Public Meetings - Loudoun County, Virginia

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.

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting was held on March 5, 2026, but the provided meeting date is March 17, 2026. This summary uses the provided date. The Planning and Review Committee (PRC) of the Facilities Standards Manual (FSM) met to discuss proposed amendments to archaeological and cultural resource survey standards, primarily in Chapters 7 and 8 of the FSM. The meeting featured a presentation from the county archaeologist and planning staff, extensive deliberation on the scope of required surveys, and consideration of reporting requirements. No formal votes were taken; discussion will continue at the next meeting. Consent Calendar - The committee approved the minutes from the February 5, 2026 meeting by voice vote with a motion and second, all in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public attended or spoke. Discussion Items - Administrative Update: Staff reported that the Board of Supervisors, at its March 3, 2026 business meeting, directed staff to prepare design and construction standards for new data communities, and to obtain input and recommendations from this PRC. The board also directed staff to return with a resolution of intent to amend the FSM to establish such standards. The scope is narrowed to residential data communities. - Forest Management Plan Cemetery Buffer (Section 7.304 B): Proposed to add a requirement for forest management plans to show boundaries of all cemeteries, burial grounds, and graves, plus associated buffers (50 feet) located on property and within 50 feet of the property. Discussion clarified that this refers to previously identified cemeteries in the county's GIS database, not requiring new field surveys. Committee suggested language adjustments to clarify it is based on records, not new surveys. - Conversion from Archaeological Survey to Cultural Resources Survey (Sections 7.800 and 7.810): Staff proposed renaming the chapter to "Cultural Resources Survey" to align with legislative checklists. Major changes include requiring a phase one cultural resources survey for the entire property at the preliminary plat stage, rather than only for the proposed limits of disturbance. This aims to prevent situations where development shifts to untested areas after approval, and to capture undocumented historic structures that may be demolished. - Cost and Burden Debate: Committee members raised concerns about the significant cost of surveying entire properties (e.g., $52,000 for 32 acres). Some argued it would add to housing costs, while others noted it is a small fraction of total development costs. Alternative approaches were discussed: a process fix at the grading permit stage to catch changes, or allowing exclusion of areas not intended for development (e.g., floodplains, conservation easements). Staff noted the difficulties of implementing checks at the building permit stage without additional staffing. - Submission to DHR (Virginia Department of Historic Resources): A new requirement was proposed that digital copies of phase one surveys and shapefiles be submitted to DHR to create a central repository. Currently, many surveys are not submitted. The committee generally supported this as beneficial for long-term record-keeping. - Tech Memo Changes: Staff presented updates from the existing Technical Memorandum, including: allowing the county archaeologist (rather than the director) to approve a cultural resources management summary report; and narrowing the eligibility for an abbreviated report to only cases where no archaeological resources are found (removing the previous option where a consultant could request a summary report even if resources were identified but deemed not warranting further investigation). After discussion, the committee favored retaining the broader language to allow abbreviated reports when the archaeologist determines resources do not require further study, in order to reduce unnecessary voluminous reporting. - Reconnaissance Survey Standards (Section 7.810): New standards formalize the reconnaissance (walkover) survey from the tech memo. Exceptions to the full property survey were discussed for special cases: telecommunications lease areas, utility easements, and county road rights-of-way, where only the lease/easement/right-of-way area must be surveyed. The committee suggested reorganizing these exceptions under the methods section rather than in the introductory paragraph. - Previously Developed Properties: A provision allows a desktop reconnaissance survey (no field work) for properties that are already completely developed (paved, landscaped, etc.) to fulfill the reconnaissance requirement. - Reporting and Application Number: Staff debated whether the FSM should require applicants to provide the previous application number on plans to reference an existing phase one survey. The committee concluded that providing the name, date, and preparer of the previous survey on the plan is sufficient; the application number may be noted internally. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were taken. The committee agreed to continue the discussion on the phase one survey scope and cost solutions at the next meeting (scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026, Dulles Room). - Staff will refine the proposed amendments based on committee feedback, including: clarifying cemetery buffer language in section 7.304 B as applying to records only; preserving the broader eligibility for abbreviated reports; reorganizing reconnaissance survey exceptions; and addressing the application number requirement. - The committee will also consider potential processes to capture changes at later permit stages as an alternative to requiring whole-property surveys upfront.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors held a combined Business Meeting and Public Hearing on March 17, 2026. The meeting included approval of a lengthy consent agenda, extensive public comment primarily concerning the proposed Golden to Mars transmission line project, and action on several land use and transportation items. The board voted to defer the Concorde Industrial Park application, approved a study of parallel roadways north of Route 15, and directed staff to develop historic district guidelines for the village of Unison. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was adopted by a vote of 7-0-2 (Supervisors Glass and Leturno absent). Items included: - 2025 Loudoun Health Commission Annual Report and Bylaws Revisions - Award authority increase for client, server, storage, and peripherals - Contract renewal for public safety two-way radios - Contract awards and FY 2026 CIP amendments for Linear Parks and Trails, Sterling Neighborhood Park, Fire and Rescue Training Academy, 751 Miller Drive renovations, General Government Office Building Phase I, security guard services - Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Visitor Center structural renovation supplemental funding - Western Loudoun Recreation Complex design endorsement - Fire and Rescue prefabricated training tower funding request - Update on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending and 2026 reclassification recommendations (noting $80 million in ARPA funds, with only about $24,000 unspent; $200,000 transferred to child care fee reduction program serving 121 families) - Human Services Nonprofit Grant Program FY 2028 recommendations - Board of Building Code Appeals Bylaws Amendments - Appointments and confirmations - Administrative items - Adoption of Tax Year 2026 Personal Property Tax Relief resolution - Termination of two real estate open space agreements (Garvin and Young) - Proposed traffic calming measures in Moorefield Station West community - West Belmont zoning map amendment (deferred to April 21 or May 2026 due to road complications) Public Comments & Testimony - Golden to Mars Transmission Line (Dominion Energy): Numerous residents from Loudoun Valley Estates and surrounding communities spoke in opposition to overhead routes, particularly along Loudoun County Parkway (Routes 1, 1F, 5, 5A) and through the Broad Run Stream Valley (Route 3A). Speakers urged the board to accept all eight open space easements, support underground/hybrid options, and formally endorse pending state legislation (HB 1487/SB 827) for an underground transmission pilot program. Key points included: - 13,000 homes within half a mile of the route, with 2,400 students and 300 staff at impacted schools (Stonehill Middle School, Moorefield Station Elementary). - Estimated $2.8 billion in assessed property value within half a mile of the route. - Dominion accused of manufacturing urgency and not seriously pursuing undergrounding. - Several speakers referenced a ratepayer protection pledge by large data center operators. - The board was asked to reject all overhead routes and not signal that any overhead option is acceptable. - Route 15 Parallel Roadways: Cindy Kohler spoke about safety and erosion on Wolfstore Road due to cut-through traffic and urged prioritization of repairs and truck restrictions. - Winery Regulations: Nancy Delisio (868 Estate Vineyards) and Bridget Smith (Loudoun Wineries and Winegrowers Association) supported the Transportation and Land Use Committee's recommendation to allow farm wineries unlimited private parties consistent with ABC regulations, emphasizing the economic necessity of events. Tia Ehrman (PEC) opposed unlimited events on narrow gravel roads like Rickard Road, citing safety and quality-of-life concerns. - Disc Golf at West Park: Steve Gans and Adam Hiller spoke in favor of including a disc golf course in the West Park design, describing it as low-impact and quiet, and noting collaboration with nearby residents. - Property Tax: Gary Higgins spoke against the real property tax increase during the public hearing, arguing that the equalized rate has increased taxes over 50% since 2020 and criticizing school board spending. - Military Spouse Taxation: Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Davidson alleged unlawful tax enforcement by the county against his spouse in violation of federal military relief