PLANNING COMMISSION
Wayne Bower
Hollins District (July 2014)
Jim Woltz
Windsor Hills District (January 2013)
Rick James Vinton District (January 2014)
Troy Henderson Catawba District (February 2017)
Kelly McMurray
Cave Spring District (January 2020)
The Planning Commission is an advisory board to the Board of Supervisors. The Commission makes recommendations on a variety of land use issues. The Commission is also charged with preparing and maintaining the Comprehensive Plan and recommending changes to reflect new land use policies.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic the Planning Commission held a total of fifteen meetings in 2020, including eight public hearings and seven work sessions. Rick James held the position of Chairman and Wayne Bower was Vice Chairman.
The Commission is established under the authority of the Code of Virginia (1950, as amended), Chapter 22, Article 2 and pursuant to a motion of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors on June 19, 1939, as authorized by Section 2, Chapter 427 of the Acts of the General Assembly, adopted March 30, 1936.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIONS
REZONING APPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
Michele Meinhart: To remove proffered conditions on approximately 1.24 acres located at 5681 Starkey Road (February).
Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority: To rezone 2.02 acres from R-1, Low Density Residential to PTD, Planned Technology Development District for the development of the Wood Haven Technology Park, and to amend a portion (43.72 acres) of the Wood Haven Technology Park Master Plan, located in the 7800 and 7900 blocks of Wood Haven Road (May).
Om Shree Hospitality, LLC: To rezone 9.99 acres from AG-1 Agricultural/Rural Low Density to C-2, High Intensity Commercial District to construct a hotel located on Wildwood Road near Interstate 81 Exit 137 (August).
Engineering Concepts—Lighthouse Bible Church: To remove the proffered conditions on 2.66 acres zoned C-1C, Low Intensity Commercial District for construction of religious assembly facilities located at and near 2500 East Washington Avenue (October). See associated special use permit on page 3.
Milestone Tower Limited Partnership: To rezone 9.55 acres from R-1, Low Density Residential to AR, Agricultural/Residential District for construction of a broadcasting tower in Stonebridge Park, located at 420 Swan Drive (November). See associated special use permit on page 3.
Michael Fielder: To rezone 9.03 acres from AG-1, Agricultural/Rural Low Density to I-1, Low Intensity Industrial District, for the use of a plumbing company located at 4053 Aerospace Road (December).
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
Floodplain Regulations: The adopted amendments to Article I, Section 30-5, amend the powers and duties of the Zoning Administrator; amendments to Article II, Sections 30-28 & 29 added, amended, and deleted definitions associated with floodplain management; amendments to Article III, Section 30-74 Floodplain Overlay District, added or amended regulatory sections dealing with floodplain management. The amendments are consistent with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s model ordinance and bring the ordinance into compliance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program regulations (March).
Om Shree Hospitality, LLC Milestone Tower
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIONS
SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPROVALS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
Wild Partners: To obtain a special use permit in a C-2S, High Intensity Commercial District to operate a car wash facility on 1.152 acres, located at 4065 Electric Road (July).
MCE Owner Occupied: To obtain a special use permit in a C-1, Low Intensity Commercial District to allow a multi-family use to account for more than 50 percent of the gross floor area on the site, on approximately 1.116 acres, located at 3220 McVitty Road (August).
Engineering Concepts—Lighthouse Bible Church: To obtain a special use permit for religious assembly on three properties totaling 10.68 acres zoned R-1, C-1C, and C-2 located at 2500 Washington Avenue for religious assembly (October).
Milestone Tower Limited Partnership: To obtain a special use permit for a broadcasting tower (cell tower) approximately 137 feet in height located at Stonebridge Park, 420 Swan Drive (November).
SPECIAL USE PERMIT AND REZONING DENIALS BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:
Wild Partners: Car wash facility—see above (July).
Milestone Tower Limited Partnership: Broadcasting tower—see page 2 and above (November).
