Featured in the Ashburn-Lansdowne Flyer
Loudoun County Budget
Loudoun County News
Upcoming Events
Legislative Applications for Development in the Ashburn District
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Belmont Innovation Campus | ZMAP-2022-0021
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Hyde Park | ZMAP-2021-0006 Withdrawn by Developer
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Northstar Square | ZMAP-2021-0017 (Formerly known as "Mercer Crossing")
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Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning | ZMAP-2021-0024 (Formerly known as "Lansdown Blvd Rezoning")
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Broadlands Section 104 | ZCPA-2021-0011
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Belmont Chase II Commercial | SPEX-2022-0012 & SPEX-2022-0013 (Located in the Broad Run District)
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Goose Creek Village West | ZMAP-2022-0013
Significant By-Right Developments in the Ashburn District
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Vantage VA 3 | STMP-2022-0016
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Greetings Ashburn/Lansdowne!
This week, we’ve added a new section to the Flyer. I hope everyone will find it useful and interesting. It’s called, “Significant By-Right Developments in Ashburn District.” To get the most out of this new section, I think it’s important to understand the zoning landscape that will drive a lot of development decisions for the near future in Loudoun County.
When an individual or company buys a parcel of land, they have the right to develop that parcel in accordance with the underlying zoning ordinance on that land at the time of purchase, even if that development doesn’t occur for years after the purchase. This is the owner’s “by-right” legal authority to develop the property per the zoning ordinance. The owner must submit an application that is administratively approved or denied by county staff. The application must adhere to the zoning ordinance and all land development requirements. This is why establishing zoning for every parcel in Loudoun County is such a big deal; it can affect what our county looks like years or even decades before the land is developed.
Second, there are two, principal documents governing land-use planning in Loudoun County: The Comprehensive Plan, the Board’s policy vision of how the county should develop, and the Zoning Ordinance, the legally binding ordinance supporting the Comprehensive Plan’s vision. Normally, these two documents align with each other, thereby making the Comprehensive Plan enforceable through the Zoning Ordinance.
Prior to 2019, the 2001 Revised General Plan (our current Comprehensive Plan’s predecessor) was enforced by a Revised 1993 zoning ordinance (completed in 2003). These plans were supposed to be updated every five years, but it was not until 2016 when the Board of Supervisors, led by Chair Phyllis Randall, began the long-overdue and arduous process of updating the Comprehensive Plan. This work was completed in 2019. Since we had to update the comprehensive plan before we updated the zoning ordinance, the 2019 Comprehensive Plan and our current zoning ordinance are not currently in total alignment. Updating the zoning ordinance is the Board of Supervisor’s #1 priority. The county staff, as well as the Planning Commission, have been working diligently to update it since 2019.
Keeping in mind that the 2019 Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinance aren’t aligned, many parcels of land envisioned to be mixtures of homes and some commercial, called “Suburban Mixed-Use” place types, have an underlying zoning which legally permits (by-right) data center development. This is particularly true along Route 7. Many parcels are in the Comprehensive Plan’s “Suburban Mixed-Use” place type but are zoned PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park) and PD-OP (Planned Development-Office Park), that allow data centers to be built “by-right.” This means, even though the Board of Supervisors said in 2019 these parcels should be developed as Suburban Mixed-Use, the legally binding, “by-right” zoning allows data centers.
This is why the new “Significant By-Right Developments in the Ashburn” section identifies developments that are proceeding “by-right” and do not require any Board of Supervisor’s approval. As you can see by the first entry in this section, Vantage data centers is building a 280 megawatt, hyperscale data center at the intersection of Belmont Ridge Road and Route 7. We are monitoring this development carefully and are in regular contact with the Vantage North American CEO. In addition to the by-right applications, there are pending legislative applications for home developments that have underlying zoning that allow data centers. If the Board denies the housing application, the land will likely be sold to a data center developer.
We are trying to work within this new paradigm in Loudoun County, but every application is especially challenging. My team and I are watching these developments closely and will pass along any new information, but don’t hesitate to email me with questions.
Be well, friends!
Mike Turner
Ashburn District Supervisor
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Loudoun County Administrator Presents Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 |
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County Administrator Tim Hemstreet presented a proposed budget for the Loudoun County government to the Board of Supervisors for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 2024), which begins July 1, 2023. The budget totals $4.2 billion in appropriations for the county government and Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS).
Proposed Budget
The proposed budget has been prepared at a real property tax rate of $0.87 per $100 of assessed value, which is 2 cents below the current real property tax rate of $0.89 per $100 of assessed value. While the proposed tax rate for FY 2024 is lower than the current tax rate, the proposed rate is 6.5 cents above the overall equalized rate of $0.805, which is the rate at which the average real property owner’s tax bill would remain flat year over year. The homeowner’s equalized tax rate is $0.83. This means that while the proposed tax rate is lower than the current tax rate, the average homeowner’s tax bill would increase if the proposed tax rate is adopted by the Board of Supervisors.
