land Use Application website.
If needed, Planning Division staff is available to assist applicants with each step of the process to ensure application completeness. Staff will then review each proposal with other County and State agencies to determine potential impacts and consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Once the review is complete, Staff will finalize recommendations to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.
This summer, all requests for Land Use designation changes will be available for public review and comment. Although only property owners may apply to change the Land Use designation of their property, all citizens are encouraged to view and comment once applications are published on the Engage2045 website.
Towards the end of the year, the Planning Commission will hold work sessions to discuss the proposals and forward recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for consideration in 2021. Meeting dates and agendas will be published online at: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/3716/Planning-Commission-Working-Group-PCWG.
In addition to the online application on JCC PermitLink, more information about the Land Use Map designation change process may be found online at https://jamescitycountyva.gov/3756/Land-Use-Applications. Current Land Use designations may be found on the County Property Information website, and summaries of each Land Use designation are available online in the County’s Comprehensive Plan. Please contact the Planning Division at 757-253-6685 with any questions or for assistance with online applications.
Media Contact:
Tammy Rosario, Assistant Director of Community Development
757-253-6685; planning@jamescitycountyva.gov