Public Meetings - Loudoun County, Virginia

The committee met on April 14, 2026, to consider a consent agenda, information reports, and action items. Key discussions included the monthly economic development report, capital improvement projects, a trailhead park design endorsement, and a conceptual interchange design. Several items were approved with votes. Consent Calendar - The committee adopted the consent agenda, which included items 2, 4-11, 14-21 (routine contract renewals, awards, bond resolutions, annual reports, etc.) with a vote of 3-0-2 (Supervisors Umstad and Laterno off the dais). Discussion Items (Information Items) - Monthly Department of Economic Development Report (Buddy Riser): Reported 97 wins, 6,290 jobs, and $2.5 billion in investment through March 2026. Unemployment in Loudoun at 3.2% (December data). Discussion on flex space demand (vacancy tight, rents up 50% since 2020) and the Launch Loudoun program's success with minority/women-owned businesses. The Economic Development Commission also provided updates on an ad hoc committee for Loudoun 2.0. - Quarterly Report on Capital Improvement Projects (3rd Quarter FY 2026) (Shireen D'Arazio, Marilyn Brower): Highlighted completion of the Mental Health Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Center (Meadowview Court, Leesburg) with 10 beds, 16 recliners, and 24/7 operation. Other projects: recycling center, landfill commercial entrance (reduced congestion, served 900 customers on March 28), EV charging stations (16 of 31 phase 1 locations completed), various transportation projects (Cross Trail Boulevard, Sterling Boulevard W&OD trail overpass, bus stop and shelter improvements). Supervisor questions addressed delays and property acquisition issues. Action Items - Item 12: Goose Creek Trailhead Park Design Endorsement: The committee recommended (4-0-1) that the Board of Supervisors endorse the design for a 15.5-acre passive park along Goose Creek, including a 20-space parking lot, canoe/kayak launch, pavilion, restroom, and trails. The park will connect to existing trail systems and Beaver Dam Reservoir. - Item 13: Conceptual Interchange Design Endorsement at US Route 50/Loudoun County Parkway: The committee recommended (4-0-1) endorsing a single-point urban interchange (SPUI) to replace the previously endorsed full cloverleaf. The new design reduces impacts, costs, and aligns with current conditions. Staff will proceed with detailed design. Key Outcomes - Motion to reconsider Item 12 passed (3-0-2) to remove language requiring "take community concerns into consideration" from the motion, as it was deemed superfluous and potentially problematic in election years. - Consent agenda adopted (3-0-2). - Goose Creek Trailhead Park design endorsed (4-0-1). - Route 50/Loudoun County Parkway SPUI endorsed (4-0-1). - No public comments were made during the meeting. Note: Supervisors Umstad and Laterno were absent for the entire meeting.

The Facility Standards Manual Public Review Committee (FSM PRC) met on April 8, 2026, to discuss a draft form update tech memo, a 10-year reserve advisory opinion, and proposed bylaw revisions. The committee approved prior meeting minutes, adjusted meeting dates, deferred approval of the form update, agreed to issue the advisory opinion, and adopted revised bylaws with amendments. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the March 5, 2026, meeting by unanimous voice vote. Administrative Items - Moved the April 2, 2026, meeting to April 9, 2026; kept the April 16, 2026, meeting as scheduled. - Canceled the July 2, 2026, meeting due to proximity to the July 4th holiday. Discussion Items - Draft Form Update Tech Memo: Kate McConnell presented proposed updates to the Proffer Status Update Form and the Performance Guarantee Release Certification (formerly Performance Bond Release Certification). The proposal included extending submittal requirements to certain plats, with a target effective date of May 1, 2026 – later suggested to be June 1, 2026. Ronald Dunbar explained that the change would help staff meet state code timelines and reduce inconsistencies. Committee members expressed concerns about redundancy, data tracking, and the need for a more streamlined system, citing Fairfax County's approach. No formal approval was reached; members were asked to submit comments to Laura for further refinement. - 10-Year Reserve Advisory Opinion: Zeb explained that instead of a tech memo, the zoning administrator would issue an advisory opinion on 10-year reserve letters. Jason identified that condominium associations were not addressed, leading to edits that removed specific code citations and used generic language referencing applicable code sections. The committee agreed to the changes and approved issuance of the advisory opinion. - Bylaws Revisions: Pete and Zeb presented proposed changes to the committee bylaws, including renaming to FSM PRC, clarifying staff's scope to FSM-related issues, and adding a mechanism for formal votes when consensus cannot be reached. Discussion centered on who could call a vote; members agreed that a second from leadership and support from the director would be required. The bylaws were adopted as revised with that amendment. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved the March 5, 2026, meeting minutes. - Deferred approval of the draft form update tech memo; directed staff to collect formal comments and revisit at a future meeting. - Agreed to issue the 10-year reserve advisory opinion with revised template letters. - Adopted amended bylaws, including the “Keith clause” requiring a second for a formal vote call. - Rescheduled April 2 to April 9, 2026, and canceled the July 2, 2026, meeting.