The proposed budget executes the planned reduction in the general personal property tax rate from $4.20 per $100 of assessed value to $4.15 per assessed value for tax year 2023. This reduction is part of a strategic effort to ensure a diverse revenue base. As vehicles are assessed at the general rate,
vehicle owners in the county can expect some relief on their vehicle tax bills.
“In accordance with the Board’s guidance, the proposed budget provides for the opening of new facilities, base budget adjustments, supports the county’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and compensates employees at a market rate,” Hemstreet said.
The FY 2024 proposed budget includes:
- $14.3 million in base budget adjustments to continue to provide core services.
- An increase of $27 million for employee compensation, which consists of:
- $14.5 million to provide a 6% merit increase for the general county workforce.
- $4.6 million for a one step-increase and a 3% adjustment for uniformed Fire and Rescue personnel, for an average pay increase of 6%.
- $6.4 million for a one-step increase and a 6% adjustment for uniformed Sheriff’s deputies, for an average pay increase of 9%.
- $1.5 million for a hiring and retention bonus program.
- The addition of 40 positions to open new facilities and support the county’s CIP.
- $6.5 million for affordable housing, which continues the dedication of the equivalent of one-half cent of the real property tax rate to affordable housing needs.
Increase Options
At the direction of the Board of Supervisors, Hemstreet also prepared two “increase options” for consideration. Both options include a real property tax rate that is one-and-a-half cents higher than the proposed budget, which would be $0.885 per $100 of assessed value. This tax rate, if adopted, would generate an additional $19.4 million for the Board’s consideration. These options are intended to help identify which resource needs by the county and Loudoun County Public Schools could be funded, if adopted.
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Increase Option #1: Under this option, the county government would split the net new local tax funding with LCPS at a 60/40 rate.
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Increase Option #2: Under this option, the county government would retain the additional revenues generated by the higher real property tax rate.
School Board Budget Request
The Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) requested a total of more than $1.1 billion dollars in local tax funding for FY 2024. Hemstreet’s proposed budget includes an increase of $69.1 million in local tax funding over last year but leaves a gap of $6.2 million from the School Board’s adopted budget.
In addition, due to an error in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s revenue calculations, the resulting revenue shortfall of up to $7.4 million could prompt the School Board to ask for additional funding.
Factors Shaping the Proposed Budget
The proposed FY 2024 budget was developed in a challenging economic climate. Significant factors influencing development of the budget include:
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Forecasted Economic Conditions: The forecasted rates of growth in employment for Loudoun County as well as the nation, state and region are positive, but expected to be lower than 2022. This weaker forecasted growth reflects the downside risk associated with a potential recession.
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Population Growth: Although the number of residents added annually has slowed, the county’s population continues to grow and is expected to increase by nearly 120,000 new residents through 2050, which will continue to bring new and increased demands on county programs and services.
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Real Property Portfolio: The forecast for higher interest rates is anticipated to lead to slowdowns in residential construction and a flattening of residential assessment values, as well as potential decline in commercial assessment values and changes in assessment methodologies enacted by the Virginia General Assembly. The FY 2024 proposed budget’s revenue outlook is based on this potential commercial property decline in value to best manage the risk to revenue collection in the second half of FY 2024.
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Evolving Local Tax Revenue Composition: The proposed FY 2024 budget makes progress toward the tax revenue policy recommendations from county staff that the Board of Supervisors bring balance to the General Fund’s tax revenue composition. Under the policy, real property tax revenue should approach 60% of total General Fund local taxes in the coming years. For FY 2024, the proposed budget calls for nearly 53% of General Fund local tax revenue to come from real property tax revenue. A decade ago, more than two thirds of General Fund tax revenue was generated by real property tax. For the past several years, taxes from personal property, especially computer equipment, have been the largest funding mechanism to support the county’s expenditure growth.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
The Amended FY 2023-2028 CIP, which includes both county and school projects, totals approximately $3.5 billion for the six-year planning period. The category with the largest expenditure percentage is transportation projects at 36%, followed by county projects at 35% and school projects at 29%.
FY 2024 is an “amendment year” for the CIP, so it reflects the priorities identified by the Board of Supervisors in the FY 2023 budget process. For FY 2024, renovation and renewal projects continue to be an important part of the CIP for both the county government and the schools.
New county projects include a Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Center, which addresses a critical need for behavioral health intervention services in the community.
The CIP also reflects the county’s ability to leverage state and federal funding for transportation projects such as the Sycolin Road-Loudoun Center Place to Crosstrail Boulevard project. It also includes funding for the design and construction of bus shelters along the local, fixed-route bus stops.