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
The Hollins Center Plan: The Planning Commission recommended incorporating the Hollins Center Plan into the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan (May). The Hollins Center Plan area is approximately 465 acres in size located near Hollins University covering Plantation Road from Williamson Road to Interstate 81 and Williamson Road from Hollins University to Peters Creek Road. The Plan includes recommendations on the future development of this area. The Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on July 28, 2020.
Conceptual renderings depict recommendations for potential redevelopment of Hollins Center.
PLANNING STAFF
NEW 2020 CERTIFICATIONS:
Cecile Newcomb
American Institute of Certified Planners
American Planning Association
Isaac Henry
American Institute of Certified Planners Candidate
American Planning Association
Will Crawford
Isaac Henry
Locally Administered Projects Qualification Program (VDOT)
PROMOTIONS:
Rebecca James, Zoning Administrator
RETIREMENTS:
John Murphy, Zoning Administrator
Staff supported the following boards, committees, and business and civic associations this year:
Council of Community Services
Leadership Roanoke Valley Program
Plan Roanoke Responsible Regionalism Committee
Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee*
Regional Housing Study*
Regional Local Food Planning Committee*
Roanoke County Census Complete Count Committee
Roanoke Regional Housing Network
Roanoke River Blueways Committee*
Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission
Roanoke Valley Urban Forestry Council
Rural Bikeway Plan Steering Committee*
Transportation Policy Board (TPO)*
Transportation Technical Committee (TTC)*
U.S. 220 Arterial Preservation Program
U.S. 460 Arterial Preservation Program
Williamson Road Area Business Association (WRABA)
*Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission Boards and Committees
Top: Bailey Howard-DuBois, Alex Jones, Cecile Newcomb Middle: Megan Cronise, Rebecca James, Bill Richardson, Brian Epperley, Susan McCoy, Will Crawford Bottom: Philip Thompson, Isaac Henry, Alyssa Dunbar
AWARDS & CERTIFICATIONS
AWARDS:
2020 Achievement Award, National Association of Counties (NACo) 2020 Innovation Award, Virginia Chapter American Planning Association
Planning staff received awards for the Public Schools Planning Workshops component of the community engagement strategy for the Oak Grove Center Plan. The workshops addressed two main problems. First, long range planning efforts in the past have largely gleaned input from residents over the age of fifty, leaving planners to guess the preferences of younger generations. Secondly, students are rarely exposed to the planning profession and are not aware that it is a career option when they are making college plans. The program was a collaboration between Roanoke County, the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County Public Schools. The workshops included the Roanoke County Public Schools Student Advisory Committee, teachers, administrators, and school leadership teams. The workshops provided valuable public input for the Oak Grove Center Plan. Staff also won an Achievement Award for this program in 2019 from Virginia Association of Counties (VACo).
CERTIFICATIONS HELD BY PLANNING STAFF:
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP): 4
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Candidate: 1
Certified Board of Zoning Appeals Program: 2
Certified Combined Administrator for Erosion and Sediment Control: 1
Certified Floodplain Manager, Association of Floodplain Managers: 1
Certified Transportation Manager (VAZO): 1
Certified Zoning Administrator (VAZO): 1
Graduate Certificate of Local Government Management: 1
Lean Management for Practitioners (VT): 2
Locally Administered Projects Qualification Program (VDOT): 3
Virginia Certified Planning Commissioners Program (VCU): 7
ZONING REVIEW
ZONING ENFORCEMENT
LONG RANGE PLANNING
CENTER PLAN
The Hollins Center Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors as an amendment to the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan on July 28, 2020. The Plan will be implemented over the next 20-plus years. Successful implementation of the Plan depends on regulatory tools, continued community engagement and appropriate financing policies that can encourage and guide private development along with strategic public investment.
Implementation projects are already underway with several transportation projects and a new hotel. The Lila Drive Intersection Safety Improvements were completed in December and utilities are being relocated for Phase 2 of the Plantation Road Bicycle, Pedestrian and Streetscape Improvement Project (see page 16). A new 86 room, four story SpringHill Suites by Marriott was approved for construction. The $12 million project is an all-suite hotel located on Gander Way.