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors held its business meeting on April 7, 2026, at 9:15 AM. The meeting included adoption of the FY2027 budget, approval of proclamations, public comments, and several action items including a board member initiative regarding data center transmission routing. The board also entered closed session to discuss a property acquisition. Consent Calendar - Approved as a block: Proclamations R1-R5 (Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Volunteer Week, Fair Housing Month, Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month), Transit Advisory Board 2025 annual report and bylaws amendments, Environmental Commission bylaws amendments, appointments confirmations, administrative items report, PCOR-2026-0022 (Highpoint East Proffer Amendment), and Board Member Initiative on overnight parking restrictions for Woodson Drive. Supervisor Saines expressed concern about lack of designated parking for truck drivers and requested staff provide a briefing on potential locations. Proclamations - Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12-18, 2026): Recognized telecommunicators; Sheriff Chapman and others praised their work. Efforts to secure union benefits for telecommunicators at the state level did not succeed, but the board committed to try again. - Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2026): Honored volunteer first responders; Chief Williams and President Michal spoke on behalf of the volunteer system. - Fair Housing Month (April 2026): Approved only. - Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (April 2026): Speakers from LAWS (Samantha Clark), Silence No More (Lisa Jones), and Women Giving Back (Nicole Morris) emphasized supporting survivors, reducing stigma, and providing long-term support. - Child Abuse Prevention Month (April 2026): Lisa Donovan, director of the Loudoun Child Advocacy Center, described the multidisciplinary team approach to child abuse investigations and support. FY2027 Budget, Tax Rates, and Capital Improvement Program - Chair Randall moved to adopt the FY2027 budget as amended by the Board of Supervisors during work sessions on March 2, 5, 9, and 12, 2026, along with tax year 2026 property tax rates, appropriations resolutions, EMS reimbursement rates, and the FY2027-2032 CIP. The budget includes: a reduction in the car tax rate (from $4.15 to $2.94 per $100 as noted by Supervisor DeCroni), funding for new positions in the combined fire rescue system, $500,000 in planning funds for the Southern Service Center, $500,000 for Eastern Loudoun Library projects, $120,000 for the Town of Hillsborough Oat Stone School Renovation, $308,000 for a local match for the Town of Lovettsville water project, and $500,000 for a five-year water quality monitoring program for Goose Creek and Broad Run. Supervisors praised the budget process, the 9% growth rate target, and the unanimous support for reducing the car tax. The motion passed 8-0-1 (Supervisor Glass absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Disc Golf at West Park: Multiple speakers (Steve Gantz, Alexander Friend, Brian Junkins, Chris Belfoya, Russ Shaw, Adam Hiller, Gabby Lungu, Rick Leith, John Iliff) expressed support for an 18-hole disc golf course, citing low-impact recreation, community benefits, and environmental stewardship. Some offered to assist with planting vegetation near homes. Gabby Lungu noted she became a national champion after learning in Loudoun County. - Groundwater Sustainability: William Marsh (Environmental Commission chair) and Eric Deaver (hydrogeologist) urged support for staff recommendations to study groundwater trends in Western Loudoun, emphasizing the need for data-driven management. They noted declining groundwater quantity and potential impacts on stream flow and property. - Data Center Development: Connie Tsung, Kim Fulmer, and Andrew Coolen (residents near the former George Washington University campus) opposed the sale of the campus to Amazon Data Services, citing noise, environmental impact, and loss of community character. They urged the board to use all legal means to prevent data center development. Supervisor Laterno and others clarified that board members do not receive personal benefits from data centers. - Other: Mara Watch Copeland, Madeline Skinner, and Jim Bingle spoke about zoning enforcement, rural economy regulations, and the need for proactive compliance, referencing an inventory of venues with permit and inspection anomalies. Discussion Items - Board Member Initiative: Strategic Transmission Line Routing for Algonkian District (Item 6): Supervisor Briskman introduced a motion to direct staff to research potential development of the former George Washington University campus (now owned by Amazon Data Services Inc.), including allowable uses, floor area ratios, building heights, setbacks, buffers, and possible power line routes and substations. She expressed strong opposition to data center development on the site and emphasized protection of the residential community and nearby assets (Bless Park, Potomac River, etc.). The motion passed 7-0-2 (Supervisors Glass and one other absent? The chair stated the vote as 7-0-2). - Closed Session: The board recessed into closed session pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(3) of the Code of Virginia to consider acquisition of property in the Catoctin Election District. Upon return, the board certified that no formal action was taken in closed session. Key Outcomes - Adopted FY2027 budget, tax rates, and CIP (8-0-1). - Approved consent calendar (7-0-2). - Approved $7,000 appropriation for the "Follow the Frenchman" documentary from FY2026 existing appropriations (7-0-2). The funds will be allocated to the Town of Leesburg. - Board Member Initiative on transmission line routing for Algonkian District passed (7-0-2). Staff will report back at a future business meeting; the item will be prioritized in the DPZ work plan on April 21. - Board Member Initiative on overnight parking restrictions for Woodson Drive approved as part of consent calendar. - Appointments: Kelly Miller to the Disability Services Board; Shirah Tandale to the Board of Equalization (reappointment at-large). - Directed staff to provide a briefing on locations for truck parking for affected residents. - Data center town hall scheduled for June 2026. - State of the County address set for May 21, 2026.

