Public Meetings - Loudoun County, Virginia

The Loudoun County Heritage Commission met at the Government Center in Leesburg. The agenda was dated November 2, 2026, but the supplied meeting timestamp is November 4, 2026, which is used in this summary. Commissioners approved the modified agenda and October minutes, heard a presentation from America’s Routes, discussed data center policy, Sweet Run State Park, historic preservation enforcement, and the county flag, and took several votes. Consent Calendar / Administrative Approvals - Agenda approved as modified (additions included Sweet Run State Park, county flag/BMI, historic Mullen House, and a nominating committee). - Minutes of the October 5 meeting approved without changes. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present, so the commission dispensed with the public-input period. Presentation: America’s Routes - Emily Houston and Jane Covington presented on America’s Routes, a nonprofit formed in 2018 to promote appreciation and advocacy for Loudoun’s unpaved rural roads. - The group showed an Emmy-winning 2018 video; presenters noted gravel-road mileage had fallen from about 500 miles in the 1980s to about 250 miles while the county population grew from about 40,000 to 400,000. - Presenters said they are advocating for “sustainable rural transportation infrastructure,” working with VDOT on non-paving improvements funded by the rural roads bill, and seeking National Register listing for the rural road network. - Jane Covington reported that in September the Virginia Department of Historic Resources recognized the rural road network as potentially eligible for the National Register; the application is now under National Park Service review, with another 12–24 months expected. - America’s Routes is also developing a “Roads of Record” educational project using a federal grant and said it may later ask the Heritage Commission for letters of support when projects come to the Board of Supervisors or the General Assembly. Discussion Items Annual Report, Section 106, and County Letters - Chair Gulland circulated a draft annual report and asked for comments by November 15; a final draft will be considered for a vote in December and then sent to the Board of Supervisors and TLUC. - The Section 106 update noted no new action yet from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation on proposed regulatory changes; the Old Arcola MOA also had no new update. - The commission’s data center letter was sent October 6; the chair spoke at the October 20 Board of Supervisors business meeting, calling data centers the most important issue facing Loudoun. - The county administrator has convened agency chiefs on stewardship of county-owned historic properties, but the commission still has not received a response to its meeting request. Banshee Reeks had no new update. Heritage Register, Oak Hill, and Staff Project Updates - Heritage Register outreach is expanding: Will Malone attended Aldie community meetings with strong local interest; Hillsborough, Sterling, and other localities are being connected to the plaque program. A Heritage Register Subcommittee meeting is planned for January 2027. - Oak Hill’s property manager reported that required documentation and preservation work is underway, with additional grants and a new community-relations staff member. - Staff project updates included National Register nominations for Watson First Baptist Church, St. Louis, and Howards; historic district work in Unison; the Manassas Gap Railroad and Sycolin story maps; and the future relocation of the county archaeology repository to the old Old Ox Brewery building. Data Center Working Group, Standards Comments, and Valley Link - Bob Pollard reported the Board of Supervisors pause on new data centers runs until November 17, and a grandfathering measure was defeated 7–2. - The working group discussed the proposed Valley Link transmission corridor. Pollard expressed opposition, saying the 200-foot-wide new corridor would consume roughly 6.5 square miles of additional land and could affect heritage, farm, wetland, and conservation-easement resources. Other commissioners noted the Board has already opposed the route, and the utility has a second round of open houses on November 12. - The commission agreed to submit comments on the county’s data center standards project. A motion authorized member Emily/Evelyn Johnson to prepare a letter with the commission’s views and submit the unanswered questions from the August staff presentation through the public comment portal; the motion passed. Sweet Run State Park Master Plan - Bob Pollard presented on DCR’s final public master plan for Sweet Run State Park, saying stakeholder pushback led DCR to remove a new visitor center, entrance, road network, and ranger residence from the plan; DCR also agreed to revive farming, expand agricultural interpretation and campsites, and add trail links including to the Appalachian Trail. - Pollard criticized the plan for having no cultural or historic resource funding in the $12.4 million construction budget; a separate $2.8 million historic preservation budget was “bloated,” with only $225,000 for stabilizing threatened farm structures while buildings deteriorate or collapse. - He also expressed opposition to new picnic areas/restrooms in sensitive greenfield and wetland areas and to a