HOLLINS
Left: Lila Drive and Plantation Road Intersection
Right: Rendering of SpringHill Suites by Marriott
LONG RANGE PLANNING
OAK GROVE CENTER PLAN
Roanoke County and City of Roanoke Planners are working together to prepare the draft Oak Grove Center Plan for Planning Commission public hearings. The Plan will move through the public process and be considered for adoption into the Comprehensive Plans by the Board of Supervisors and City Council early in 2021. The Oak Grove Center Plan study area is approximately 173 acres in size located along Electric Road generally between Glen Heather Drive and Keagy Road. The study area is located in both Roanoke County and the City of Roanoke and includes Oak Grove Plaza, Southwest Plaza, Oak Grove Elementary School, Metis Plaza, and Keagy Village.
The proposed Oak Grove Center Plan includes recommendations for the future development of the area. The Plan recommendations are derived from public input and aim to provide a structure for implementation that will serve the health, safety, prosperity and welfare of the community.
LONG RANGE PLANNING
419 TOWN CENTER PLAN
Staff from multiple departments are meeting regularly to consider ways to position the 419 Town Center Plan area for redevelopment. Meanwhile, Plan implementation has begun. The Route 419 Widening, Safety and Multimodal Improvements - Ogden Road to Route 220 Phase I project is under construction. There will be a third southbound automobile lane, as well as sidewalks and bicycle lanes on both sides of the road. Pedestrian signals and crosswalks will be installed at intersections. Three bus stops will be consolidated into one bus shelter at Copper Croft Apartments. The project is a key implementation strategy in the 419 Town Center Plan to achieve walkability and multimodal safety. Construction is anticipated in 2021 (see page 16). Funding has been requested for Route 419 Streetscape Improvements, Phase II (see page 14).
Construction along Route 419 near Tanglewood Mall
LONG RANGE PLANNING
GRAPHIC DESIGN PROJECTS
2020 Interdepartmental Projects
Planning staff regularly assists other County departments with graphic design projects, mapping, and public engagement initiatives. In 2020 this included multiple designs for Economic Development projects or events, including the Support Roanoke County Businesses Initiative to draw extra attention to local businesses during the pandemic. Designs also supported transportation and landscaping projects, and VDOT public input opportunities.
LONG RANGE PLANNING
GRAPHIC DESIGN PROJECTS
2020 Regionally Collaborative Projects
Planning staff regularly assists or cooperates with regional and state organizations on graphic design projects, mapping, media announcements, zoning ordinance amendments, and public engagement initiatives. In 2020 this included multiple designs for regional committees such as the Census Count Committee, tourism organizations such as Virginia’s Blue Ridge and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
2020 Public Messaging Projects
Graphic design projects this year also included creating social media posts designed to boost community morale and safe, healthy activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as an opportunity for residents to submit their photography for use in planning documents and media posts.
TRANSPORTATION
FUNDING AWARDED IN 2020
County staff applied for funding through several programs in 2019 which resulted in awards in 2020. These programs include the Transportation Alternatives Program (TA) (80% Federal/20% Local match), the Revenue Sharing Program (50% State/50% Local match) and the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) (100% State/Federal).
Fallowater Lane Extension: Additional Revenue Sharing funding ($1.8 million) was requested and awarded to fulfill a project deficit. The project includes upgrading the existing private road to public road standards and connecting to Chevy Road. Roanoke County is administering Preliminary Engineering (PE) and Construction phases, while VDOT is administering the Right-ofWay (ROW) phase. The total project estimate is $4.3 million and construction is anticipated in 2021.
Roanoke River Greenway, Highland Road Crossing: Additional TA funding ($250,000) was requested and awarded due to increased project costs. The project will construct 0.30 mile of the Roanoke River Greenway along Highland Road and under the Blue Ridge Parkway through an existing roadway tunnel. Roanoke County is administering the project. The total project estimate is $742,000. Construction is anticipated in 2021.
