NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Va. — A proposed zoning amendment in Northampton County could pave the way for major increases in residential density around the county’s incorporated towns, prompting calls for residents to review the plans and voice their opinions at upcoming public meetings.
The proposed changes to the Town Edge District ordinance would significantly alter allowable land use. While current regulations generally limit development to one house per five acres—with some permitted residential rezoning allowing up to five units per acre—the new proposal could permit up to 20 units per acre, including single-family homes on lots smaller than a quarter-acre.
If approved, the amendment would allow for subdivision-style developments, modular and manufactured homes, mobile home parks, accessory dwelling units, and multi-family apartment buildings. Permitted structures could reach three to four stories in height.
While community members and officials broadly agree on the need for more affordable and workforce housing in the region, the scope of the proposed Town Edge District changes has sparked a push for greater public scrutiny regarding how that housing is implemented.
The Northampton Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the Town Edge District on June 16 at 6 p.m., where residents will have a three-minute limit to provide comments.
However, some residents have expressed concern over the county’s timeline, noting that the official public hearing will take place weeks before a dedicated public information session. That information session, requested by the group Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore (CBES) and agreed to by the Board of Supervisors, is scheduled for Aug. 6. The August session will feature a presentation and a question-and-answer period for the public.
In the interim, residents are being encouraged to attend municipal meetings in Cape Charles, Cheriton, Eastville, and Nassawadox, and to participate in regular Board of Supervisors meetings. The next Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for June 9 at 5 p.m.
County officials, including Deputy County Administrator Janice Williams, the Board of Supervisors—chaired by Dixon Leatherbury—and the Planning Commission—chaired by Janet Sturgis—are currently fielding public comments and questions regarding the zoning amendment.
Residents seeking to confirm meeting times or obtain more details on the Town Edge zoning amendment are advised to contact the county office directly.
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