possible mountain-biking allowance, noting DCR rates Sweet Run in the top five percent of Virginia lands for biodiversity. County Flag and Royal College of Arms Inquiry - Elizabeth and Bill Wilken presented the history of Loudoun’s 1968 coat of arms and flag, including the Royal College of Arms grant and the removal of original heraldic supporters including a Confederate officer. - The commission approved sending an inquiry to the Royal College of Arms asking whether consultation is customary before modifying the county seal or flag; the motion passed. Historic Mullen House and Demolition Enforcement - Chair Gulland raised the demolition of a roughly 170-year-old house in Lucketts without a demolition permit, despite county officials telling the owner one was required. He said little or no enforcement mechanism exists and that he will take the issue to the county attorney. - Commissioners supported adding a list of historic properties lost in 2026 to the annual report and considering a legislative-priority request to strengthen demolition enforcement. Committee Reports - African American Resource Protection: no report. - Land Use: staff disapproved the “East Winds” resort application on Paris Mountain; the Claremont Farms property and two additional cabins are under threat; and the Western Loudoun Recreation Complex is beginning Phase II archaeology because of concerns about a historic building and the last section of railroad bed. - Stewardship: Lanesville and Lovettsville stewardship management plans are being revised; Broad Run Toll House has no design plans yet; commissioners expressed concern about possible closure of small historic elementary schools. - Section 106: the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on November 9 on a bill containing a provision to alter or limit Section 106; a preservation rally is planned at the Capitol. Commissioners voiced concern about this threat. Other Business - The chair said he will appoint a nominating committee by the December meeting; officer elections will occur at the January meeting per the bylaws. Key Outcomes - Approved the modified agenda and the October minutes. - Set annual report comments due November 15, with a December vote scheduled. - Authorized submission of data center standards comments and unanswered staff questions to the county public portal. - Approved the inquiry to the Royal College of Arms about modifying the county flag/seal. - Directed the chair to consult the county attorney about demolition-permit enforcement and to explore a legislative priority. - Noted the upcoming November 9 Senate Section 106 vote and the next meeting date of December 7, 2026.

The Data Center Work Group of the Loudoun County Heritage Commission convened to discuss the impact of data center development on historic and natural resources. (Note: The meeting transcript is dated November 2, 2026, while the metadata specifies November 4, 2026). Bob Pollard led a presentation on the county's heritage ecosystem, and members discussed advocacy strategies and upcoming Board of Supervisors (BOS) meetings. Discussion Items - Historic and Natural Resource Overview: Bob Pollard presented maps detailing Loudoun's dense mosaic of heritage resources, including over 200 registered cemeteries, hundreds of DHR-surveyed historic sites, seven historic districts, 4,400 conservation easements, forests, river systems, and 250-300 miles of unpaved roads. He noted these resources form an interconnected ecosystem vital to the county's rural heritage and tourism. He also cited a fiscal analysis showing that residential development costs the county $1.62 for every $1.00 of revenue generated. - Threats from Data Center Expansion: Pollard identified power line corridors (NextEra, Valley Link) and data center construction as primary threats. He stated that data centers require seven times the power of all residential and commercial users combined, driving the infrastructure buildout. Derek Clark expressed concern over deforestation in Eastern Loudoun, noting the loss of native tree canopy and habitat, and advocated for development that preserves native trees. Poo Jimmy (per transcript) emphasized the importance of retaining native vegetation for air quality and topsoil. - Policy Recommendations and Advocacy Strategy: Derek Clark outlined three formal requests from the Heritage Commission's white paper: a 12-month pause on data center and substation applications, a blue ribbon panel to study benefits and harms, and an end to grandfathering of pending by-right applications (the latter was defeated 7-2). Bob Pollard urged members to attend the November 17 BOS meeting to advocate for the pause. Members discussed collaborating with the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), the Black History Committee (BAC), and referenced a Weldon Cooper (UVA) study on data center impacts. Key Outcomes - Members identified the northern power line corridor (Valley Link) as an immediate priority for formal opposition by the Commission. - Bob Pollard called for volunteers to speak at the November 17 BOS meeting to advocate for the 12-month pause and blue ribbon panel. - Derek Clark agreed to share a spreadsheet compiling notes from broader coalition meetings. - Date discrepancy noted: The transcript body reads "November 2nd, 2026," while the prompt specifies the meeting date as 2026-11-04.