Oak Grove Streetscape Improvements: STBG funds were awarded ($137,000) to install pedestrian signals/crosswalks and ADA ramps at the Route 419/Carriage Lane/Grandin Road intersection, VDOT is administering the project. PE is underway and construction is anticipated in 2021.
Orange Market Park and Ride Lot Improvements: STBG funds were awarded ($344,000) to construct multimodal and accessibility improvements for the park and ride lot, adjacent creekside parking lot and Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail. VDOT is administering the project and construction is anticipated in 2022 or 2023.
TRANSPORTATION
FUNDING REQUESTED IN 2020
Planning staff also applied for funding through the SMART SCALE program in 2020. This funding is highly competitive and is 100% State and Federal. Because Roanoke County may only submit four applications, the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission and Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization staff assisted with and submitted three additional SMART SCALE applications for projects located in Roanoke County. Funding awards are anticipated to be finalized in June 2021.
SMART SCALE Applications
Valleypointe Parkway Realignment: Widen and realign Valleypointe Parkway at Wood Haven Road to improve and expand transportation infrastructure to serve Wood Haven Technology Park. $2.5 million in conditional STBG funding was received for match funding. SMART SCALE request: $7.7 million
Route 419 Streetscape Improvements, Phase II: Extend multimodal improvements and additional travel lanes from Phase I to the next block between Starkey Road and Ogden Road. This project is a key implementation strategy in the 419 Town Center Plan. $4.3 million in conditional STBG funding was received for match funding. SMART SCALE request: $14.8 million
Starkey Road/Buck Mountain Road Intersection Improvements: This project is in design to convert the existing “T” intersection to a single-lane roundabout. Additional funding is needed to eliminate an anticipated project deficit. SMART SCALE request: $2.6 million
Interstate 581 at Exit 2 Interchange Improvements (Peters Creek Road): Modify the existing interchange to improve safety and access to nearby roadways. This project will also improve access to Wood Haven Technology Park. SMART SCALE request: $28.2 million
Route 460 at West Ruritan Road Intersection Improvements: Construct a Thru-Cut at the intersection to prohibit through movements on the side streets and reduce traffic signal phases to improve traffic flow on Route 460. $790,000 in conditional STBG funding was received for match funding. SMART SCALE request: $6.8 million
Route 460 Intersections from Carson Road to Huntridge Road: Improve a series of four intersections to improve safety and traffic flow along Route 460. $430,000 in conditional STBG funding was received for match funding. SMART SCALE request: $2.3 million
Route 460 at Alternate Route 220 Intersection Improvements: Reconstruct the existing intersection with a Displaced Left Turn configuration to relieve traffic congestion and improve safety. $2.5 million in conditional STBG funding was received for match funding. SMART SCALE request: $19.3 million
Interstate 581 at Exit 2 Interchange
Route 460 at Alternate Route 220 Intersection
TRANSPORTATION
STUDIES UNDERWAY
The following studies focus on an issue or problem, identify many different alternatives to potentially address that issue or problem, and then determine recommendations. For the studies below, all have identified specific projects that have either been funded or have been submitted for funding.
Interstate 581 Exit 2 (Peters Creek Road) Interchange Study
The goal of this County-initiated and VDOT-administered study was to explore solutions to reduce traffic weaving conflicts affecting adjacent intersections and to provide better access to Wood Haven Technology Park. In the first phase, the study analyzed improvements and considered alternative and innovative intersections at the I-581 Exit 2 Interchange. Several alternatives were identified to address various issues. After a collaborative process to narrow down the alternatives, the second phase studied each alternative in more detail. A final alternative was chosen and consultants initiated an Interchange Modification Report, which is a Federal Highway Administration requirement. The STBG-funded study resulted in an application to fund the final alternative with SMART SCALE funding in August 2020.