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on Monday, March 23, 2026, but the instruction requires using the date March 26, 2026. This summary reflects the content of the March 23 meeting as recorded. The Loudoun County Communications Commission held its first meeting of 2026 on March 23 (per agenda) to elect officers, set the meeting cadence, reaffirm the virtual meeting policy, and discuss the commission's future role. The commission reviewed a draft presentation for the Board of Supervisors outlining options: maintain the status quo, broaden the scope via bylaw amendments, or wind down the commission. Commissioners also closed several action items and received updates on the VATI broadband project. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda as amended (to include a discussion on VATI update cadence). - Approved the minutes from the October 27, 2025, meeting as drafted. - Reaffirmed the all-virtual/remote participation policy for 2026 (unanimous vote). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak. Discussion Items - Commission Elections & Cadence: - Ron was elected Chair (moved by Tom, seconded, unanimous). - Jason was elected Vice Chair (nominated, seconded, elected by acclamation). - Aaron was elected Secretary (nominated by Tom, seconded, elected by acclamation). - The commission agreed to continue meeting on the fourth Monday of the month (no change). - Franchisee Topics: Neither Comcast nor Verizon representatives attended. Staff reported no updates. The commission briefly discussed the diminished role of cable franchises and the lack of direct engagement. - VATI Project Update Cadence: Staff stated that monthly updates will be posted on the county's broadband web page (February update already posted, March update expected next week). The commission will no longer receive direct updates from All Points; the same information will be publicly available. - Board of Supervisor Access & Commission Annual Report: Ron presented a draft slide deck (approximately 10 slides) that reviewed the commission's history, current activities, and three forward options: 1. Status quo (limited value, no clear role). 2. Broaden the scope via the bylaws (e.g., expand topics, increase interactions with the Board). 3. Wind down the commission due to inefficient use of resources. - Commissioners discussed the need to tie any expansion to the county's strategic vision and priorities. Staff noted that the county's strategic plan includes broadband-related goals. The commission will review the slide deck and the strategic plan to align recommendations. - Key points: The commission was excluded from the last franchise renewal by Board decision; the VATI project is managed by DIT with limited commission involvement; a wireless coverage assessment is underway and expected to be briefed to the commission in 2–3 months. - Outstanding Action Items: - Closed Action Item 267 (survey proposal) – unanimous vote. - Closed Action Item 261 (take rate data from All Points) – staff reported the board received a 20-25% expected take rate, no further granularity needed. - Kept open Action Items 249 and 254 (Verizon expansion plans in Purcellville and density changes) – still awaiting response from Verizon. - Created new Action Item 268: commissioners to review the slide presentation and the county's vision/strategic priorities to provide recommended updates to the deck. Key Outcomes - Elected officers for 2026: Chair Ron, Vice Chair Jason, Secretary Aaron. - Adopted meeting cadence: fourth Monday of the month. - Reaffirmed virtual meeting policy for 2026 (unanimous). - Closed two action items (267 and 261). - Directed commissioners to review the draft annual report slides and the county strategic plan, then provide feedback to Ron and Jason for consolidation. - Next meeting scheduled for April 27, 2026 (fourth Monday).