The Loudoun County Heritage Commission Land Use Subcommittee met on November 4, 2026, primarily to discuss data center policies, the Facilities and Standards Manual (FSM), and several project reviews. (Note: The published agenda for this meeting was dated November 2, 2026, creating a date discrepancy with the recording). Data Center Position and Standards - Emily Housted updated the subcommittee on the status of the Commission's Data Center position. Members discussed a strategy of providing informational updates to county supervisors rather than direct lobbying, encouraging commissioners to follow up on the submitted letter and the proposed Blue Ribbon Panel. - A review of the ongoing Data Center Standards revision identified several unresolved questions from the Commission's August presentation, including setbacks for cultural resources, impacts from battery energy storage, and the mitigation of on-site historic resources. - Decision: Emily Housted was authorized to compile the Commission's outstanding questions and draft formal public comments on the Data Center Standards revision. Input will be coordinated with the Data Center Committee to avoid duplication. Facilities and Standards Manual (FSM) Amendment - Steven Thompson briefed the committee on the FSM Development Ordinance Amendment. - Key Changes: Incorporation of a 2020 Tech Memo addressing cemetery identification; terminology updated from "archaeological" to "cultural resources"; forestry management plans must now map known cemeteries; subdivision plats containing parcels of 2 acres or less will require a full Phase I cultural resources survey; any standing building over 50 years old within a subdivision plat must be recorded and surveyed archaeologically. - The amendment has been recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and is proceeding to the Board of Supervisors. The subcommittee expressed general support for the changes. Historic Churches Inventory (Religious Assemblies) - The subcommittee learned that a joint subcommittee reviewing rural uses is developing standards for religious assemblies and requested information on historic churches. - The Land Use Subcommittee holds the Heritage Commission's inventory of historic churches in the Rural Policy Area. - Motion/Decision: The subcommittee unanimously approved a motion to forward the list to the joint subcommittee. The motion was amended to also post the list on the Heritage Commission website as a living document to allow for public input and additions. Section 106 Compliance and Heritage Commission Role - Western Loudoun Recreation Center: The project requires Section 106 compliance for a permit impacting the Lloyd House. DHR requested a Phase II evaluation. The subcommittee expressed concern that the Heritage Commission had not been formally notified as a consulting party. The subcommittee decided to formally request consulting party status for this project. - Claremont Farms (Ross Cabins): Members raised significant concerns about the demolition of a National Register-listed house on the property, which reportedly occurred under a building permit without a separate demolition permit. - Decision: The subcommittee voted to send a letter to Supervisor Kroner questioning the permitting process that led to the full demolition of a historic resource. Application Status Updates - National Conference Center: A fifth version of the application was submitted, appearing identical to the prior version, effectively extending the review window. - Paris Mountain: Part of the application was disapproved as an administrative filing; the applicant can resubmit. Key Outcomes - Public Comment: Authorized submission of formal comments on the Data Center Standards revision. (Emily Housted) - Data Sharing: Approved providing the historic churches list to the joint subcommittee and publishing it online. (Motion Passed) - Section 106: Directed the pursuit of consulting party status for the Western Loudoun Rec Center. - Oversight: Approved drafting a letter of inquiry to Supervisor Kroner regarding the Claremont Farms demolition. (Motion Passed)

The Western Loudoun Ad Hoc Committee held its fifth meeting to continue drafting zoning text for the Western Loudoun Rural Uses and Standards Project. The committee reviewed four major topic areas: Animal Processing, Agricultural Education/Research, Recreation, and Assembly Uses, making specific findings of consistency with Board direction and passing several amendments and referrals. Consent Calendar - The meeting summary from October 13, 2026 was adopted with minor clarifications regarding alignment of timeframes and recordation of discussion points. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were heard during this session. Discussion Items and Key Outcomes Animal Processing (Motion 35) - Proposal: Staff proposed a new 'Small Scale Animal Processing' use (permitted by right, cumulative structures under 2,500 sq ft) and retained 'Animal Processing' as a special exception use in the AR1, AR2, A10, and A3 districts. - Discussion: The committee debated the size of the small-scale facility, with concerns raised about viability for beef processing versus smaller livestock. Discussion also focused on defining the 'holding' period for animals, waste management plan submission timing, and the applicability of standard 6-foot opaque screening requirements (Section 7.04) for outdoor holding areas. - Key Outcomes: - Found the draft text consistent with Board Motion 35. - Recommended expanding the square footage allowance to exclude cold storage/freezer space, aligning with agricultural processing standards. - Recommended defining a maximum holding period (e.g., 7-10 days) to distinguish from a feedlot operation, with corresponding feedlot definition adjustments. - Recommended the Planning Commission and Staff explore alternative screening solutions to Section 7.04 for this specific use. - Clarified that the 200-foot setback from a principal dwelling applies only to adjacent lots under different ownership. - Recommended clarifying that waste management plans be provided at site plan stage. - Asked Staff to verify USDA certification feasibility for facilities under the proposed size. Agricultural Education or Research (Motion 37) - Proposal: Reclassify the use from agricultural support uses to the education use category (Section 4.05.03). - Discussion: Concerns were raised about the intensity of allowing 225 attendees on a 25-acre lot by right without specific standards, and the appropriateness of the use on preservation farm lots. - Key Outcomes: - Found the draft text consistent with Board Motion 37. - Excluded preservation farm lots from the locations where this use is permissible. - Referred the overall scale, intensity, maximum attendees, and the need for use-specific standards to the Planning Commission for review. Recreation (Motions 53 & 54) - Proposal: Separate outdoor recreation into Level 1 (passive: walking, hiking, trail riding) and Level 2 (active: sports fields, playgrounds, swimming