Blacksburg Town Council Work Session – July 2, 2024

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on July 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street. The meeting was adjourned at 1:17 p.m. Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin presided, with councilmembers Susan Anderson, Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford Jr., Susan Mattingly, and Liam Watson present. Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith was absent. Key topics included architectural review of Midtown townhomes, a water service line survey for lead compliance, a small lot zoning ordinance amendment, stakeholder recommendations for zoning and subdivision ordinances, general zoning ordinance alignment with the Comprehensive Plan, and a Blacksburg Transit update.

Midtown Architectural Review

• Interim Planning Director Kali Casper presented revisions to townhome designs on parcels PRD 5 and PRD 2 at the Midtown development. Changes included adding stone to non-Ehart Street buildings, introducing new fiber cement panel siding, and adding windows on corner units.
• Council expressed satisfaction with the revisions and directed the Town Manager to approve the designs.

Water Service Line Survey

• Engineering Director Carolyn Howard explained staff's response to the EPA's new Lead and Copper Rule revisions, which apply to all public and private water utility services with pipes 2 inches or smaller in diameter.
• The verification process involves excavating service lines at the water meter and visually inspecting private lines at building entrances. If lead is found, a remediation process will be developed with Virginia Department of Health approval.

Small Lot Zoning Ordinance Amendment Discussion

• Interim Planning Director Kali Casper proposed a small lot development option allowing smaller lot sizes (sliding scale from 3,000 to 7,500 square feet) and reduced parking requirements, aimed at increasing housing supply per the Comprehensive Plan.
• The option would be offered within the R-4 Low Density Residential Zoning District and permit single-family detached, two-family dwellings, and townhomes served only by alley access. Development standards include unit mix percentage, buffer yards, occupancy, and parking.

Zoning & Subdivision Stakeholders Group Recommendations

• Interim Planning Director Kali Casper and Steve Semones of Balzer and Associates reviewed stakeholder group recommendations from local developers, engineering and building professionals, and town staff.
• Semones noted that developers often design around the Code rather than to the Code. Recommendations covered revisions to the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and other development regulations, including street design, construction sequencing, infrastructure timing, and subdivision design.
• Council agreed to move forward with developing amendments consistent with the recommendations.

General Zoning Ordinance Discussion

• Interim Planning Director Kali Casper explained that, after council feedback and planning commission meetings, the goal is to better align the Zoning Ordinance with the Comprehensive Plan.
• Casper reviewed policies, objectives, and specific changes related to housing, commercial districts, uses, utilities, and administration. Staff plans to begin procuring a consultant in the fall.

Blacksburg Transit Update

• Transit Director Brian Booth provided updates on staffing levels, the new Multi-Modal Transit Facility (formerly called the new transit center), campus network improvements, and upcoming project timelines.
• Booth noted route and frequency improvements that reduce the need for multiple buses on the same lines.

Council/Staff Exchange

• Town Manager Marc Verniel and council members exchanged information on priority projects, including the Passenger Rail Authority and a proposed Advocacy Day between Virginia Tech Student Government and Council in the fall.

Key Outcomes

• Midtown Architectural Review: Council directed the Town Manager to approve the revised designs.
• Water Service Line Survey: Staff will continue verification and develop a remediation process if lead is found.
• Small Lot Zoning Amendment: No formal vote; discussion phase.
• Zoning & Subdivision Stakeholders Group: Council agreed to proceed with developing amendments based on recommendations.
• General Zoning Ordinance Discussion: Staff to begin consultant procurement in the fall.
• Blacksburg Transit Update: Information only; no action taken.