The Loudoun County Transit Advisory Board (TAB) met on March 26, 2026, at the Transit & Commuter Services Office, 209 Gibson St. NW, Suite 100, Leesburg, Virginia. Chair Ray Delpesche presided, with Vice-Chair Vlad Ovchynnikov, Members Evelyn Ingram, Charles Liles, Rushi Shah, and Fred Shwaery present. Staff Liaison Sarah Kleckner and Transit Program Manager Steven Pairo provided updates, and new Transit Program Manager Joseph Yankovia was introduced. Note: the agenda provided with the source materials is dated Wednesday, March 11, 2026; the date used in this summary is the date specified for the meeting, March 26, 2026. No public commenters spoke during the public comment period. Organizational/Business Matters - The TAB approved the January 14, 2026 business meeting minutes after a correction to a route reference in a prior public comment by Kevin Potter. The motion passed with one abstention by Davis. - Staff Liaison Kleckner announced that the May 13, 2026 meeting will remain at the Transit & Commuter Services Office. The July 8, 2026 meeting is planned as an all-virtual meeting, pending adoption of a resolution allowing fully remote meetings at the May meeting. The September 9, 2026 meeting will be held at Sterling Library and the November 12, 2026 meeting at Brambleton Library. Staff Updates - Steven Pairo reported that January ridership was affected by a full week of lost commuter bus service due to snow, unsafe sidewalk/bus-stop conditions in Washington, D.C., and federal workforce telework status. Local, fair transit, and microtransit services also experienced some days of impact. Riders per revenue hour were flat from December to January, with ridership beginning to climb in February and March after the normal winter downturn. - Pairo introduced Joseph Yankovia as the new Transit Program Manager, who will transition into the staff liaison role. A transit operations manager was scheduled to start the following day, giving the transit team its first full operations staff in four years. Pairo credited the move to General Services with improving the team's operational focus. - Effective April 1, 2026, all commuter bus service will relocate from the Dulles Transit Center to Loudoun Gateway Metro Station. Commuter bus riders parking at Loudoun Gateway will receive free parking through a first-of-its-kind bus-to-parking-garage transfer; until WMATA finalizes the technical fix, riders' SmartTrip cards will be charged and automatically refunded nightly in a batch process. - Also effective April 1, commuter bus fares will be discounted 50% for seniors using Senior SmartTrip cards, disabled riders using reduced-fare ID SmartTrip cards, and WMATA Metro Access users. Local buses remain fare-free. Loudoun County has begun distributing Senior SmartTrip cards at its office with proof of age, becoming the first regional partner to do so, and plans tabling events at senior centers and similar locations. - Sarah Kleckner reported that the revised TAB Bylaws and TAB Annual Report have been accepted for the March 18, 2026 Transportation and Land Use Committee (TLUC) meeting as a consent item, with no formal presentation, and are expected to go to the Board of Supervisors on April 7, 2026 as a consent item. - Kleckner announced that, after reviewing 15 applications, Kevin Potter was confirmed as the Metro Connection rider representative and Krishna Sari was confirmed as the Long Haul Commuter rider representative; both confirmations occurred at the March 3, 2026 meeting. Concerns Raised - Evelyn Ingram relayed a concern from a Disability Services Board meeting: a representative of Loudoun Safe Haven reported that Virginia Regional Transit (VRT) on-demand service sometimes drops passengers off before the destination opens, leaving them waiting outside in cold weather. Steven Pairo explained that VRT is a standalone agency funded partly by federal rural transit grants and county funds, and that the county is beginning conversations toward formalized MOUs with funded organizations. He recommended riders take the issue directly to VRT, and suggested alternatives such as VRT Route 40 to the government center and then microtransit, or county paratransit for qualified registered riders within the service area. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved with one abstention. - Commuter bus service relocation and fare discounts confirmed to take effect April 1, 2026. - TAB Bylaws and Annual Report placed on TLUC consent agenda and Board of Supervisors consent item. - New rider representative appointments announced. - 2026 meeting schedule updated: May 13 at the Leesburg office, July 8 virtual, September 9 at Sterling Library, and November 12 at Brambleton Library.

The Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) met on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Government Center Board Room. The board considered two public hearing items: a sign development plan for Ashburn Crossing and an appeal of notices of violation for wood chip placement in the major floodplain. The sign plan was approved unanimously; the appeal was granted, overturning the notices of violation. Preliminary Matters – Motions to Strike and Exclude Evidence - The board first addressed a motion by the Assistant County Attorney to strike two audio recordings of staff meetings with the appellant. The board granted the motion, excluding the recordings from evidence. - The appellant filed a motion to exclude untimely evidence and post hoc record creation. The board partially granted the motion: the staff report was not excluded, but any photographs, testimony, or evidence gathered by county staff on the day of the hearing (March 26) were excluded. Public Hearing Item a: LEGI-2025-0045 – Ashburn Crossing Sign Development Plan - Staff presented the application for a 296 square‑foot ground sign (exceeding the ordinance limit of 100 sq ft) at the northwest corner of Loudoun County Parkway and Gloucester Parkway. The sign would be 8 ft high and 37 ft long, matching existing entry signs on the property. The zoning administrator interpreted the sign’s base as part of the sign area, triggering the need for a sign development plan. - The applicant (St. John Properties, represented by Peyton Stone, Matt Holbrook, and Michael Romeo) argued that the base design improves aesthetics and creates a campus feel, and that excluding the base would allow a sign under 100 sq ft by-right. They noted that the sign is 15 ft from the right‑of‑way (exceeding the 5‑ft minimum) and is compatible with the suburban employment place type. - No public comments were offered for or against the application. - Key Outcomes: The board approved the sign development plan subject to conditions of approval dated March 26, 2026. Motion by Mr. Clark, seconded, and carried unanimously (4‑0). Public Hearing Item b: APPL-2025-0005 – Appeal of Notices of Violation (Wood Chips in Floodplain) - Staff (Amanda Johnson, Paul Hightower, Maggie Auer) presented that the appellant placed truckloads of wood chips in the major floodplain on two parcels (zoned A3) without prior approvals. The October 9, 2025 notices of violation cited outdoor storage, which is not a permitted use in the Floodplain Overlay District. Staff argued that the appellant did not obtain a floodplain alteration or a zoning permit before the activity. - The appellant, Ryan Shea, testified that he intended to spread the wood chips as a soil amendment to combat stagnant water and poison ivy, and that the use is agricultural (growing berries, etc.). He claimed the county’s interpretation conflicts with Virginia Code agricultural exemptions, and that the county admitted corrective measures were inappropriate. He also noted that the county’s own experts confirmed wood chips are non‑erosive and that spreading them does not constitute a grading disturbance. - A neighboring property owner, John Carey, spoke in support, stating the wood chips have improved the property’s safety and wildlife habitat. - Board Deliberation: Some members questioned whether the activity constituted “outdoor storage” under the definition, which requires holding materials in the same place for more than 24 hours. Others noted that the appellant immediately began spreading the chips, and that the piles were temporary. The board focused on the specific language of the violation notice (storage) rather than potential other violations like lack of permits. - Key Outcomes: The board voted to grant the appeal, thereby vacating the notices of violation. The motion carried 3‑1 (with four members present; the chair confirmed three votes were needed). The ruling overturned the zoning administrator’s decision. Administrative Reports - The Assistant County Attorney gave no report. - The Zoning Administrator (Bradley Polk) reported upcoming BZA matters on April 23 and May 28, 2026. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.

