Leesburg Planning Commission reviews zoning ordinance rewrite ahead of July 17 session

The Leesburg government meeting held on July 10, 2025, primarily focused on the upcoming Leesburg Gateway work session, which is scheduled for July 17. The chair clarified that while there was some confusion regarding the timing of the Gateway discussions, community members are welcome to participate in the petitioners' section of the meeting.

Following this announcement, the meeting transitioned into a work session dedicated to the zoning ordinance rewrite. Director Mike Watkins and Brian Boucher from the Department of Community Development led the session, which aimed to recap Articles 1 through 3 of the zoning ordinance and review Article 4.

The discussions began with a recap of Articles 1 and 2, which cover general provisions and zoning districts, respectively. Key points included the introduction of new zoning district terminology, such as residential suburban, historic residential, and various non-residential and mixed-use districts. Notably, the addition of a new open space and parks zoning district was highlighted, along with several overlay districts designed to address specific community needs, including historic preservation and noise abatement.

Article 3, which deals with use regulations, was a focal point of the meeting. The commission discussed the new approach to defining use categories and expressed some confusion regarding the proposed changes. The use table was reviewed, detailing various permitted uses and the standards required for special exceptions and limited uses.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the issue of modifications to existing zoning. One council member emphasized the need for the zoning ordinance to maintain its integrity and not allow excessive leniency in applications. The discussion included the importance of ensuring that modifications are clearly documented and justified, particularly in relation to buffer requirements.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further examine the concerns raised about zoning modifications and to ensure that the revised ordinance effectively balances community needs with development standards. The next steps will involve continued discussions on Article 4 and addressing the feedback received from the commission members.