HomeMy Public PortalAbout1983_11_09_R180The Town of Leesburg in Virginia
RESOLUTION NO.
83-180
PRESENTED
ADOPTED
November 9, 1983
November 9, 1983
A RESOLUTION: INITIATING AMENDMENT OF THE LEESBURG ZONING ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE
REGULATIONS FOR CERTAIN MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL USES IN THE
HISTORIC DISTRICT BY SPECIAL EXCEPTION.
WHEREAS, the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance has long provided regulations to
protect the historic and cultural assets and character of the historic district;
and
WHEREAS, historic structures, small and irregular lots and the scarcity
of vacant land in the historic district increase the cost of residential dwell-
ings; and
WHEREAS, the policy of the town is to encourage a wide range of residential
uses among the offices and commercial uses in the historic district to permit
residents to live near their jobs; and
WHEREAS, the policy of the town is to encourage renovation and adaptive
reuse of existing structures in the historic district: and
WHEREAS, existing residential density limits of the B-1 and B-2 zoning
districts restrict the use of properties located within the historic district
contrary to the objectives of the town; and
WHEREAS, Section 15.1-491(c) of the Code of Virginia, as amended, authorizes
provisions for the granting by the town council of special exceptions under suit-
able regulations and safeguards to permit uses not generally allowed in a particu-
lar district except by special u~e permits issued under the provisions of the
zoning ordinance:
THEP.EFORE, RE~OLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia
as follows:
SECTION I. An amendment of the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance is initiated to
establish provisions and regulations for issuance of special exceptions under
suitable regulations and safeguards to permit a greater number of one- and
two-bedroom residential dwellings in the B-1 and B-2 zoning districts on
zoning lots located in the historic district under the following general
conditions:
(a) Special exceptions shall be issued by the town council after receipt
of a recommendation by the planning commission and after a public hearing
pursuant to Section 15.1-431 of the Code of Virginia, as amended.
(b) Special exceptions shall only be issued:
(1) Where by reason of the size or shape of a lot or where the
existing structure on a lot, or the use of or development on lots
ih the surrounding neighborhood effectively prohibits or unreason-
ably restricts the economic and beneficial use of the property in
furtherance of the objectives of the town plan;
(2) Where the plan for use of the lot includes adequate provisions
for private off-street parking in reasonable proximity to the lot,
refuse storage and removal; light, air and space for the residents
of the lot;
(3) Where the plan for improvement to the structure and the pro-
posed use are compatible with uses in the surrounding neighborhood;
(4) Where the plan provides for life safety improvements to the
structure involved in accordance with applicable codes;
(5) Where the plan for improvement enhances the historic character
of the structure and the surrounding neighborhood; and
(6) Where public services are available sufficient to meet the needs
of the residents of the lot.
SECTION II. A public hearing at which persons affected by this proposed
ordinance amendment may appear and present their views shall be held beginning
at 7:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be reached, December 14, 1983
in the Council Chambers, 10 West Loudoun Street,LeeSburg, Virginia. In line with
S~ct%0~ 15.1-431 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, this hearing shall be a
joint public hearing of both planning commission and town council. The clerk
shall give notice of this hearing on November 24, 1983 and December 1, 1983
and advise the planning commission of the purpose, date and time of the
hearing.
SECTION III. The town manager shall prepare by November 16, 1983 appropriate
legislation amending the Leesburg zoning ordinance to incorporate the provisions
and regulations initiated above.
SECTION IV. The planning commission shall report its recommendations to the
Town Council on the proposed amendment within thirty days of the public hearing.
PASSED this 9th day of November , 1983.
Town of Leesburg
ATTEST:
L~lerk °f ~o~nci~-~