The Loudoun County Planning Commission held a work session and public hearing on March 24, 2026, to consider several land use applications including a substation, agricultural district withdrawal, a government warehouse, a compressor station, and data center-related special exceptions. The meeting began at approximately 11:00 AM (UTC) and included a work session item followed by six public hearing items. Votes were recorded with Commissioner Frank absent for all votes. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was present; all items were considered individually. Public Comments & Testimony - Tuscarora Landbay 4 (Government Warehouse): Multiple residents spoke in opposition. Barbara Day (Tuscarora Crossing resident) expressed concerns about the loss of open space, noise, and traffic. Yassam Diab (resident) stated the community rejected the proposal at a prior meeting, citing safety risks from truck traffic near a playground and the incompatibility with the residential neighborhood. Emily Johnson (Piedmont Environmental Council) urged higher sustainability standards including rooftop solar and battery storage, more EV charging, and higher LEED certification. Online speaker Emily Spozar (resident) also opposed, citing safety concerns and the developer's willingness to pay for the facility if the substation was approved. Owen Newman (resident) argued the industrial use is non-conforming in a residential corridor and raised safety concerns about large trucks making wide turns into the site. Kwaja Ahmed (resident) highlighted a recent fatal accident involving a county vehicle and urged restricting the site to office use only. - SDC Ashburn I (Data Center): Emily Johnson (Piedmont Environmental Council) questioned why outdated 2019 standards were applied to a 2026 proposal and requested updated efficiency and sustainability commitments. - Eastern Gas Transmission Compressor Station: One public comment in opposition was received related to data center power usage, not specific to the compressor station. - Barrister Substation: No public comments were made. - Francis AFD Withdrawal: No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Work Session – NOVEC-Deimos Substation (CMPT-2024-0010): Staff presented updates to screening including a 16-foot wall around the entire substation, berming, and a tree conservation easement dedication prior to site plan approval. The applicant (Gifford Hampshire, Blanke Shiping Keith) detailed the design changes in response to earlier commission concerns. Commissioner comments praised the improved screening. The commission voted to approve and forward to the Board of Supervisors (8-0-1). - Public Hearing – Francis Early Withdrawal from New Bluemont AFD (ALEGI-2025-0013): Staff (Rachael Iwanczuk) presented the request to withdraw 39.23 acres from the AFD to facilitate a conservation easement. The applicant (Jack Hanson) explained the easement process. Commissioners discussed the limited commercial activities allowed under the easement. The commission voted to recommend approval (8-0-1). - Public Hearing – Tuscarora Landbay 4 (SPEX-2025-0036): Staff (Tess Lynch) presented the request for a special exception to build a government warehouse and office facility for the Department of General Services. The applicant (Bill Junda, Gordon) described the use, traffic reduction compared to a school, enhanced buffering, and a commitment to restrict right turns to prevent cut-through traffic. Commissioners raised concerns about parking (480 spaces for 226 employees), hours of operation, the lack of a formal community meeting, the compatibility of the industrial use with the originally intended civic/school use, and the appearance of the fencing. The item was forwarded to a future work session (8-0-1) to address community engagement, parking, traffic, and building design issues. - Public Hearing – Eastern Gas Transmission Compressor Station (SPEX-2025-0053): Staff (Kristian Maldonado) presented the application to upgrade an existing compressor station within the existing compound. The applicant (Sherry Yaiken, McGuire Woods) detailed the project need, environmental mitigation, and noise controls (55 dB at property line). Commissioners had few questions. The commission voted to recommend approval (8-0-1). - Public Hearing – SDC Ashburn I (SPEX-2025-0031): Staff (Fayula Gordon) presented a special exception to expand a data center building footprint by 5,614 square feet, with a portion crossing a previous rezoning boundary. The applicant noted updated conditions including low-carbon materials and EV charging. Commissioners discussed the place type change from urban employment to urban transit center but supported the application given prior approvals. The commission voted to recommend approval with a friendly amendment to the findings (7-0-2, with Commissioners Frank and Miller absent). - Public Hearing – Barrister Substation (CMPT-2025-0004, SPEX-2025-0021, SPEX-2025-0023): Staff (Allison Britain) presented the substation application, noting compatibility concerns with the urban transit center place type and recommending enhanced aesthetic treatments. The applicant (Jack Story, Dewberry) described the 15-foot stone-textured wall and enhanced buffering. Commissioners debated the adequacy of the wall aesthetics; some found it acceptable given the industrial context, while others wanted more decorative treatment. The motion to approve the special exceptions passed 6-2-1 (Commissioners Myers and Jasper opposed; Commissioner Frank absent). The commission permit was then approved separately 8-0-1. Key Outcomes - NOVEC-Deimos Substation: Approved (8-0-1) and forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for ratification. - Francis AFD Withdrawal: Recommended for approval (8-0-1) to the Board of Supervisors. - Tuscarora Landbay 4: Forwarded to a future work session (8-0-1) to address community meeting, parking, traffic, building design, and operational hours. - Eastern Gas Compressor Station: Recommended for approval (8-0-1) to the Board of Supervisors. - SDC Ashburn I: Recommended for approval (7-0-2) to the Board of Supervisors with amended findings. - Barrister Substation – Special Exceptions: Approved (6-2-1) with additional conditions for enhanced screening; Commission Permit approved (8-0-1). - Administrative: The April 9 work session was canceled. Commissioner iPads need migration by March 30.