acts, seeking refunds and record corrections. Discussion Items - Deferral of Concorde Industrial Park (Item 11): Chair Randall granted a one-time deferral to April 21, 2026, citing her policy of allowing one automatic deferral for a board meeting. Some supervisors expressed dissatisfaction, but the ruling stood. The deferral was for the Concorde Industrial Park application. - Unison Historic Overlay District (Board Member Initiative): Supervisor TeKrony moved to direct staff to review plans and ordinances to develop historic district guidelines for the planned rural historic village of Unison. The motion, seconded by Supervisor Kershner, passed 7-0-2. Staff clarified that the guidelines would accompany the community-initiated zoning map amendment for the overlay district. - Route 15 Parallel Roadways North of Leesburg Study (Item 9): Supervisor Kershner moved to conduct a study of cut-through traffic issues on roads like Wolfstore, Taylorstown, and Lucketts, funded by transferring $300,000 from the project management consulting services account. The study includes a public outreach component. The motion passed 9-0. - Board Comments and Disclosures: Supervisors reported meetings and calls on various applications. Supervisor Briskman highlighted the importance of immigrant families. Vice Chair Turner expressed concern about U.S. military deployments in the Middle East. Chair Randall apologized for signing a letter on casinos without board approval. - Proclamations: The board recognized March 2026 as Women's History Month and designated March 24, 2026 as Give Choose Day in Loudoun County. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Adopted (7-0-2) with all listed items approved. - Concorde Industrial Park Deferred to April 21, 2026, with a possible further deferral to May. - Unison Historic Overlay District Initiative Approved (7-0-2), directing staff to return with a plan, cost estimate, and funding source. - Route 15 Parallel Roadways Study Approved (9-0), authorizing $300,000 for the study. - Public Hearing on Real Property Tax Increase closed with no further speakers; one resident spoke in opposition. - Proclamations for Women’s History Month and Give Choose Day were approved and presented.

Date: March 12, 2026 The Loudoun County Planning Commission held a work session to discuss one major item: the Happy Paws K-9 special exception application (LEGI-2024-0012), which proposes a dog kennel for up to 25 dogs on a 3-acre parcel in the Rural Policy Area, along with a minor special exception to reduce the required 100-foot setback on three sides. The meeting also included a briefing on five items scheduled for the March 24, 2026 public hearing. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved (9-0) the minutes from the February 12, 2026 work session. Discussion Items - Happy Paws K-9 Kennel (LEGI-2024-0012, SPEX-2024-0021 & SPEX-2024-0024) - Staff presentation: The application initially sought 40 dogs; after reductions, the applicant now proposes a maximum of 25 dogs (exclusive of personal pets), with changes to setbacks (40 ft north, 35 ft east, 75 ft south vs. the required 100 ft) and a smaller outdoor play area. Staff raised scale and intensity as issues due to surrounding residential uses and sought commission guidance on appropriate dog numbers. Staff stated they could support approval subject to conditions (e.g., 25 dogs max, 15 dogs outside max, operating hours, noise, waste management). - Applicant presentation (Anna Ritter, land use attorney): The applicant reduced dog numbers from 40 to 25 based on community feedback, increased setbacks, provided indoor air quality reports (MERV 13 filters, HEPA purifiers), and noted support from the two directly adjacent neighbors. The applicant argued that the use is generally consistent with the General Plan’s support for rural businesses, but acknowledged scale concerns. - Commissioner questions and discussion: - Commissioner Myers raised concerns about the lack of separation between commercial and residential uses (dogs and humans in the same home), the definition of personal pets, the non-counting of dogs under six months old, potential overlapping drop-off/pickup traffic, and the precedent of allowing kennels in a residence. He questioned consistency with the General Plan’s strategy 3.1 (compatibility and rural character) and noted the property’s non-conforming status. - Commissioner Barnes asked about the usable acreage after excluding the reservoir protection area (about 2.64 acres) and questioned the rationale behind the 25-dog number, noting that 14 of 21 neighbors opposed the application (7 supported). He expressed hygiene concerns about dogs living in the same house as a family. - Commissioner Jasper questioned indoor air quality standards, noting that residential HVAC systems may not be adequate for a large-scale kennel. She cited research on UV germicidal irradiation and noted the difficulty in finding standards for a residential/kennel hybrid. She proposed detailed conditions including a reduced dog count of 12 (exclusive of up to 4 personal pets), increased setback to 60 ft