School projects include the full replacement of Park View High School rather than a renovation as well as renovations and additions to Banneker and Waterford Elementary Schools and increased funding for school security improvements.
Tax Rates Summary
The proposed budget is balanced at the real property tax rate of $0.87 per $100 of assessed value and a personal property tax rate of $4.15. Under the proposed budget, the average homeowner in Loudoun County would have a real property tax bill increase of $302, or about $25 per month, in tax year 2023.
Hemstreet has advertised a maximum real property tax rate of $0.89, which provides the Board of Supervisors with flexibility to consider critical needs in the increase options and address the LCPS gap caused by the Commonwealth’s revenue calculation error.
The Board of Supervisors will determine the final tax rates and related budget policy decisions during March budget work sessions with final adoption of the FY 2024 budget expected at the Board’s business meeting April 4, 2023.
Public Participation
There are several ways in which members of the public may participate in the budget process, including Board of Supervisors public hearings, email, voice messages and social media. The Board will hold three public hearings on the proposed FY 2024 budget. The hearings are scheduled for:
- Wednesday, March 1, 3:00 p.m., Board Room, Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street SE, Leesburg
- Wednesday, March 1, 6:00 p.m., Board Room, Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street SE, Leesburg
- Saturday, March 4, 9:00 a.m., Board Room, LCPS Administration Building, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn
Anyone who wishes to speak at the public hearings may sign up in advance for one speaking slot, beginning Thursday, February 16, 2023, by calling 703-777-0204. Public input may be provided in person or virtually. More information about providing input to the Board of Supervisors is posted on the county’s website at loudoun.gov/signuptospeak.
The upcoming budget public hearings at the Government Center will be televised on Comcast Government TV Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40. They will also be streamed live at loudoun.gov/meetings. The public hearing at LCPS will be televised on Comcast channel 18 and Verizon FIOS channel 43 and livestreamed on the LCPS website.
Members of the public may also:
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Leave a message on the Board of Supervisors’ Comment Line at 703-777-0115.
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Send an email to the Board of Supervisors or write to the Board of Supervisors, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, VA 20177.
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Provide comments through the Loudoun County government’s and Twitter sites.
For More Information
More information, including the FY 2024 proposed budget, the County Administrator’s FY 2024 budget presentation, the schedule for Board of Supervisors budget work sessions and the Board’s Finance/Government Operations and Economic Development Committee’s CIP work sessions, will be posted on the Loudoun County website at loudoun.gov/budget.
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Loudoun County to Distribute $10 Million in American Rescue Plan Act Grants |
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During its February 21, 2023, meeting the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors authorized the distribution of nearly $10 million in grants from the county’s share of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, which financially supports local communities as they address the negative impacts of COVID-19 and lay the foundation for recovery.
Nonprofit Funding
Following the Board’s direction for utilizing ARPA funds, the county accepted requests in September and October 2022 from local organizations seeking funding for programs that are mitigating the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board allocated nearly $2.25 million to 13 nonprofit organizations serving Loudoun County:
Financial/Employment
- Crossroads Jobs – $14,361
- Northern Virginia Family Service – $358,373
Food Assistance
- Dulles Food Pantry – $27,527
- Loudoun Education Foundation – $12,960
- Loudoun Hunger Relief – $420,000
- Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers – $4,860
- Mobile Hope – $297,387
- Seven Loaves Services – $16,200
- Tree of Life Ministries – $148,577
Mental Health
- A Place To Be – $286,200
- INMED USA – $269,187
- LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services – $146,621
Utility Assistance
In addition, $250,000 was designated for the county to conduct a childcare needs assessment to identify challenges working families have when placing their children in childcare and for childcare provider training.
Community Input for Nonprofit Funding
The distribution of ARPA funds to nonprofit organizations was informed by an outreach effort that included an online survey and several public information meetings and listening sessions hosted by the county for the nonprofit community. The county received 27 applications from 24 organizations with requests totaling $11.4 million. Details about the funding process may be found in the staff report prepared for the February 21 meeting.
Reserve Funding
The Board also allocated $7.5 million in reserve ARPA funding for county projects related to business reinvestment, childcare, community support services, housing, small business reinvestment and transportation.
- Childcare Funding: $2 million
- Housing Information Management System Maintenance: $1.5 million
- Small Business Support: $450,000
- Transformational Initiatives for Resident Support: $2.55 million
- Transportation & Capital Infrastructure: $1 million
Community Input for Reserve Funding
Transportation/capital Infrastructure was the top choice of respondents at 54%, maintaining efficient housing programs through case management was second at 45% and childcare was third with 41%.
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County Presents Stories of Prominent Black Families in Loudoun |
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The history of some of Loudoun County’s prominent Black families is being told in an online presentation created by the Loudoun County Office of Mapping and Geographic Information. The Edds, Ewing and Nokes families, who owned farms in eastern Loudoun in the early 20th century, are featured in a web-based application that combines historic maps, text, photos and audio in an online “story map.”