pools) with distinct parking ratios. - Discussion: The committee debated 'picnicking' as a use, the classification of mountain biking, the parking ratio for athletic fields (60 spaces per field), and the exemption of government-owned facilities from the definition. - Key Outcomes: - Found the draft text consistent with Board direction. - Struck 'picnicking' from the Level 1 definition. - Classified mountain biking and BMX/cyclocross courses as Level 2 outdoor recreation. - Moved the exemption for government/utility-owned facilities to a footnote in the definition and clarified they are regulated under separate park use categories. - Recommended waiving the fee for administrative parking ratio determinations under Section 7.06.08 for uses without specified ratios. Assembly Uses (Motion 59) - Proposal: Create a tiered system of small, medium, and large scale standards based on maximum attendees and vehicle trips per day (VTD) for uses like Religious Assembly, Agricultural Cultural Center, Cultural Facility, and Rural Retreat. - Discussion: - Religious Assembly: Significant debate over the 10-acre minimum lot size and its impact on existing small rural churches, with members cautioning about potential conflicts with the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). The committee deferred definitive action. - Agricultural Cultural Center vs. Cultural Facility: The committee found these two uses to be functionally duplicative and voted to merge them into a single use. - Rural Retreat: The committee determined that the proposed standards were essentially for a lodging use and voted to move this use under the rural resort/lodging category to be re-evaluated at Meeting 7. - Key Outcomes: - Found the draft text partially consistent with Board Motion 59, noting areas of expansion. - Supported the 200 VTD threshold on unpaved roads as requiring a minor special exception. - Religious Assembly: Requested staff to inventory existing small rural churches and seek legal guidance on regulatory constraints, to be provided to the Planning Commission. - Ag Cultural Center & Cultural Facility: Merged the two uses, utilizing the tiered attendee table and incorporating hours of operation and accessory use standards. - Rural Retreat: Deferred to Meeting 7 for complete restructuring under the lodging category. - Requested a comprehensive comparison chart of attendee intensity levels versus VTD for all assembly uses to be provided to the Planning Commission.

The Facility Standards Manual Public Review Committee (FSM PRC) met virtually on October 29, 2026, to approve administrative items, review Gated Community DOAM referral comments, and endorse a floodplain amendment process. Note: the agenda and transcript identify the meeting date as October 15, 2026, while the date supplied for this summary is October 29, 2026. Consent Calendar - The committee was called to order under Virginia Code § 2.2-3708.3. No public comment was offered; only committee members and county staff were logged in. - The committee unanimously approved the September 10, 2026 and October 1, 2026 meeting minutes. - The committee approved the 2027 meeting schedule: first and third Thursdays, 3:00-5:00 p.m., with meetings canceled when possible and some held virtually. The January 7, 2027 meeting was placed in the Sycolin Road large conference room because the Dulles Room was unavailable; August was reserved but is typically canceled. Public Comments & Testimony - None. No members of the public spoke; only staff and committee members were present. Discussion Items Gated Community DOAM Referral Comments - Staff sent 25 referral requests and received 19 responses. Parks and Recreation commented on crosswalks and possibly expanding the protection to public trails, shared-use paths, sidewalks, and other pedestrian/bicycle facilities. - Fire and Rescue selected the Click2Enter (C2E) emergency access system for electrically operated gates. After discussion about whether C2E is proprietary, the committee agreed to say 'or equivalent approved by the fire marshal'; Fire and Rescue emphasized that the goal is a standardized process/frequency for firefighters. - The committee extensively debated the scope language. Jason, legal staff, recommended avoiding the undefined term 'residential communities' and using defined terms such as 'multiple principal dwellings or group living uses.' Members discussed single-family driveways, multifamily condominiums, private roads, and Category B roadways. Dave argued any gated entrance can cause backup onto the public road, Kevin raised concerns about single-lot driveways, Megan noted a zoning ordinance/FSM inconsistency between driveways and private roads, and Brandon later argued the wording had become too complicated and favored 'gated residential communities.' Final scope wording was set aside for further wordsmithing. - Substantive edits discussed included: a 50-foot minimum continuous entryway vehicle storage length for ingress through the gated entrance, measured from the right-of-way or pedestrian crosswalk (whichever is closer) to the processing location; a queuing analysis for gated entrances anticipated to process 60 or more inbound peak-hour trips, based on the latest ITE Trip Generation Manual and other methods approved by the director; possible reduction of the storage length based on an adequate queuing analysis; changing 'visitor rejection' to 'vehicle rejection'; using 'queuing' rather than 'stacking'; and deleting 'proposed' so existing developments adding gates are covered. - Gated entrances on fire apparatus access roads must comply with the emergency access system provision. - Staff proposed adding a CPAP/site plan note to Sections 8.106 and 8.107 on the location of gated entrances, but the committee agreed the language still needed simplification and would return to it. Floodplain DOAM Referral Comments - Floodplain staff asked the committee to endorse moving a ROIA forward to initiate the public process for future FSM floodplain amendments, rather than reviewing line-by-line at this meeting. Jason's comments will be worked through internally. The committee gave consensus to move the ROIA forward; specific language will return later, with the goal of Board consideration around November 15, 2026 and Planning Commission review in January/February 2027. Committee Member Issues/Topics - Megan raised a potential conflict between ordinance language requiring permeable driveways and Fire and Rescue's expectation that C1 driveways be at least gravel for fire access. She will send details to Kevin and Dan (Fire and Rescue) for follow-up. Key Outcomes - Approved the September 10 and October 1, 2026 minutes. - Approved the 2027 meeting schedule. - Endorsed moving the floodplain ROIA forward. - Gated community amendment text remains unfinished; terminology, measurement, queuing, and chapter 8 note wording will be refined and brought back. - Next meetings: Thursday, November 5, 2026 and Thursday, December 3, 2026, both in the Dulles Room.