On March 24, 2026, the Joint Board of Supervisors and School Board Committee convened to discuss traffic safety initiatives, committee rules, and the 2026 meeting schedule. Co-Chairs Chandler and Tacroni led the meeting, which included updates on speed camera and stop-arm camera enforcement programs, adoption of the meeting schedule, and adjustments to the work plan. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were listed. Public Comments & Testimony - The public input period (15 minutes) was called but no speakers were documented in the transcript. Discussion Items - Speed Camera Enforcement Program in School Zones: Deputy Chief David Smith of the Leesburg Police Department presented an update on the town's speed camera program, launched in August 2025. Six cameras operate at three school zones (Loudoun County High School, Balls Bluff Elementary, and Harbor Park Middle/Tolbert Elementary). The program uses radar-based cameras, a 30-day warning period (1,300 warnings), and has issued citations with a steady decline from October (750 citations) to February (400–500 per month). Cost is $3,100 per camera per month, with $100 fines. The program is cost-neutral and has improved compliance. Discussion included the legal requirement for local ordinance, community safety, and potential expansion. Lieutenant Colonel Sawyer noted the Sheriff's Office has opted not to pursue speed cameras countywide, preferring physical enforcement. - Stop Arm Camera Enforcement Program on School Buses: Lieutenant Colonel Sawyer and Sergeant Bressler presented a joint LCPS-Sheriff's Office initiative to equip school buses with cameras to record drivers illegally passing stopped buses. The program requires county ordinance adoption (currently in final review with County Attorney), with civil penalties of $250 per violation. The initiative aims to enhance student safety; similar programs in Fairfax, Montgomery, and Prince William counties have shown over 90% of cited drivers do not repeat the offense. LCPS would manage camera procurement and installation, while the Sheriff's Office would review violations. No additional positions requested initially. - Joint Committee Rules of Order and Mission: Staff presented the existing rules and mission for review, noting annual review requirement. No substantive changes proposed. - 2026 Schedule of Meetings: Staff proposed remaining meeting dates for 2026: June 1, September 10, and November 16. The schedule was approved unanimously. - Work Plan Additions and Deletions: Supervisor Tacroni moved to add "Winter 2025–2026 Snow Removal in LCPS Walk Zones and Bus Stops" to the work plan (in response to a recent ice storm response) and to remove "Land Matrix Committee Activities Update" (as that committee no longer meets). Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved 2026 Meeting Schedule: The committee voted unanimously (4-0, with Mrs. Griffiths absent) to recommend the proposed schedule to the Board of Supervisors and School Board. - Approved Work Plan Changes: The committee voted unanimously (4-0, with Mrs. Griffiths absent) to add snow removal review and remove the land matrix committee update from the work plan. - Speed Camera Program: Noted as successful in Leesburg; no formal action taken. - Stop Arm Camera Program: Ordinance draft in final review; expected to be operational for the next school year pending Board of Supervisors approval.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Transportation and Land Use Committee met on March 18, 2026, to receive staff updates, hear public testimony, and take action on land-use items. Supervisor Sylvia Glass was absent. The committee approved the consent agenda, recommended one floodplain active-recreation option to the full board, and advanced most Western Loudoun rural uses and standards motions to the Board of Supervisors. Consent Calendar - The committee approved the consent agenda containing the Transit Advisory Board Bylaws Amendment, Transit Advisory Board 2025 Annual Report, and Environmental Commission Bylaws Amendment. The vote was 3-0-2, with two members not voting. Public Comments & Testimony - Donnie Walker, a business owner and vice president of the Bed and Breakfast Guild, supported tenant-housing expansion, reclassifying sawmills as a minor special exception with portable sawmills by right, rebuilding landmark structures, and adding an education component. He opposed the lodging and events motion as drafted, recommending that language focus only on noise, lighting, and disturbances. - Sherry Shields, owner of Hidden View Bed and Breakfast and president of the Loudoun County Bed and Breakfast Guild, thanked the committee for its January 29 motion increasing private-party opportunities but opposed staff's draft reconsideration language. She supported the industry's tiered framework: up to 10 annual parties above daily limits for B&B homestays, up to 20 for one-bedroom B&B