Loudoun County's Planning Commission made significant strides in agricultural preservation during its recent public hearing, renewing six Agricultural and Forestal Districts (AFDs) for another four years. The districts, which include the Chrysalis Vineyards Loxley Estate, Hughesville, Mount Gilead, Rockland, Upperville, and Aldi, cover thousands of acres and are vital for maintaining the county's agricultural landscape.

Rachel Evenchuck from the Department of Planning and Zoning presented the renewal applications, emphasizing that these districts are crucial for protecting agriculturally and forestally significant land. The renewal process, governed by Virginia law, allows for extensions of 4 to 10 years, with most parcels qualifying based on their agricultural use and open space.

Commissioner Jasper led the motions for renewal, which were unanimously approved by the commission. Each district's renewal includes specific conditions regarding subdivision requirements, ensuring that land remains dedicated to agricultural use. For instance, the Aldi AFD, which encompasses 1,600 acres, will maintain a minimum lot size of 50 acres, while the Mount Gilead AFD will require a minimum of 20 acres.

The commission also addressed the early withdrawal request for Oak Hill Farm from the new Oak Hill AFD, which aims to facilitate the property's sale for conservation purposes and potential establishment as a state park. This move highlights the county's commitment to balancing agricultural preservation with conservation efforts.

Overall, the Planning Commission's decisions reflect a strong commitment to preserving Loudoun County's agricultural heritage while adapting to future land use needs. The next steps will involve the Board of Supervisors reviewing these recommendations, ensuring that the county continues to prioritize its agricultural and environmental resources.