The Loudoun County Communications Commission held a meeting that began on October 26, 2026, and concluded on October 27, 2026. The commission adopted the agenda and previous minutes without objection, heard no public comments, and focused on cross-commission outreach efforts, potential collaboration with Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), and broadband connectivity challenges. Consent Calendar - The agenda was adopted as drafted without objection. - The minutes of the September 28th meeting were adopted without objection, with a note from Commissioner Sustaining regarding their absence at the prior meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak. Discussion Items - Cross-Commission Outreach: Chair reported on reaching out to five commissions: - Economic Development Advisory Commission: Call scheduled for October 28 with Chair Tim Shinbaro and staff. - Zoning Ordinance: Call scheduled for October 30 with Chair Michael Capretti, Vice Chair Tia Earman, and staff. - Planning Commission: Coffee scheduled for November 9 with Chair Cliff Pierce. - Rural Economic Development Council: Exchanges with Chair Jan Kernan; meeting postponed due to harvest season. - Economic Development Authority: No response via county portal; chair seeking staff assistance (Brian) to connect. - Commissioners discussed standardizing folder structures and agenda/minutes organization across county boards to improve citizen access. This was identified as low-hanging fruit for collaboration. - LCPS and Technology Initiatives: Commissioners debated engaging with the school board on topics such as device deployment, broadband access for students, and the recent ban on cell tower co-location on school property. LCPS staff representative noted e-rate funding cuts for hotspot allocation and bus Wi-Fi, shifts in device deployment strategy, and upcoming budget work sessions. The commission considered leveraging relationships with Board of Supervisors members to foster informal conversations with school board members, but noted the lack of direct oversight between bodies. - Broadband and Wireless Gaps: The commission reviewed the history of unsuccessful efforts to address wireless coverage in western Loudoun, attributed to zoning restrictions, public resistance to towers, and regulatory hurdles. Commissioners suggested inviting tower infrastructure companies (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) to present their top permitting and zoning challenges. Commissioner Baby volunteered to coordinate such presentations to inform future discussions with the Planning and Zoning commissions. Key Outcomes - Chair to distribute recordings and materials from LCPS instructional technology meetings to commissioners. - Commissioner Baby to reach out to tower companies to arrange a guest speaking slot at a future commission meeting. - Brian to assist in establishing contact with the Economic Development Authority. - The November and December meetings will be combined into a single meeting scheduled for December 7, 2026 (backup date December 14, 2026), pending room availability. - The January 2027 meeting will include the election of a new chair and vice chair, as well as adoption of the 2027 meeting schedule. - Action items were updated to include five outstanding tasks: the three from the prior meeting plus the two new items.