The story map is based on a presentation given at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum that includes research from the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Historic Records Division as well as information gathered by the Black History Committee of the Thomas Balch Library. Also included are excerpts from a Thomas Balch Library oral history recorded in 2002 with Nokes descendant Carrie Nokes, who died in 2008 at the age of 95. In the interview, Ms. Nokes recalled what her life was like growing up in the community known as Nokes, which was named after her family.
To access the “Loudoun County History: The Edds, Ewing, and Nokes Families” presentation and other interactive mapping applications, visit loudoun.gov/historymaps.
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Loudoun Fire Chief and Firefighter Receive Honors |
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Two Loudoun first responders were among honorees from across Virginia that received awards at an official ceremony on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the recipients of the 2022 Governor’s Fire Service Awards as part of the annual Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Expo and Symposium in Virginia Beach. Established in 2002, the Governor’s Fire Service Awards honor excellence in Virginia’s fire service and are facilitated by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs in collaboration with the Virginia Fire Services Board.
Meaghan Gruber, a Firefighter/EMT from Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) was awarded “Firefighter of the Year” for her heroic actions during a house fire in which a teenager and a fellow firefighter were rescued. In March 2022, Meaghan responded with others to a house fire in Purcellville where her quick search located a 15-year-old girl in a 2nd floor bedroom and seamlessly coordinated the rescue with her team. Firefighter Gruber has also received recognition with awards such as LCFR’s Walking Heart for successful resuscitation. She always seeks to positively impact those around her, both in the community and in her fire and rescue family. Outside of shift work, Gruber routinely volunteers to help train LCFR’s career and volunteer recruits and has a passion for helping others develop their careers in the fire service.
System Chief Keith Johnson of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) was awarded the Virginia Fire Chief’s Association’s Glenn A. Gaines Leadership Legacy Award. The Glenn A. Gaines Leadership Legacy Award was established to recognize an individual who exemplifies the ability, character, and dedication to excellence and displays leadership attributes portrayed by Fire Chief Glenn A. Gaines. Prior to his passing in April 2015, Chief Gaines was the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). Chief Gaines began his fire service career as a member of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Virginia, later serving as Fire Chief from August 1991 until December 1998. This annual award named in his honor recognizes an individual for superior leadership and actions that have elevated the fire service profession within the Commonwealth of Virginia through mentoring, teaching, and sharing outstanding contributions. This award highlights Chief Johnson’s many contributions to the fire service in Virginia and a legacy that invokes innovation, pride and compassion in his duties as Fire Chief and as an outspoken advocate for the health and safety of citizens and first responders.
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Loudoun Celebrates Adult Drug Treatment Court Graduation |
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Loudoun County celebrated an Adult Drug Treatment Court graduation on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, in a ceremony hosted at the Loudoun County Courthouse. Drug treatment courts are specialized court dockets within the existing structure of Virginia's court system offering judicial monitoring of intensive treatment and strict supervision of substance-abusing defendants in drug and drug-related cases.
The primary goal of drug treatment courts is to reduce recidivism rates. The program is documented to reduce costs to Virginia taxpayers when compared to traditional case processing.
Drug treatment courts represent the coordinated efforts of a variety of government agencies and community partners to break the cycle of substance abuse, addiction and crime. The drug treatment court participant undergoes an intense regimen of substance abuse and mental health treatment, case management, drug testing and probation supervision while reporting to regularly scheduled status hearings before a judge.
Participation in drug treatment court is voluntary and available to a limited number of non-violent offenders who have substance use disorders. Candidates are carefully assessed through an established application process. Participants are required to fulfill the terms and conditions of the drug treatment court.
The Loudoun County Adult Drug Treatment Court is an intensive supervision program that provides support and services from a collaborative team of county agencies and partners, including:
- Department of Community Corrections
- Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services
- Loudoun County Circuit Court
- Loudoun County Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
- Loudoun Office of the Public Defender
- Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney
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Name of Historic 1895 Loudoun Courthouse to Honor Charles Hamilton Houston |
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During its February 7, 2023, meeting, the Board of Supervisors formalized the name of Loudoun County's courthouse complex in downtown Leesburg. Additionally, the Board approved the placement of a special moniker on the historic 1895 courthouse on the corner of King and Market streets to honor civil rights attorney Charles Hamilton Houston. The move comes as the Loudoun County Courthouse Expansion project heads toward completion later this year.
The Board voted to name the multiple buildings that comprise the Loudoun courts and related offices the Loudoun County Courthouse Complex, while the historic courthouse will bear Houston’s name. In 2020, the Board directed staff to pursue National Historic Landmark designation for the historic courthouse, which is expected to happen this year.