inns, and up to 25 for larger B&B inns and country inns, while enforcing current noise, traffic, and lighting rules. - Avis Renshaw, president of the Loudoun County Farm Bureau and owner of Lost Corner Farm and Mom's Apple Pie, urged the county to emphasize local and Loudoun-grown products in on-farm processing rules, allow flexibility for shared arrangements with other Loudoun farmers, and recognize on-farm processing as a food-security asset. - Sage Devlin, a resident and farmer at Rockland Farm, said the Western Loudoun ZOAM is unfair to residents, production farmers, and the land. She cited delayed zoning-enforcement funding and asserted that a nearby limited farm brewery was built within 25 feet of the property line, clear-cut toward the Potomac River, and had trash from an overflowing dumpster going into the river. She asked the committee to reconsider setbacks, hours, and event sizes. - Rosemary Lawler, a resident on Limestone School Road, opposed the lodging motion that would allow 25 parties with no defined attendee maximum. She stated that inventory showed lodging venues currently offering events up to 400 people and more than 25 venues without current private party permits, and raised fire-inspection and noise concerns about assembly structures. - Georgianne Overman, legislation committee chair for the Bed and Breakfast Guild, said the annual private-party zoning permit form is often misunderstood as a one-time submission and asked to work with staff to revise it. - Tia Earman, speaking for the Piedmont Environmental Council, thanked staff for balanced motions and praised the farm-worker housing approach, but urged the board to revisit weakened Mountainside Overlay District protections. She cited that of 62 ABC licensed businesses in AR1 and AR2, only three are fully in the Mountainside Overlay District, 44 have no MOD area, and seven have only a thin sliver. Discussion Items Administrative and Legislative Land Use Review Assessment - Staff and Alvarez & Marsal consultant Nancy Zelke provided the third update on the 69-recommendation land-use process improvement plan. The effort includes 13 task-force groups, over 80 county staff, and over 30 industry representatives. As of March 1, 2026, the steering committee had formally approved 10 recommendations, with 2 still under discussion. - Fifty-one percent of the tasks supporting the 69 recommendations have been completed. Reported quick wins included filling 12 vacant Planning and Zoning positions, hiring a county attorney position and proffer-management staff, consolidating bond-release templates, eliminating the bond-release backlog, shortening referral review from 45 days to 25 days, creating new zoning application checklists, and developing 18 standard proffer templates. - Building and Development inventoried 120 separate processes and is developing standardized operating procedures; the full rollout is expected to extend into 2027. Technology work is roughly 75 percent complete, with 42 automation opportunities and more than 160 new reporting requests identified. - In response to questions, staff said total time savings are not yet quantified, but earlier and better communication should eliminate two or three review cycles. Staff confirmed that an earlier district-supervisor awareness step is under consideration. The consultant described stakeholder ups and downs, some frustration over pace, but renewed synergy in recent weeks; a task-force meeting that day was described as one of the best. 2025 Intersection Improvement Program Update - The committee received the 2025 Intersection Improvement Program update. The program ranks intersections every three years. The 2025 ranking produced 36 rank-five intersections: 3 unsignalized and 33 signalized. The full board endorsed the ranking in November 2025, and staff is beginning the planning phase for all 36. - The 2025 methodology added future crash risk and pedestrian and bicycle risk to crash history, operations, road characteristics, built environment, and health and community equity factors. - Staff said the analysis considers nearby schools and pedestrian facilities, but not driver experience. Signal versus roundabout choices are made through traffic analysis reviewed by VDOT. There is currently no formal mid-cycle re-ranking process; a board member initiative would be needed to elevate an intersection before the next cycle. Active Recreation in Rivers, Streams, and Corridor Resources Associated with Major Floodplain - Staff identified a discrepancy between the 2019 General Plan, which only supports active recreation in RSCR buffer associated with minor floodplain, and the zoning ordinance, which currently permits active recreation in major and minor floodplain. Staff presented four options and recommended option one: remove active recreation as a permitted use in the major floodplain, continue to allow it in the minor floodplain and RSCR buffer associated with minor floodplain, and allow existing uses to continue without becoming nonconforming. - Options two, three, and four would have expanded active-recreation permission, required a special exception in some cases, or initiated a broader legislative review. The committee discussed golf courses, existing parks, pesticide and runoff concerns, property-rights effects, and the need for more information. - The committee voted 3-1-1 to recommend option one to the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Kirshner opposed, expressing a preference for option four and additional study. Western Loudoun Rural Uses and Standards (CPAM-2024-0002 and ZOAM-2024-0002) - Staff said this was the third direction meeting. Recommendations