The Loudoun County Planning Commission met on October 27, 2026, for a public hearing covering eight advertised items, with one deferred. Commissioners approved the prior meeting minutes, forwarded several applications and administrative amendments to the Board of Supervisors with recommendations of approval, and sent two items to future worksessions. Consent Calendar - Approved the September 22, 2026 public hearing minutes 9-0. - Multiple commissioners disclosed prior meetings with applicants, applicant representatives, and staff on items appearing on tonight's agenda. - Agenda item 8 (ZOAM-2026-0002, ZMAP-2026-0004, and ZMAP-2026-0005, concerning zoning of certain properties in the Route 28 Tax District) was deferred to the November 19, 2026 Planning Commission public hearing; no public comment was taken. Public Comments & Testimony - No public speakers appeared for items 1 through 6. - Emily Johnson, representing the Piedmont Environmental Council, spoke on item 7, the Countywide Transportation Plan review. PEC expressed overall support for phase one, but raised concerns that limiting traffic calming to neighborhood streets conflicts with Federal Highway Administration guidance and that "speed management" lacks a basis in VDOT standards. PEC also requested that regional trail maps include the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, urged phase two to consider public comments summarized on pages 271–272, and asked staff to address phase-one review topics about expanding prioritization criteria and updating the CTP to match the trails and waterways plan. Item 1 — One Loudoun Animal Hospital (LEGI-2025-0062, SPEX-2025-0148) - Staff described a proposal for a 5,500-square-foot animal hospital within an existing commercial building, accommodating a maximum of 20 animals at any one time. Conditions include prohibiting boarding and overnight hospitalization stays, animal exclusion hours from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m., at least one waste station, waste handling procedures, a 15-minute limit on pet bathroom breaks, no outdoor activity, ventilation to control animal-related odors, and noise attenuation. - The applicant confirmed the facility is an outpatient veterinary clinic, not an overnight hospital, and that animals requiring extended care would be transferred to partner hospitals. Commissioner Miller and Commissioner Jasper expressed support and criticized the zoning ordinance for requiring a costly special exception for a use that should be administrative. The applicant agreed to work with staff on an HOA-requested condition excluding large animals such as horses. - No public speakers testified. - A motion to forward the application to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation of approval passed 9-0. Item 2 — Residences at University Center (LEGI-2025-0028, ZMAP-2025-0013, SPEX-2026-0035) - Commissioner Combs recused under Virginia Code sections 2.2-3112A and 2.2-3115F because her law firm provides legal counsel to the applicant, Northfield Construction and Development LLC. - Staff described a proposed residential rezoning on a 16.8-acre site north of George Washington Boulevard and east of Riverside Parkway, from the Planned Development Research and Development Park zoning district to the Suburban Compact Neighborhood 16 district. The application includes two development scenarios contingent on low-income housing tax credit funding, a front-yard setback modification from 15 feet to 12 feet, and a special exception to increase building height from 50 feet to 60 feet. Staff reported seven tenants, approximately 24,000 square feet leased out of a combined 124,000 square feet, and an approximately 81% vacancy rate in the existing office buildings. - Staff identified outstanding issues including 100% residential land use, unit type and size, building design, noise, site access, pedestrian facilities, the zoning modification, compatibility, site design, attainable housing, and administration. The applicant said commercial use is not viable on the site due to poor visibility and retail oversupply, and noted that the preferred scenario proposes 24% affordable housing and 15% open space. The applicant committed to construct pedestrian connections rather than provide cash-in-lieu, subject to obtaining easements, and agreed to continue working on secondary fire access and other staff comments. - Commissioners discussed the adjacent parcels formerly planned for Amazon data centers, the need for a second permanent access point, and the need for more detailed unit and scenario information. - No public speakers testified. - A motion to forward the application to a future Planning Commission work session carried 8-0-1, with Commissioner Combs recused. Item 3 — Berwick Energy Center (LEGI-2025-0032, CMPT-2025-0006, SPEX-2025-0059) - Staff described a proposed utility-scale battery energy storage facility on a 5.5-acre parcel east of the Sycolin Road/Cochrane Mill Road area in the Leesburg JLMA policy area. The facility would be approximately 30,000 square feet, use lithium iron phosphate battery technology, and support the NOVEC substation. Conditions include stormwater mitigation, tree conservation, fire safety education, height limits for storage containers, and an additional 10-foot gravel or concrete piling buffer around each exterior container. - Fire marshal's office representatives answered questions about hazardous-materials runoff and containment, decommissioning obligations, and the five-year training condition. The applicant described a layered safety design, pre-construction and post-construction noise studies, and hydrant distances of roughly 1,600 to 1,700 feet from the site. Commissioner Barnes confirmed the fire marshal's office is satisfied with the proposal. - No public speakers testified. - A motion to approve the commission permit and forward the special exception to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation of approval passed 9-0. Item 4 — Loudoun County Adult Detention Center Expansion Phase III (LEGI-2025-0035, SPEX-2025-0098, SPEX-2025-0099, SPEX-2025-0100) - Staff described a proposed 55,500-square-foot expansion and partial remodel of the Adult Detention Center, including a housing addition, kitchen, administrative space, and a standalone maintenance building. The application requests special exceptions to expand the public safety use, reduce required parking from 495 to 222 spaces, and reduce the required building setback along Gourley Transit Drive from 120 feet to 75 feet. - The applicant team said the need was identified through a February 2021 needs assessment and the December 2021 Community-Based Corrections Plan. Construction is targeted for spring/summer 2028, with substantial completion in summer 2030. The expansion includes a 48-bed mental health unit arranged as four 12-bed direct supervision units. Staff and applicant noted the facility's rated capacity is 460; the population that morning was 311 and recently about 340. A parking study showed roughly 35% daily parking use and about 203 spaces needed for operations. - Commissioners expressed strong support for the mental health, substance use, and re-entry programming components, and noted the facility's evolution since older, overcrowded