on the east, employee-to-dog ratio of 1:6, outdoor limit of 6 dogs, acoustic engineer certification, soil testing for urine, tree protection, and a ban on commercial breeding. - Commissioner Myers noted that the approval would run with the land and could be passed to future owners, and requested a condition that the operator must be the principal resident. - Commissioner Combs supported lower numbers (12 dogs) to maintain compatibility with the residential neighborhood. - Commissioner Frank felt a slightly higher number (around two dozen) might be acceptable due to differences from in-home childcare, but acknowledged the need for caution. - Commissioner Barnes strongly opposed the application due to precedent and the lack of a separate structure for dogs. - The applicant responded that they cannot accept 12 dogs or a 60-ft setback (would push play area into front yard and drain field), but were willing to consider: limiting personal pets to 4, reducing outdoor dogs to 12, separating outdoor enclosures (6 dogs each), acoustic engineer review, soil testing (pending cost info), and no commercial breeding. Briefing of March 24, 2026 Public Hearing Items - Blue Mont Agricultural and Forestal District withdrawal (early request for 39 acres; currently 76 parcels/2,220 acres; pending ADAC recommendation). - Government building (130,000 sq ft, split office/warehouse) for General Services on Crossrail Boulevard (special exception; dedicated to county; staff found no outstanding issues). - Leesburg Compressor Station expansion (natural gas; 73 acres; east of Route 15; staff supports). - SDC Ashburn data center expansion (special exception for 5,600 sq ft; located in Urban Transit Center place type; staff noted conflict with recent CPAM but supports due to context). - Barrister Substation (commission permit & special exception; adjacent to Stratus substation; staff supports with emphasis on design). Key Outcomes - Vote on Happy Paws K-9 (LEGI-2024-0012): The commission voted 5-4 to forward the application to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation of approval, subject to revised conditions dated March 12, 2026 (as proposed by Commissioner Jasper with friendly amendments). The motion carried with Commissioners Jasper, Banks, Motoretti, and two others in favor; Commissioners Barnes, Combs, Frank, and Myers opposed. - Key conditions included: - Maximum of 16 dogs total on the property, inclusive of any personal pets owned by residents (replacing the applicant’s requested 25-dog cap). - Setback along the eastern property line increased to 60 feet (from the applicant’s proposed 35 ft). - No commercial breeding allowed. - The operator of the kennel must be the principal resident of the home. - Other conditions from staff (e.g., limits on outdoor dogs, operating hours, noise, tree conservation, soil testing, acoustic certification) were retained. - The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the five briefing items on March 24, 2026. - The meeting adjourned after the briefing.

The Board of Supervisors held a budget work session on March 12, 2026 to consider amendments, additions, and deletions to the FY 2027 budget. The meeting began with staff updates, followed by department presentations, public defender request, and a series of motions on resource requests and tax rate reductions. The board passed a final motion to adopt the budget as amended, including a reduced vehicle tax rate. Discussion Items - Family Services (DFS): Acting Director Deedra Bolden presented requests for 12 additional public benefits positions and one operations/contract administrator. Discussion included clarification on permanent supportive housing (PSH), homelessness services, and the need for additional case management. Chair Randall expressed intention to revisit contract scoping for homeless services. No formal motion was made on DFS requests at this session. - Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS): Superintendent Dr. Spence answered questions on SRO programs, MOU negotiations, school discipline data, and the school-to-prison pipeline. Chair Randall emphasized racial equity gaps. No motion was made on LCPS budget at this session. - Public Defender: Ms. O'Donnell requested one attorney position, citing workload increases and the need for due process. The board approved the motion 9-0. - Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC): Supervisor Glass motioned to add $51,089 for strategic initiatives. The motion failed 6-3 (Supervisors Glass, Saints, Turner voting for; others opposed). - Other Motions: - Community Health Worker (Health Department): Passed 9-0. - Zoning Compliance Officers (3 positions): Passed 8-0-1 (Brixman abstained). - Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) internal operations support: Passed 9-0. - Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Assistant: Passed 9-0. - General Services public works staff: Passed 6-3 (Umstead, Kirshner, DeCrony opposed). - Goose Creek water quality monitoring (to fund balance): Passed 8-0-1 (Laterno abstained). - Tuition assistance cap increase for board aides (from $3,000 to $5,000): Passed 8-1 (Umstead opposed). - County Administration real estate specialist (RPAMP): Failed 4-5. - Clerk of Circuit Court position: Passed 8-1 (DeCrony opposed). - Learning and Development Supervisor (OEI): Passed 5-4. - Sheriff’s Office pay freeze tied to 287(g) termination: Failed 1-8 (only Brixman in favor). - Reduction of vehicle personal property tax rate by 6 cents to $2.94 per $100: Passed 9-0. Key Outcomes - Final Budget Adoption: The board voted 9-0 to direct staff to prepare the FY 2027 appropriations resolution incorporating all approved motions, with a real property tax rate of $0.805 per $100, a personal property tax rate of $4.15 per $100, and a vehicle tax rate of $2.94 per $100 for tax year 2027. - Tote Board Update: Initial available funds were $3 million; after corrections and motions, the final tote board balance was not explicitly stated but all approved motions were funded within the available resources. - Next Steps: The board will hold a final vote on the budget on April 7, 2026. Additional discussions on homelessness services and zoning compliance policy were noted for future meetings.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on March 11, 2026. Supervisor Laterno participated remotely from Washington, D.C., after the county attorney determined that his request met the qualifications under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3708.3; a physical quorum was present in the boardroom. The Board approved all three agenda items by identical 7-0-2 votes, with two supervisors off the dais. Consent Calendar / Consolidated Agenda - The Board consolidated Items 1 and 2 for a single hearing because there were no outstanding issues, staff recommended approval, the applicant waived presentation time, and no advance public speakers were registered. - Item 1 - Revised Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan and Streamlined Annual Public Housing Agency Plan (Countywide): The Board approved adoption of the revised plan as provided in the March 11, 2026 Public Hearing Item 1 staff report. The motion passed 7-0-2. - Item 2 - BDCOR-2026-0007, Ordinance of Partial Vacation for Landscape Buffer Easement at 43269 Wembley Lane (Dulles District): Supervisor Laterno moved approval, explaining that the resident had been trying to add a screened-in patio and deck but encountered older landscape buffer easements recorded in 1998; bringing it as a staff item avoided a longer resident application process. The Board approved the vacation 7-0-2. Public Comments & Testimony - One public speaker, Mr. Sam Wong, approached the podium. He referenced a special exception concerning data center debates, but the Chair told him that item was not on the March 11 agenda and that public comment is limited to items on the public agenda. The Chair offered to check the next agenda and contact him; a county official suggested the matter might be the Concord application coming to the Board on March 17. Discussion Item: Shiraz Farm LLP Kennel Special Exception - Item 3 (LEGI-2023-0091, SPEX-2023-0026, and SPEX-2025-0122, Little River District) was heard separately. Planning and Zoning staff described a proposed kennel in the AR2 zoning district near Clarke County, with a reduced buffer width along the northern property line from 20 to 5 feet and a setback reduction from 100 to 5 feet. The Planning Commission had voted 9-0 to forward the application to the Board. Staff identified an issue for consideration regarding the kennel's location relative to other residential properties and surrounding agricultural operations, but staff and the Planning Commission determined that the proposal, as proposed and conditioned, was consistent with plan policy. - Applicant Roger and Azita Rudy, owners of Shiraz Farm LLP in Upperville, presented in support. They described a 99.15-acre family-run agricultural operation breeding and training German Shepherds for service, therapy, and companion work, inspired by their deaf daughter's experience with a service dog. They stated there are currently 42 dogs on site, about 15 of them over six years old, 10 to 15 breeding dogs, roughly one litter per month, and 50 to 100 puppies produced per year. Puppies stay 8 to 12 weeks before adoption. They said there is no boarding or daycare service, dogs are housed indoors in existing buildings, the kennel is more than 1,300 feet from the public road and about half a mile from the nearest single-family home, traffic is about 10 to 15 work-related trips per week, and waste is spot-cleaned, bagged, and removed weekly without runoff. They also cited regular inspections by Loudoun County Animal Services, the USDA, and the American Kennel Club, no land disturbance, no expansion, tree planting of 60 trees this year and more than 150 over the past few years, no neighbor opposition, and letters of support. - Board discussion included questions about acreage, distances to nearby homes, the kennel's operations compared with other kennels, waste disposal and groundwater protection, and the number and categories of dogs. Supervisor Turner said he was not opposed and was just curious about the difference from a kennel operation generating complaints. Supervisor Crony noted that the conditions had been met, nearby homes are about 880 feet to the south and 2,390 feet to the north, and the use was consistent with the rural policy area. Key Outcomes - The Board voted 7-0-2 to suspend the rules for Item 3 so it could be considered outside the consolidated agenda. - The Board approved LEGI-2023-0091, Shiraz Farm LLP, SPEX-2023-0026, and SPEX-2025-0122, subject to the conditions of approval dated February 12, 2026, and based on the findings for approval provided as attachments one and two to the March 11, 2026 staff report. The motion passed 7-0-2. - Items 1 and 2 also passed 7-0-2 as noted above.