“This naming process has been ongoing since 2019; the county worked to include members of the public and the Heritage Commission,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis J. Randall. “Having the very courthouse where Charles Hamilton Houston fully displayed the ability of Black lawyers—against all odds—to prevail against de-jure segregation through the courts is something that every Loudoun resident can be proud of.”
The name selection is based on a recommendation from the Board-appointed Heritage Commission, which highlighted Houston’s work on the nationally significant 1933 trial of George Crawford. In Commonwealth of Virginia v. Crawford, Charles Hamilton Houston, who was the dean of Howard University’s Law School and legal counsel to the NAACP, led an all-Black legal team assembled by the NAACP to defend Crawford, who was accused of murdering two white women in Middleburg. The case brought national attention to the issue of all-white juries, facilitated widespread recognition of the abilities of Black lawyers and laid important groundwork in the NAACP’s emerging campaign to use federal constitutional law to dismantle racial segregation.
The case is considered seminal to the emergence of the civil rights movement and civil rights jurisprudence and is of such national importance that Loudoun County is seeking National Historic Landmark status for the courthouse based on the event. The county anticipates a favorable vote by the National Park Service’s Landmarks Committee later this year.
Meanwhile, work continues on the courthouse expansion. Construction crews have completed interior framing and the utility rough-in. The installation of drywall, door frames and window glazing are nearing completion. Permanent power for the new building has been established, and crews have installed the elevators and began painting interior walls. The Loudoun County Courthouse Expansion project is expected to be complete and open to the public in the fall of 2023.
Loudoun County will host a virtual construction update on March 29, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. Details for joining the meeting are posted at loudoun.gov/calendar. Additional information about the courthouse construction project is available at loudoun.gov/courts-expansion.
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LCSO Partners with GotSneakers & MADD Loudoun to Collect Unwanted Sneakers |
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Loudoun County, VA (February 28, 2023) -The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) has once again partnered with GotSneakers to help raise funds for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) of Loudoun. The request is simple: Clean out your closets of all unwanted adult and children’s paired sneakers and bring them tied together before March 31, 2023, to one of the LCSO stations, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Headquarters - 803 Sycolin Road in Leesburg
- Dulles South Public Safety Center - 25216 Loudoun County Pkwy, Chantilly
- Eastern Loudoun Station - 46620 East Frederick Dr., Sterling
- Ashburn Station – 20272 Savin Hill Dr., Ashburn
- Western Loudoun Station - 47 W. Loudoun St, Round Hill
MADD Loudoun was founded in 1990 and is run by volunteers who will use the funds raised to help fight against drunk driving and drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. Throughout each year MADD Loudoun hosts Parent Workshops, participates in Sobriety Checkpoints, and attends DUI/DUID court case trials to end drunk driving.
GotSneakers will compensate MADD Loudoun $1 for every pair of sneakers the organization collects. The LCSO will accept all styles and conditions of sneakers. After the sneakers are collected, GotSneakers will process and distribute these sneakers around the world specifically within impoverished nations using micro-enterprise partners to help those in need. The damaged sneakers are processed and ground into surfaces for playgrounds, gym floors, tracks, outdoor courts, and synthetic turfs.
Over the past several years, the LCSO and other local businesses and organizations have collected thousands of pairs of sneakers in Loudoun County.
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2023 Loudoun Youth Leadership Program Now Accepting Applications |
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Applications are now being accepted for Loudoun Youth, Inc.’s 2021 Loudoun Youth Leadership Program. A week-long program designed to introduce youth to leadership concepts and to provide exposure and interaction with local business, government and community leaders. Participates can choose one of two sessions on either July 10 - 14, or July 31 - August 4, 2023. The program is open to all rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, public or private, who live in Loudoun County. Youth participating in the week-long sessions will learn leadership skills, observe leadership in action with business and civic leaders from around the county, as well as taking part in interactive team building experiences.
Applications will be accepted until March 10th and can be found at here. Tuition is $495/student. Financial aid is available to qualifying students. Visit our website for more program information.
Loudoun Youth, Inc. was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in April 2005. The mission of the organization is to coordinate community resources to assist in the development of youth programs and to create leadership opportunities for young people. They support and develop programs that provide Loudoun teens positive out-of-school activities in safe environments, helping them to become confident and contributing members of the community.
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Apply for No-Cost Home Energy Improvements |
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CHP Energy Solutions provides no-cost weatherization services for income-qualifying households to help lower utility bills and improve energy efficiency.
One customer said, "I saved about $50 a month in the winter. I am extremely grateful. As a single mom of 3 children, I would not be able to afford the
insulation added to my attic or the inspection on what needs to be improved. Thank you for
this service and the kindness."
If you'd like to learn more about CHP's services, click here. To apply for this program, here.