conditions. No public speakers testified. - A motion to forward the application to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation of approval passed 9-0. Item 5 — FSM Standards for Cultural Resources (DOAM-2026-0001) - Staff, the county archaeologist, and the Facilities Standards Manual Public Review Committee chair presented amendments to FSM Chapters 7 and 8. The amendments formalize the December 15, 2020 director's technical memorandum, require known cemeteries to be shown on certain plats and plans, update terminology from "archaeology" to "cultural resources," require applicants to provide digital cultural resource survey data, and expand archaeological testing requirements for residential lots of two acres or less on certain subdivision plats and around certain standing historic structures. - Staff clarified that the requirements apply to development and subdivision applications, not to individual homeowners building on a single lot. The FSM PRC chair said the committee worked to avoid overburdening large rural properties while meeting the amendment's goals. - No public speakers testified. - A motion to forward the amendment to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation of approval passed 9-0. Item 6 — FSM Standards for Fire Apparatus Access Road Shoulders (DOAM-2026-0002) - Staff proposed a new standard allowing the travelway surface material to be extended into shoulders to meet the 20-foot minimum unobstructed width required for fire apparatus access roads. The amendment addresses shoulder erosion and deterioration at pavement edges and would apply to new development. Gravel roads may use gravel to achieve the required width. - Commissioners discussed partial shoulder paving, impervious surface and stormwater implications, and the transition between paved and gravel surfaces. - No public speakers testified. - A motion to forward the amendment to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation of approval passed 9-0. Item 7 — 2026 Review of the 2019 Countywide Transportation Plan (CPAM-2026-0001) - Staff presented the first comprehensive review and update of the Countywide Transportation Plan since 2019. The Board approved the project plan in February 2026. Staff gathered input from more than 20 agencies and county departments, distributed the draft to more than 40 referral agencies, and held a public outreach meeting in June 2026. - Proposed phase-one revisions fall into three categories: general cleanup and corrections; alignment with current practices, policies, and prior CTP interpretation decisions; and more substantive updates such as clarifying traffic calming applies to a specific subset of roadway types, introducing speed management, distinguishing shared use paths and trail types, and aligning with the county's equity resolution. - Staff flagged board-directed policy language regarding capital facility contributions and credits for roadway improvements not funded in the CIP, noting a concern that it could divert funding from other priority projects. Staff also noted that traffic calming and speed management policies may later require a Facilities Standards Manual amendment for enforcement. - Chair Kears suggested adding "future anticipated CTP roadway improvements" to the capital credit language. Commissioners Myers, Jasper, and Miller asked for a work session, raising concerns about traffic calming definitions, bicycle and pedestrian requirements across all development, and consistency with the 20-foot fire apparatus road shoulder standard. - After public comment from Emily Johnson of the Piedmont Environmental Council, a motion to forward the CTP review to a future Planning Commission work session passed 9-0. The Chair said staff would work to collect commissioner comments before the expected December work session. Key Outcomes - Approved September 22, 2026 minutes 9-0. - Item 1 forwarded to the Board of Supervisors with recommendation of approval, 9-0. - Item 2 forwarded to a future work session, 8-0-1, with Commissioner Combs recused. - Item 3 commission permit approved and special exception forwarded to the Board of Supervisors with recommendation of approval, 9-0. - Item 4 forwarded to the Board of Supervisors with recommendation of approval, 9-0. - Item 5 forwarded to the Board of Supervisors with recommendation of approval, 9-0. - Item 6 forwarded to the Board of Supervisors with recommendation of approval, 9-0. - Item 7 forwarded to a future work session, 9-0. - Item 8 deferred to the November 19, 2026 Planning Commission public hearing. - Administrative update: there is no November 2026 work session; the next meeting is the November 19, 2026 public hearing, where the e-scribe system and new templates will launch.

The Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) reconvened on October 22, 2026, for a continued public hearing on APPL-2026-0004, an appeal of a zoning permit (ZONC-2025-054564) for a 150-foot telecommunications monopole at the Hamilton Safety Center. The board voted 3-2 to deny the appeal and affirm the Zoning Administrator's decision that the monopole is a by-right accessory use. Public Hearing Testimony - Appellants' Position: Attorney Michael Overson, representing 22 local residents, argued the permit was improperly issued without a commission permit. He contended the monopole is a principal commercial use, not an accessory use, and does not meet compatibility requirements with the surrounding rural area. - Applicants' Position: Len Forkas (Milestone Towers) confirmed a binding lease with AT&T to install FirstNet equipment. Heather Beardsley, President of the Hamilton Safety Center, testified that the monopole is an essential accessory use for modern emergency communications, directly supporting the safety center's public safety mission. - Staff Position: Planner David Moore reiterated the county's legal justification, stating the monopole is permitted by-right per Section 4.07.08.d.1 as an accessory use and is exempt from a commission permit under Section 10.09 as it is part of a Comprehensive Plan facility. Board Deliberations - Board members extensively debated the definition of an "accessory use." - Mr. Gray and Mr. Clark argued to uphold the appeal, stating the appellants successfully rebutted the presumption of correctness of the zoning administrator. They maintained the monopole operates as a separate principal commercial use and is not subordinate to the fire station. - Mr. Canonico, Mr. Moyes, and Chair Forbes argued to deny the appeal. They stated the Board of Supervisors had already established the by-right framework, the integration of FirstNet makes the tower incidental to the fire station, and the appellants failed to meet their burden to rebut the presumption of correctness. Key Outcomes - Vote on Appeal: The BZA voted 3-2 to deny the appeal (APPL-2026-0004) and uphold the Zoning Administrator's issuance of the permit (ZONC-2025-054564). - Administrative Updates: The November 2026 meeting was cancelled. The Zoning Administrator provided updates on pending Zoning Ordinance Amendments, including data center standards and cannabis regulations. - Process Discussion: The board discussed formalizing a two-step hearing process for complex cases to allow additional deliberation time.