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Finance/Government Operations and Economic Development Committee met on March 10, 2026, to discuss the monthly economic development report, several capital improvement projects, ARPA fund reallocation, and the Human Services Nonprofit Grant Program. All votes were unanimous (5-0). Consent Calendar - Monthly Department of Economic Development Report – Received and discussed. - Quarterly Report/FY 2026 Second Quarter Financial Update, Cash Proffer, and Debt Report – Accepted. - Award Authority Increase for Client, Server, Storage and Peripherals – Approved. - Contract Renewal for Public Safety Two-Way Radios & Related Equipment – Approved. - Contract Award and FY 2026 CIP Amendment for Architectural and Engineering Services for Linear Parks and Trails and Sterling Neighborhood Park – Approved. - Contract Award and FY 2026 CIP Amendment for Architectural & Engineering Services for LCFR Training Academy and 751 Miller Drive Renovations – Approved. - Contract Award for Construction of General Government Office Building Phase I – Approved. - Contract Award for Security Guard Services – Approved. - Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Visitor Center Structural Renovation Supplemental Funding – Approved. - Funding Request for Fire and Rescue Training Tower – Approved. Discussion Items Department of Economic Development Report Buddy Rizer, Director of Economic Development, reported national job losses of 92,000 in February and an unemployment rate of 4.4%, with Loudoun's rate rising. He noted 3,732 newly posted jobs and 12,811 total active listings. Groundbreaking for Ravana at Innovation Station was highlighted. Tony Howard from the Economic Development Authority discussed support for entrepreneurship, housing, and a planned MOU redraft. Supervisors questioned unemployment data accuracy and expressed concerns about federal workforce impacts and unfunded housing mandates from state legislation. The Launch Loudoun program exceeded its minority-owned business goal (210 against 175). Western Loudoun Recreation Complex Design Endorsement (Item 10) Staff presented plans for a 142-acre site near Purcellville, including a three-story recreation center with a competition pool, leisure pool, gym, fitness center, indoor track, and outdoor fields (12 pickleball courts, rectangular fields, etc.). The cost estimate rose from $73 million to $264 million due to earlier inaccuracies and added teen space. Supervisors asked about cricket potential, turf fields, and cost escalation. The committee recommended Board endorsement of major design elements and authorized completing final design documents (5-0). Westpark Improvements Design Endorsement (Item 12) Plans for a 134-acre passive park on the former West Park Golf Course include accessible trails, stream restoration (1 mile), wetland creation (12 acres), and an 18-hole disc golf course. Total project cost is estimated at $29.14 million with a $4.1 million SLAF grant. Community concerns about disc golf proximity to homes and parking were raised. Supervisor Umstead moved to forward the item to the April 21 Board meeting with a request for a public disc golf demonstration and that the Board consider community concerns. Motion passed 5-0. American Rescue Plan Act Updates and 2026 Funding Recommendations (Item 13) Staff recommended reallocating $1,265,132.23 in ARPA funds from water/wastewater projects that cannot be spent by the December 31, 2026 deadline to rental assistance and child care fee reduction programs. Only $24,000 of the original $80 million was unobligated. The committee approved the reallocation (5-0). Human Services Nonprofit Grant Program FY2028 Recommendations (Item 14) Staff proposed improvements to the grant program, including sustainability metrics and reporting. Chair Briskman preferred KPMG's more robust language and planned to discuss with the LHSN meeting on March 20. The committee approved the staff recommendations as summarized in Attachment 1 (5-0). Key Outcomes - All consent calendar items approved. - Western Loudoun Recreation Complex: Design endorsement recommended to Board (5-0). - Westpark Improvements: Forwarded to Board with demonstration and community consideration request (5-0). - ARPA funding reallocation approved (5-0). - Human Services Nonprofit Grant Program recommendations approved (5-0).