approved by TLUC are scheduled to go to the May 5, 2026 Board of Supervisors Business Meeting. Draft language is planned for Zoning Ordinance Committee review beginning June 2026, a Planning Commission hearing around March 2027, and final Board action around late 2027. - The committee first approved a group of staff-supported motions by a 4-0-1 vote: create a by-right slaughterhouse use, reduce the required square footage for a seasonal labor dormitory, reinstate the guest farm or ranch use, and reclassify sawmills as a minor special exception use. - Agricultural processing: The committee passed a motion allowing accessory agricultural processing to be considered part of an on-site agricultural operation when products are grown or raised by the operator on the same property or other properties owned or leased in Loudoun County, rather than regulating it as a separate agricultural support use. It also passed a motion to allow principal-use agricultural processing to source up to 51 percent of products within a 50-mile radius of the parcel, replacing the abutting-county approach, and to simplify and make flexible the use-specific standards. Both votes were 4-0-1. - Farm worker housing: The committee passed four motions by 4-0-1 votes: establish a seasonal agricultural worker camp use consistent with Virginia Code 32.1-203; allow one tenant dwelling per 10 acres plus one per additional 10 acres, up to eight per parcel, with standards preventing placement in sensitive environmental areas, inaccessible areas, or incompatible settings, and limit the provision to bona fide agricultural operations after a subsequent amendment replaced the word parcels; allow tenant-dwelling residents to derive income from any parcel in Loudoun County with an agricultural operation; and allow non-permanent structures, particularly tiny homes on wheels and recreational vehicles, to serve as farm worker housing. Tents and yurts were not added because they could not be permitted or inspected under the building code. - Equestrian uses: The committee passed four motions by 4-0-1 votes. Equestrian event facilities and private and livery stables would have a 60-foot setback from lot lines abutting a dwelling existing or under construction; if the nearest dwelling is more than 60 feet from the common lot line, district minimum yards apply. Public-facing equestrian hours of operation would be 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with non-public horse care, boarder access, warm-up, preparation, and maintenance allowed outside those hours. Rural lighting standards would cap parking and non-arena lighting at 25 feet and riding-arena lighting at 35 feet, subject to existing dark-sky and illumination requirements. Equestrian event facilities would receive event-based parking standards instead of fixed vehicle limits. - Recreation: The committee passed two motions by 4-0-1 votes: separate outdoor and major recreation into a less-intensive outdoor recreation category and a more-intensive major recreation category, and reevaluate parking ratios to reflect the intensity of each recreation use. Discussion noted that the current eight spaces per 1,000 square feet standard was too onerous for uses such as a cricket field. - Nonconforming agricultural structures: The committee passed a 4-0-1 motion to allow replacement or reconstruction of legally established nonconforming agricultural structures regardless of whether the damage was caused by a casualty or event beyond the owner's control, while retaining existing footprint, floor area, height, permitting, and nonconformity limits. - Lodging: The committee passed a 4-0-1 motion directing staff to draft language allowing B&B homestays to host up to 10 annual parties above the daily limit, one-bedroom B&B inns to host up to 20, larger B&B inns and country inns to host up to 25, while enforcing current noise, traffic, and lighting rules. This reflected the industry amendment rather than the earlier staff draft. - Consistency: The committee passed a 4-0-1 motion directing staff to make any necessary zoning ordinance revisions to ensure consistency among uses and use-specific standards related to ZOAM-2024-0002 and to avoid creating conflicts. Staff said any substantive redline changes would be reported to the committee. - Additional motions: A motion to separate the conservation-easement density amendment from the Western Loudoun ZOAM and advance it as a standalone quick fix failed on a tie vote. County counsel described the issue as preventing double dipping, where land under conservation easement could be used to increase density on adjacent uneased land. Opponents cited the DPZ work plan and scheduling concerns. Three other motions offered by the chair, on tiered assembly and event standards for uses with 200 or more attendees, Mountainside Overlay District protections, and road access, were deferred without objection to the May 5, 2026 Board of Supervisors meeting so stakeholders could review them. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda adopted. - Committee recommended floodplain active-recreation option one to the Board of Supervisors by a 3-1-1 vote. - A package of Western Loudoun rural uses and standards recommendations was approved, nearly all by 4-0-1 votes, for full Board consideration on May 5, 2026. - The conservation-easement standalone amendment failed on a tie vote. - Three late additional motions were referred to the May 5, 2026 Board of Supervisors meeting without objection. - Staff will begin IIP planning work for 36 rank-five intersections and will prepare Western Loudoun draft text, with Zoning Ordinance Committee review beginning June 2026.