PDR Committee Evaluates 8 Applicants for Development Rights in Virginia

Fauquier County's Board of Supervisors is set to make significant strides in farmland preservation, as they review six candidates for the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program. This marks the first round of applicants since 2023, with a new scoring rubric designed to ensure a more objective evaluation of properties.

During the meeting, the PDR Selection Review Committee assessed eight applicants, ultimately recommending six for approval. These candidates represent a total of 877.7 acres of farmland that could be preserved, effectively extinguishing 32 development rights in the county. The committee's updated scoring matrix considered factors such as property size, soil productivity, and risk of development, aiming to enhance the fairness of the selection process.

However, not all applicants met the minimum requirements. Two candidates were disqualified—one for not meeting the 50-acre minimum and another for zoning issues. The recommended properties are distributed across various districts, with three in Cedar Run, two in Lee District, and one in Marshall District. The board confirmed that adequate funding is available for all six candidates, and they plan to seek matching funds from the Virginia Department of Forestry to help offset costs.

A lively discussion ensued regarding two smaller parcels that some supervisors felt should be reconsidered due to their size and the retention of development rights. One supervisor expressed concerns about the implications of allowing these smaller lots to retain rights, suggesting they be pulled from the recommendation for further evaluation.

The board also touched on potential amendments to the PDR program, particularly regarding a high-density property that did not qualify due to zoning restrictions. While the committee is open to exploring options for this property, any changes would require further discussion and possibly a revision of the existing PDR guidelines.

As the board prepares to vote on the recommendations, the outcome could have lasting impacts on the county's agricultural landscape and development policies. The supervisors are expected to address these matters in their upcoming sessions, with a focus on ensuring that the PDR program effectively supports the preservation of Fauquier County's farmland.