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Conservation Easement Assistance Program Income Cap Raised to $500,000 |
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During its February 7, 2023, meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved changes to Loudoun County’s Conservation Easement Assistance Program (CEAP) that are intended to increase the number of landowners who qualify for financial assistance under this grant program. The changes have been implemented and the CEAP is ready to accept new applications.
The latest change increases the maximum allowable income amount for landowners applying to the Conservation Easement Assistance Program to $500,000. Raising the allowable adjusted gross income requirements expands the pool of landowners who qualify for the program. This includes beneficiaries of family trusts and family LLCs.
“This increase helps protect western Loudoun's rural, historic and scenic character by making it easier for residents to decide to permanently protect their land for the benefit of future generations,” said Blue Ridge District Supervisor Tony R. Buffington, who requested the adjustment along with Ashburn Supervisor Michael R. Turner.
The CEAP helps offset the initial costs of placing land under conservation easement by providing funds to land trusts representing income-qualifying landowners (or trusts and LLCs) in Loudoun County. The funds will be applied to the landowner’s conservation easement process.
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. The land use restriction often results in tax savings for landowners who can use easements to protect their farmland, preserve cultural and historic sites, sustain working farms and landscapes and maintain the natural beauty of an area.
In 2021, the Board increased the amount of the assistance award from $15,000 to $25,000. In addition, during that previous action, the board eliminated the top earner’s income from family LLC and family trust applications.
A countywide total of $150,000 in funding will be available annually and distributed to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications must be made by land trusts on behalf of a landowner and are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year.
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Open Burning Restrictions: “4 p.m. Law” Commences February 15 |
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The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal's Office is reminding citizens that open burning is restricted in Loudoun County between February 15 and April 30. The regulations, which prohibit open air fires, or open burning as it is commonly referred to, between the hours of midnight and 4 p.m., are enforced by the Loudoun County Fire Marshal and the Virginia Department of Forestry. Known as the “4 p.m. law,” these restrictions are in place due to the potential for rapid fire spread across woodland and grassland areas as a result of dry outdoor fuels, high winds and temperature increases that are normally present in the late winter and early spring season.
During this period, residents may conduct open burning between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight, subject to other restrictions. Open air fires for leaves, trees, brush, yard and garden trimmings generated on site are allowed between 4 p.m. and midnight, except in the town limits of Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville, Round Hill, and subdivisions ("urban or built-up areas") throughout the County and in the Town of Leesburg. Ensure that any permissible outdoor burning is conducted at least fifty feet away from any structure.
Persons conducting open burning must contact the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center at 703-777-0637 prior to igniting a fire and at the end of the burning. Fires may not be added to after midnight. Persons are responsible, at all times, to ensure the fire is maintained under control and that it is attended to by a competent adult, 18 years of age or older, with provisions immediately available to extinguish the fire.
The Loudoun County Fire Marshal may impose regulations, at any time, based upon complaint, atmospheric or other environmental circumstances, to restrict or extinguish any fire that is otherwise permitted according to these guidelines. Any person who violates the fire code could be convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of a fine up to $2,500.00 and up to a year in jail. If convicted, a person may be required to compensate the locality for the full costs of fighting a fire.
Questions regarding open burning regulations and the “4 p.m. law” should be directed to the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office website www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal or by calling 703-737-8600.
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Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz Jr. is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations seeking an exemption from Loudoun County real and/or personal property taxes for the 2024 tax year. The deadline to apply for the exemption is Monday, April 3, 2023.
Most charitable nonprofit organizations are not automatically exempt from local property taxes in the Commonwealth of Virginia, even those that may be exempt from federal income taxes. The filing of an application with the Commissioner of the Revenue is the necessary first step to obtain a local real estate or personal property tax exemption.
Completed applications should be returned to the Commissioner of the Revenue postmarked no later than April 3, 2023, for consideration this year. Any exemption, if granted, would be effective January 1, 2024.
Nonprofit organizations that have already been provided an exemption from Loudoun County property taxes need not file an application.
Organizations that are unsure of their status may contact the Exemptions and Deferrals Division of the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at 703-737-8557 or by email for more information.
More information, including a link to the application for property tax exemption, is available at loudoun.gov/taxrelief.
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Commissioner of the Revenue to Hold Real Estate & Car Tax Relief Seminars |
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Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz Jr. has scheduled free information sessions to familiarize residents with the eligibility criteria for the county’s generous real estate tax and car tax relief program.
Loudoun County homeowners 65 or older or with disabilities who are below established income and wealth limits may benefit from a reduction in the amount of property taxes they pay on their homes and cars. Qualified applicants for real estate relief must have a gross combined income less than $77,000 and net worth less than $920,000. Up to $10,000 in income of a spouse or relative residing in the home is excluded from the income calculation for real estate relief. Program participants saved over $8.4 million in real estate and vehicle property taxes in tax year 2022.