Route 460 Operational Improvements Study
VDOT studied operational and safety conditions along Route 460 in order to propose improvements to the corridor from Williamson Road (Route 11) to Cloverdale Road (Alt. 220). A public survey received over 1,000 responses and a public meeting was held in November 2019. A virtual public meeting was held in June 2020 that generated 119 comments. The Study resulted in seven SMART SCALE applications being submitted to improve intersections located in the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County.
Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Plan
Governor Northam signed legislation establishing the I-81 Corridor Improvement Fund in April 2019, which dedicates funding for priority projects along the I-81 corridor through Virginia. In addition to the widening project underway between Exits 141 and 143, two additional projects are in design for both northbound and southbound directions between Exit 141 and Mile Marker 136, and between Exit 143 and Exit 150.
Interstate 81 corridor, Roanoke Valley
TRANSPORTATION
PROJECTS UNDERWAY
Construction 2020
Interstate 81 Widening, Exit 141 to Exit 143. Widening the roadway to six travel lanes. The project will connect to future widening projects. Completion 2022. SMART SCALE
Lila Drive Intersection Safety Improvements. New traffic signal, crosswalks and pedestrian signals, with entrance reconfigurations at Double Envelope and Wells Fargo. Completion December 2020. SMART SCALE
Route 419 and Route 221 Adaptive Signal Control. Coordinating signals to improve traffic flow and reduce delays on Route 419 from Colonial Avenue to Valley Drive and on Route 221 from Garst Mill Road to Ranchcrest Drive. Complete. SMART SCALE
Route 419 Widening, Safety and Multimodal Improvements-Ogden Road - Route 220. Constructing a third lane from Ogden Road to the Route 220 south ramp, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, pedestrian signals/crosswalks, and a bus shelter. Completion Fall 2021. Highway Safety Improvement Project (HSIP), SMART SCALE
Construction 2021
West Main Street Pedestrian Improvements. Construct sidewalk, pedestrian signals and crosswalks between Alleghany Drive and Valley Tech Park. Revenue Sharing, SMART SCALE
Plantation Road, Phase II. Install sidewalk, curb and gutter from Walrond Drive to Gander Way. Widen Walrond Drive intersection. Install pedestrian signals and crosswalks at Gander Way. SMART SCALE, Locally Administered.
Fallowater Lane Extension. Upgrade the existing private road to public road standards and connect to Chevy Road. Secondary Six Year Plan (SSYP), Revenue Sharing, Locally Administered except for ROW.
Route 311/Route 419 Intersection Safety Improvements. Construct a roundabout to replace the existing traffic signal. SMART SCALE
Orange Market Park and Ride/Parking Lot Improvements. Construct multimodal and accessibility improvements for the park and ride lot, Creekside parking lot and Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail. STBG
Williamson Road Sidewalk, from Peters Creek Road to North Roanoke Assisted Living. Construct sidewalk along the west side of Williamson Road from Peters Creek Road to North Roanoke Assisted Living with pedestrian signals and crosswalks at the Peters Creek Road/Williamson Road Intersection. HSIP
Oak Grove Pedestrian Improvements, Route 419/Carriage Lane/Grandin Road Intersection. Install pedestrian signals and crosswalks at the existing signalized intersection. STBG
Route 220 Signal Improvements. Reduce signal phases and add pedestrian accommodations at four intersections along Route 220 between Valley Avenue/Southern Hills Drive and Indian Grave Road/Clearbrook Village Lane. Funded by VDOT.
