October is National Community Planning Month
What is Planning? Planning is a dynamic profession that works to improve the welfare of people and
their communities by creating more convenient, equitable, healthful,
efficient, and attractive places for present and future generations.
Planning enables civic leaders, businesses, and citizens to play a meaningful
role in creating communities that enrich people's lives.
 Good
planning helps create communities that offer better choices for where
and how people live. Planning helps communities to envision their
future. It helps them to find the right balance of new development and
essential services, environmental protection, and innovative change.
Planning in your Community
Planning is one division within a larger Community Development Department. The major functions of the County's Planning Division are to:
- Prepare short and long range planning studies for
neighborhoods, community planning areas, transportation corridors or
other special study areas;
- Advise the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission, support the Board of Zoning Appeals;
- Provide general information to citizens and administration
regarding planning, zoning and subdivision procedures and other
legislative requirements.
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Community Planning Update
Vinton Area Corridors PlanCounty staff are still working jointly with the Town of Vinton to create a future development plan for the major corridors throughout the Vinton area. Over the past ten months, staff has gathered stakeholder input via a community survey and face-to-face interviews, held two community meetings and have presented several future land use scenarios. Planning Commissioners from both localities have also held two work sessions as well as a tour of the corridors as part of the planning process. No public hearings have been scheduled at this time, however, please check back on the plan's website for more information.  Glenvar Community PlanCounty planning and GIS staff have been working on the initial phases of the Glenvar Community Plan. Several maps have been posted to the website including existing land use, cultural resources and subdivisions; a community survey will be posted soon. Stay updated on the status of the plan by visiting the Glenvar Community Plan website or by visiting the department on facebook.
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Planning Commission Update
The Roanoke County Planning Commission held a work session and public hearing on September 1, 2009. At the work session, staff provided the commissioners with a brief update of the Vinton Area Corridors Plan. During the public hearing, the planning commission heard a petition for a special use permit for a private stable in the Catawba magesterial district. The petition was forwarded to the Board of Supervisors with a favorable recommendation and on September 22, 2009 the Board granted the special use permit. The Planning Commission began its September 15, 2009 work session with a tour of the new Green Ridge Recreation Center, which is still under construction. Following the tour of the recreation center, commissioners also toured the Glenvar Area including the proposed asphalt plant site. Commissioners took notice of existing conditions, land use and community facilities/services as well as potential [re]development opportunities. The next Planning Commission work session and public hearing are schedule for October 6, 2009 at 4:00PM and 7:00PM, respectively. |
What is a Temporary Sign?
A temporary sign is defined as, "any sign, other than a portable sign, which is temporarily affixed to the ground, a building or other structure, including, but not limited to banners and flags, and/or an on-premise sign applying to a seasonal or brief activity such as, but not limited to, summer camps, horse shows, yard sales, Christmas tree sales,  business promotions, auctions and carnivals. For the purpose of these regulations, on-premises real estate signs and signs displayed on active construction projects shall be considered temporary when displayed in accordance with Section 30-93-8."
Any temporary signs placed within the public right of way are subject to removal.
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Bicycle User Survey
The Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is conducting an online Bicycle User Survey to assist in updating the 2005 Bikeway Plan and provide general information on bicycle use, perceptions, and preference in the region.
The Bikeway Plan covers the cities of Roanoke and Salem, the Town of
Vinton, and the urbanized portions of Botetourt and Roanoke counties. Also visit the Regional Commission's bicycle planning page for complete access to all bicycle and pedestrian related planning materials.
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Upcoming Meetings
Foxhall Properties Community Meeting
October 12 @ 7PM
Planning Commission
October 6 @ 4PM*
October 20 @ 6PM
November 2 @ 4PM*
Board of Supervisors
October 13 @ 3PM
October 27 @ 3PM*
Roanoke Valley Greenways Commission
October 28 @ 4PM
*Work Session Time; a Public Hearing will be held beginning at 7:00PM
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Greetings!