Find out about the county’s tax relief program and have your questions answered at the free, upcoming sessions. No appointment or RSVP is required to attend. All sessions begin at 10:30 a.m. The schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday, March 8, 2023 - Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls
- Monday, March 13, 2023 – Purcellville Library, 220 East Main Street, Purcellville
- Friday, March 24, 2023 – Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn
- Monday, March 27, 2023 – Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road NW, Leesburg
Applications will be available online by February 27, 2023, at loudoun.gov/taxrelief. Residents may also call 703-737-8557 to have a form mailed to them or they may pick one up at the offices of the Commissioner of the Revenue in the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street SE in Leesburg or 46000 Center Oak Plaza in Sterling. Additional information about the program is available online at loudoun.gov/taxrelief.
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Loudoun to Host Two Upcoming Job Fairs
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The Loudoun Workforce Resource Center is hosting two upcoming Loudoun Job Fairs:
- Saturday, March 18, 2023, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at the Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services administrative offices, 742 Miller Drive SE, Leesburg.
- Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the Loudoun Valley Community Center, 320 W. School Street, Purcellville.
Each of the Loudoun Job Fairs will feature several local employers with full-time, part-time and seasonal job openings in Loudoun County. Immediate opportunities are available in the fields of customer service, education, finance, government, hospitality, law enforcement, leisure, non-profit, retail, staffing, transportation and waste management.
Job seekers are encouraged to prepare for the fair:
- Attend one of the preparatory workshops; multiple sessions available:
- “Ready, Set, Go to the Job Fair.”
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Register at loudoun.gov/loudounjobfair.
- Get a free copy of “Turn a Job Fair Into a Job Offer:”
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Call 703-777-0150 or email the Workforce Resource Center.
- Dress professionally and bring multiple resume copies to the job fair.
Those planning to attend the job fair are encouraged to pre-register at loudoun.gov/loudounjobfair to receive reminders and updates.
Anyone who requires an accommodation for any disability in order to participate, including language assistance, should contact the Loudoun Workforce Resource Center at 703-777-0150. Three days’ notice is requested.
For more information, contact the center at 703-777-0150 or visit loudoun.gov/wrc.
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2023 Real Estate Assessments Available Online |
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Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz Jr. announces that Loudoun County real estate assessments for tax year 2023 are now available online at loudoun.gov/parceldatabase. Printed assessment notices will be mailed to property owners the week of February 6, 2023.
These assessment notices, which are not tax bills, communicate to property owners the value of their real property as of January 1, 2023, and are reflective of real estate market activity that occurred during 2022. The assessed value in conjunction with the tax rate to be set by the Board of Supervisors in April provides the basis for real estate tax bills that will be due on June 5 and December 5. Property owners who believe their assessments are incorrect may file an Application for Review with the Commissioner online at loudoun.gov/reaa by March 10, 2023. Thereafter, appeals may be made to the Board of Equalization until June 1.
The county’s total taxable real estate is $129.9 billion, an increase of 14.9% over last year. The typical existing single family detached property saw a year-over-year increase in value of 7.5% and the average attached townhome was up 5.9%. Commissioner Wertz stated, “We saw continued increases in sales prices of residential real estate in the county last year which peaked mid-year and began to taper off by the end of 2022.” He continued, “Regarding commercial real estate, Loudoun is all about data centers which now comprise 58 percent of the commercial tax base and 14 percent of the overall value of real estate in the county.” The total value of taxable commercial property in the county climbed to $31.7 billion, an increase of 22.4% compared to 2022. These figures are averages and property owners may experience assessment changes that are more or less than the average.
Property owners may communicate with their respective appraiser whose name and contact information can be found on the assessment notice.
Taxpayers are encouraged to connect with the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office virtually since most transactions can be done online. For more information, visit loudoun.gov/cor or contact the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at 703 777-0260 weekdays during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or by email.
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Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging Announces Winter Caregiver Virtual Education Series |
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The Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging is pleased to announce its Winter 2023 Caregiver Virtual Education Series beginning Tuesday, February 7. The free series for anyone providing care and support to a loved one includes life care planning and real-life tools you can use as you navigate the difficulties of being a care partner.
The series includes three educational programs: The Power of Routines! How a Routine Benefits People with Dementia on Tuesday, February 7 at 1 p.m.; Life Care Planning for the Senior facing a Continuum of Care Needs on Wednesday, February 15 at 10 a.m., and Become the Calmest Person in the Room…How to Manage Chaos in Dementia on Thursday, March 9 at 1 p.m. You can find more information on the educational programs here.
The series includes three educational programs: The Power of Routines! How a Routine Benefits People with Dementia on Tuesday, February 7 at 1 p.m.; Life Care Planning for the Senior facing a Continuum of Care Needs on Wednesday, February 15 at 10 a.m., and Become the Calmest Person in the Room…How to Manage Chaos in Dementia on Thursday, March 9 at 1 p.m. You can find more information on the educational programs here.