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors held a budget work session on March 9, 2026, to review and potentially amend the proposed FY 2027 budget. Key discussions included departmental resource requests from the Courts, Community Corrections, Fire and Rescue, and the Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the Sidewalk and Trails Program. The board took votes on several motions, including a contentious debate over expanding School Resource Officers (SROs) to elementary schools. Discussion Items - Courts (Circuit Court): Chief Judge Douglas Fleming and Chief of Staff Alejandra Rueda presented on the 20th Judicial Circuit being the most underjudged in Virginia (1 judge per 103,000 residents vs. state average of 1 per 50,000). They requested additional support staff (legal specialists and staff attorneys) to manage rising caseloads (e.g., daily orders processed increasing from 9,000 in FY22 to an estimated 14,000 in FY26). The board expressed support and offered to advocate for more judges at the state level. - Community Corrections: Director Chip Sullivan requested three positions (one domestic violence officer and two hybrid pretrial/probation officers for a satellite office) to address high caseloads (e.g., domestic violence officers currently at 80, 74, and 94 cases vs. optimal 35). The board supported the request. - Fire and Rescue: Chief Keith Williams detailed requests for 18 FTEs to address a staffing factor deficit of 54 positions, four-person engine staffing at four stations (Middleburg, Loudoun Heights, Lockets, Hamilton), four assistant fire marshal positions, and two revenue-neutral positions. The board supported the requests, noting the need to catch up on staffing after opening new stations. - Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff Mike Chapman presented priority requests: additional training personnel and a four-year phased addition of SROs to elementary schools (citing a 1,000% increase in elementary school shootings nationally and rising call volumes from 500 to 1,500). He faced opposition from board members who argued the school board had not agreed to an MOU and that the proposal lacked community engagement with immigrant groups. A motion to remove the SRO funding ($5,317,409) was made by Chair Randall. - Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Sidewalk and Trails Program: The finance committee recommended adopting the FY27-32 CIP as amended, including reallocating funds from Belmont Ridge Road crossing to Partlow Road improvements. Staff sought policy clarifications on not swapping segments within the Sidewalk and Trails Program unless based on formal reevaluation. Several motions on corridor studies and project swaps were debated. Key Outcomes - SRO Elementary School Expansion: Motion by Chair Randall to remove SRO funding (Phase 1, $5,317,409) from the sheriff’s office budget passed 6-2-1 (Supervisors Kirshner and Umstadt opposed; Supervisor Laterno abstained). - SRO Floater Group: Motion by Supervisor Laterno to add 5 SROs and 1 sergeant (approximately $2,379,000) to cover vacancies in middle and high schools passed 6-2-1 (Supervisors Brixman and Glass opposed; Supervisor Glass abstained? Exact tally: 6 ayes, 2 nays, 1 abstain). - CIP Adoption: Motion by Supervisor Brixman to adopt the FY27-32 CIP as amended by the finance committee and full board, including sending planning funds for Southern Service Center ($500,000), Hillsboro Old Stone School ($120,000), and Lovettsville water tower ($308,000) to FY26 year-end fund balance discussion, passed 9-0. - Smith Switch WOD Connector Swap: Motion to replace Smith Switch WOD connector project with Ashburn Village Boulevard Improvements (next priority) passed 9-0. - Middleburg Project: Motion by Supervisor Crony to send $1.5 million for Middleburg South Madison Street improvements to fund balance was withdrawn after discussion. - Corridor Studies Alignment: Motion by Supervisor Crony to align corridor study improvements with established STP/IIP criteria, as amended by Supervisor Sainz to include staff identification and ranking, passed 8-1. - Route 15 Hogback Mountain Roundabout: Motion to rename and change scope to turn lanes was withdrawn; substitute motion to direct staff to analyze the intersection during FY28 budget development passed 8-1. - Eastern Loudoun Library Planning: Motion to send $500,000 in planning funds to FY26 fund balance discussion passed 9-0.