The Loudoun County Historic District Review Committee (HDRC) met on 2026-10-22 in the Purcellville Room of the Loudoun County Government Building in Leesburg, Virginia. The agenda and raw transcript are dated October 19, 2026, and call the meeting to order on that date; this summary follows the supplied meeting date of 2026-10-22. Members present were Elizabeth Ellis, Madeline Skinner, Amanda Ruckman, Lucas Berger, Ed Good, Cochrane, and Carl Riew. The committee considered one certificate of appropriateness application and approved the September 14, 2026 Action Summary. Public Comments & Testimony - Kristen O'Rourke, a neighbor on Sands Road adjacent to 18464 Foundry Road, submitted written comments because she could not attend. She requested that the county and HDRC defer the application until revised drawings reflecting her requested changes and material selections were shared with the community. She said the house is visible from her property, surrounding properties, and Taylor Road, especially after the trees lose their leaves. She asked for clarification of the proposed roofline, deck materials, and stair tower, and estimated the proposal could be 24.25 feet of enclosed deck addition plus a 13.7-foot-wide stair tower. - A resident who said he had lived in the area for 46 years attended; he later expressed support, saying he was familiar with the property and applauded what the applicant was trying to do. - Commenters also raised notification concerns: a roadway placard for the application was down, the neighboring Lincoln community was not notified in a timely way, and the public online packet omitted red-line revisions, so the community did not have the same drawings as the committee. Discussion Items - Staff presented CAPP-2026-0017 for 18464 Foundry Road in the Goose Creek Historic District. The property is an 11-acre landlocked lot with a contemporary two-story house built in 1977 and a large addition in 1989; neither phase had received a certificate of appropriateness. The house is non-contributing and about one-third of a mile from nearby roads, with only a distant view of its roofline from Taylor Road. The application originally proposed a low-slope shed roof rear addition, a rear deck with stairs, and a minor front addition; staff described the additions as minor and roughly 150 square feet at most. - Staff explained that the applicant revised the rear addition after a septic-tank inspection placed the tank near the originally proposed work, but final architectural drawings were not submitted. The applicant provided marked-up drawings instead. Staff presented options: defer the application; impose specific form, massing, and material details; or approve with a condition that the certificate not be issued until final drawings are approved. - Applicant Waleed Arabshahi stated that he submitted plans on June 16, 2026, was not initially aware of HDRC review, and could not get updated drawings because his architect was unavailable. He said the health department's septic inspection changed the plan, and he moved the addition setback from 10 feet to 13 feet from the septic tank. He proposed steel columns with concrete footings instead of a full foundation. He said he bought the property for his parents, who live in California, and wanted a 10-foot kitchen bump-out, a 15-foot dining-room extension, and a 13-by-15-foot deck. He said he was willing to reduce the proposal to the kitchen and bathroom front addition and set aside the roof, deck, rear, and other work to avoid further delay. He also said he was under time pressure because a loan related to the property matures on December 1. - Committee members expressed conflicting views. Some said they could not approve the application because the drawings were incomplete and the public and committee had received different packets. One member said, "I'm not gonna support moving forward because I just don't feel like everybody has the information." Another argued that holding up the applicant for the kitchen portion "seems a travesty" and proposed approving only that portion. A third questioned how much authority the committee should exercise over a non-contributing 1977 house that is not visible from a public right-of-way. Key Outcomes - The transcript records a voice vote approving a certificate of appropriateness for CAPP-2026-0017 as amended, limited to the kitchen and bathroom addition on the north/front elevation of the house at 18464 Foundry Road (PIN 455-20-3268-000), in accordance with the Goose Creek Historic District Guidelines and the findings in the staff report. No tally was read. The rear addition, rear deck, stairs, roof changes, and other proposed work were not included and would require a future application. - The committee approved the September 14, 2026 Action Summary as submitted by voice vote; no tally was read. - The chair noted that the next meeting is November 9, 2026, with three applications and one informational item, including a potentially controversial application in Bluemont.