Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Meeting - August 6, 2026

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors met on August 6, 2026, to discuss a range of topics including public comments on a resolution of intent to study intensive animal agriculture, a Shenandoah National Park update, a review of the Housing Albemarle policy, the fiscal year 2027 Community Development work program, and approval of a special use permit for a campground expansion. The board also held a public hearing and approved the resolution of intent to consider zoning amendments for livestock, dairy, and poultry facilities. The meeting concluded with a work session on the 2027 legislative program.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was adopted (minus item 8.6, which was pulled for discussion) with all supervisors voting in favor. The consent agenda included routine approvals.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Molly Angevine (Albemarle County resident, Scottsville town councilor) expressed support for the resolution of intent to create stronger protections against intensive animal farming, citing concerns about water quality and groundwater contamination from potential operations.
• Peggy Gilgas (Jack Jewett district resident) supported the resolution, citing that 59% of tested stream miles in Albemarle are impaired and that animal feeding operations could further degrade water quality and introduce PFAS contamination.
• Tim Kendrick (White Hall district resident, representing Albemarle County Farm Bureau) opposed the resolution, stating that no CAFOs exist in the county, that Virginia’s DEQ regulations are among the strongest in the country, and that overregulation would harm family farms.
• Jane Shutt (White Hall district, Claudius Crozet Park Board) spoke about the park’s importance to the community but did not address the resolution directly.
• Dan Beaker (speaker) urged the board to address loopholes in zoning regulations for intensive animal operations.
• Susan Skolnik Lozano (Scottsville resident, small farm owner) supported the resolution, citing concerns about pollution of groundwater from nitrates, phosphorus, pathogens, and antibiotics.
• Adelaide O’Brien (Hatton Ferry Road, Scottsville) urged a yes vote, noting that 52 other localities in Virginia have passed such ordinances and that voting against would risk environmental damage and taxpayer costs.
• Rob McGuinness (Piedmont Environmental Council) supported the ROI and also called for a biosolids ordinance to test for PFAS.
• Anne Susan (Esmont, Southern Albemarle) supported the resolution, warning of pollution from CAFOs flowing into the James River and Chesapeake Bay.
• Cole Dickerson (community member, works with communities impacted by industrial livestock) strongly supported the ROI, urging proactive zoning standards and citing examples of communities that waited too long.
• Deirdre Casey Kerrigan (Scottsville district, physician, UVA professor) supported the resolution, citing health impacts from CAFOs including air pollutants and water contamination with nitrates and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Paula Beasley (Callswood Farm, Samuel Miller district) thanked the board and urged passage of the ROI, noting that 52 counties have ordinances and that industrial operations are not normal farming.

Discussion Items

• Shenandoah National Park Update: Deputy Superintendent Kristen Gibbs provided an update on visitation, a new fire marshal position, automated entry gates, and a new concessionaire. She answered questions about staffing, fire cooperation, and tourism partnerships.
• Housing Albemarle Policy Review: Staff presented accomplishments including 5,439 affordable housing units produced or preserved (54% of 2040 target), $46 million committed, and progress on priority actions. Discussion included a housing advisory committee charter, developer incentives, density bonuses, and potential use of TAP fees. Supervisors provided feedback on committee structure, inclusionary zoning, and homeownership.
• Fiscal Year 2027 Community Development Work Program: Staff outlined an ambitious work plan including state mandates, local options, and ongoing projects. Supervisors discussed staffing capacity, prioritization, and the inclusion of the ROI for animal agriculture in the work plan.
• Resolution of Intent to Study Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (Item 8.6): After extensive debate, the board voted to adopt the ROI to consider zoning amendments for intensive livestock, dairy, and poultry facilities. Supervisors expressed varying views on the need for local regulation versus reliance on state and federal rules. The motion passed unanimously.
• Public Hearing – James River Runners Camping Expansion (SP 2025-9): The board approved a special use permit to expand primitive camping by six sites on adjacent property. Staff recommended conditions including quiet hours, no fireworks, and a staff member on site. The public hearing included support from a neighbor. The board voted unanimously to approve.
• AC 44 Implementation – Activity Center Plans: Staff presented the selection of the U.S. Route 29/Airport Road area as the first location for an activity center plan. Supervisors discussed the rationale, community engagement, and linkages to economic development.
• 2026 Legislative Program Review and 2027 Priorities: County Attorney Andy Herrick, David Blunt (TJPDC), and Emily Kilroy (Economic Development) reviewed the 2026 session successes (3 of 4 priorities adopted) and previewed 2027 topics including data centers, housing, land use authority, and transportation funding. Supervisors discussed photo speed monitoring, CARTA, state transportation funding, and potential federal advocacy.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Adopted unanimously (minus item 8.6).
• Resolution of Intent (Item 8.6): Approved unanimously to study potential zoning amendments for intensive animal agriculture.
• Special Use Permit (SP 2025-9): Approved unanimously for James River Runners camping expansion.
• Appointments to Boards and Commissions: Approved reappointments for Historic Preservation Committee, Jail Authority, Places 29 Hydraulic and North Community Advisory Committees.
• Housing Albemarle: Staff directed to continue work on housing advisory committee and developer incentives, with a formal policy review to follow the regional housing needs assessment.
• Community Development Work Program: Acknowledged, with discussion on prioritization and capacity.
• Legislative Program: Initial discussion; next work session scheduled for September 2, 2026, with final adoption expected October 21, 2026.