Blacksburg Town Council Special Meeting: Small-Lot Zoning and Tom's Creek Basin - January 31, 2023

The Blacksburg Town Council held a special meeting on January 31, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. at the Blacksburg Police Department Community Room. The agenda included two major discussions: a potential new small-lot single-family zoning district and planning for the Tom's Creek Basin area. Council members expressed overall support for both initiatives and directed staff to take next steps.

Discussion Items

• Small-lot Single Family Zoning District Discussion: Chris Jennette of Camiros, Ltd., an urban planning firm, presented a framework for a new small-lot residential zoning district to address housing shortages. He provided local and national examples to illustrate what might work in Blacksburg. Planning Director Anne McClung asked council for interest in the concept. Council expressed overall agreement and directed staff to move forward with creating specific district standards, including lot width, setbacks, and building height.

• Planning Discussion on Tom's Creek Basin: Town Manager Marc Verniel summarized the recent history of the Tom's Creek Basin area and briefed council on proposed developments and preservation priorities. Verniel and Planning Director Anne McClung noted that community values such as preserving rural character and connectivity remained unchanged. Housing and Community Connections Manager Matt Hanratty advised that an upcoming community meeting would gauge public interest. Council agreed that the town should proactively address development requests and continue discussions.

Key Outcomes

• Council directed staff to develop standards for a new small-lot single-family zoning district.
• Council agreed to continue planning discussions for Tom's Creek Basin and to hold a community meeting to gather input.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m.