TRANSPORTATION
PROJECTS UNDERWAY
Construction 2022
Dry Hollow Road Improvements. Rework the roadway under the Norfolk Southern railroad trestle. SSYP, Revenue Sharing
Williamson Road Sidewalk, from Plantation Road to Peters Creek Road. Construct sidewalk along the north side of Williamson Road between Peters Creek Road and Plantation Road. TA, SMART SCALE
Construction 2023
Starkey Road/Buck Mountain Road Intersection Improvements. Replace the existing “T” intersection with a roundabout including pedestrian accommodations. STBG, Revenue Sharing, SSYIP
Construction 2024
McAfee Knob Pedestrian Bridge over Route 311. Constructing a pedestrian bridge over Route 311 for Appalachian Trail users. HSIP
Williamson Road Sidewalk: North Roanoke Assisted Living to Clubhouse Drive and Dent Road Intersection. This project is funded, and should begin PE in 2021. Sidewalk will be constructed to continue along the west side of Williamson Road from North Roanoke Assisted Living to the intersection of Clubhouse Drive and Dent Road. HSIP
Starkey Road/Buck Mountain Road
Dry Hollow Road
McAfee Knob Bridge, Plantation Phase II, Fallowater Ln
TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DESIGN
Vinyard Park
2020 Interdepartmental Projects: Planning staff are frequently asked to assist other departments with important County projects. The list below reflects work completed for four different departments, as well as a detailed concept plan submitted as part of a SMART SCALE application.
County Projects:
Valleypointe Parkway re-alignment
Goode Park Pedestrian Crossing Plan
Blue Ridge Parkway Potential Access Concepts
Wayside Park Parking Lot and Boat Launch
Fallowater Lane Extension ROW Concepts
Happy Hollows Park conservation easement
Hollins Library—layout plan First Team Auto Lease
Drainage Projects:
Corbieshaw Road drainage easement plat
Kessler Mill Building erosion and sediment control plan
Hidden Valley High School detention pond easement plat
Vinyard Park spoil site plan
Wayside Park Boat Launch & Parking Expansion
STAFF PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Census Count Committee: Staff participated on Roanoke County’s Complete Count Committee (CCC), appointed by the Board of Supervisors in August 2019, with a goal for all County residents to respond to the U.S. Census. Staff created graphics, media releases and banners, and coordinated with other CCCs to educate the public about the U.S. Census throughout the year. The Committee had 15 members from various County organizations: from government to retirement communities to non-profits, small businesses, schools and colleges. Partially due to the Committee’s diligence, Roanoke County achieved an 80% self-response rate, ranking 9th amongst counties in the state, and 44th nationwide.
New Websites Launched: New websites for the 419 Town Center and Hollins Center were launched this year. The websites will be kept up to date regarding implementation of the Plan elements, new developments, and continuing community engagement activities.
Greenways Website Redesign: Staff assisted in the launch of a new Roanoke Valley Greenways website in October. In 2019, AEP Foundation awarded $30,000 to “power” the development of a sleek, modern website with robust, interactive maps. Staff volunteered time for grant writing, coordinating the Request For Proposal (RFP) process, and directing a design subcommittee throughout 2020. This redesign of www.greenways.org is intended to attract new users to regional greenways and help longtime users discover new routes and trailheads. The site features important information about the greenway network like route characteristics, parking and amenities; as well as news about events, volunteer opportunities and closures.
STAFF PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
E-bikes: State legislation went into effect on July 1, 2020, that allowed e-bikes (electric bicycles) to be considered non-motorized vehicles that could travel anywhere regular bicycles were allowed, including greenways and trails. Staff collaborated with the Parks, Recreation and Tourism and Fire and Rescue Departments to collect several types of data related to e-bikes. The most interactive method involved conducting 25 passive, in-person surveys at five different parks in July and August to obtain public input.
COVID-19 Pandemic: With health and safety as our first priority, staff have adapted throughout the pandemic in order to serve the public. Meeting with applicants by appointment and/or outdoors under a tent; creating safe indoor drop-in spaces; broadcasting Planning Commission public hearings on Roanoke Valley Television (RVTV); installing partitions on the dais; mailing out adjacent property public hearing notices to a larger area since we could not hold in-person community meetings; and making accommodations for restaurants to increase dining capacity with outside seating, are some of the accommodations that have allowed the work of our department to continue uninterrupted. Staff have also adjusted to working from both home and the office, using online technologies and following new policies to avoid or limit gatherings without cancelling meetings or ongoing projects and services.