To register for these free virtual programs, call 571-258-3490 or email the Area Agency on Aging.
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a division of the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. Loudoun County AAA offers family caregivers numerous resources including support groups and educational events to provide support and insight.
the Area Agency on Aging.
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LCSO Announces 49th Citizens’ Police Academy |
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Loudoun County Sheriff Michael L. Chapman announced the formation of the 49th Citizens’ Police Academy, which will commence on March 9, 2023.
Members of the class will participate in training classes taught by Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office personnel. The classes provide an overview of all the aspects of law enforcement within the agency. Members of the class may also have the option of participating in a ride-a-long with a deputy after completing the academy.
The free sessions will be held each Thursday evening from March 9 through May 25. Each session will be approximately 2.5 hours in length and begin at 7 p.m. Class locations will be announced prior to the upcoming session.
The classes are open to Loudoun County residents over the age of 18. To enroll in the Citizens’ Police Academy, please visit visit https://bit.ly/LCSOCPASpring2023.
Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment is limited to 25 participants.
This is the first of two Citizens’ Police Academies held by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office this year. The next session will be held in the Fall of 2023.
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Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Events |
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Pancake breakfast:
Come on out with family and friends to enjoy a great breakfast and support AVFRD.
on Sunday, Mar 12, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. AVFRD Station 6, Ashburn Rd.
Run the Greenway: 5K/10K/Kids Fun Run/Virtual on Saturday, May 6th. Click here to register and/or click here to donate and select an Ashburn volunteer.
Volunteering: Come be part of our long-standing tradition of Neighbors Helping Neighbors at our next meeting on Tuesday, March 28th, 7:00pm, Station 6.
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Legislative Applications for Development in the Ashburn District |
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Belmont Innovation Campus
Application Number: ZMAP-2022-0021
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Description: “Belmont Innovation Campus” is an application to rezone 84.52 acres to allow for the construction of a data center.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2022-0021” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
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Withdrawn by Developer
Hyde Park
Application Number: ZMAP-2021-0006
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Description: “Hyde Park” is a proposed application to rezone 57.61 acres to allow the construction seven-hundred ninety-five dwelling units. These include four-hundred thirty-two single-family attached units, two-hundred one multi-family stacked units, and one-hundred forty-six multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Cedar Lane Elementary School, Trailside Middle School, and Stonebridge High School.
Update: The Hyde Park residential rezoning application has been withdrawn by the developer and the property was sold. The Board of Supervisors will not be voting on this application.
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Previous Update: The final vote of approval or denial for the Hyde Park residential rezoning application has been deferred to the Board of Supervisors’ Tuesday, November 1st, 2022, Business Meeting. This is a change from the originally advertised meeting date of Tuesday, October 18th, 2022. The agenda for the November 1st meeting, along with the application’s informational document, will be released on the evening of Thursday, October 27th and will be available here. Information on how to sign up to speak at the Board meetings is available here.
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Previous Update: At the September 14th Board of Supervisors (BOS) Public Hearing, the BOS voted to send this application to the October 18th BOS Business Meeting for a vote of approval or denial. To learn more about providing input during the BOS Business Meeting click here and call 703-777-0200 to sign up in advance. The deadline to sign up in advance is noon on the day of the meeting.
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Previous Update: At the July 14th Planning Commission work session, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to the September 14th, 2022 Board Public Hearing. To learn more about providing input during the BOS Public Hearing click here, and call 703-777-0200 to sign up to speak.
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Previous Update: On May 26th, 2022, the Planning Commission voted to send this application for Hyde Park to the July 14th Planning Commission Work Session. To provide input during this phase of the process for this application, please email the Planning Commission at loudounpc@loudoun.gov or make a comment at www.loudoun.gov/3362/LOLA.
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Previous Update: This application is scheduled to come to the Planning Commission's Public Hearing on May 26th, 2022. Learn more about participating in planning commission public hearings here.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2021-0006” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
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Northstar Square
Application Number: ZMAP-2021-0017
(Formerly known as "Mercer Crossing")
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Description: "Northstar Square” is a proposed application to rezone 110.86 acres to allow the construction of one-thousand two-hundred forty-five dwelling units. These include two-hundred ninety-seven single-family attached units, three-hundred fifty-six multi-family stacked units, and five-hundred ninety-two multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Newton-Lee Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, and Riverside High School.
Update: At the February 9th, 2023, Planning Commission Work Session, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to another future work session. County Staff is working with the applicant to determine the appropriate meeting date.
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Previous Update: This application is scheduled to come to the February 9th, 2023 Planning Commission Work Session.
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Previous Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2021-0017” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
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Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning
Application Number: ZMAP-2021-0024
(Formerly known as "Lansdown Blvd Rezoning")
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Description: “Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning” is a proposed application to rezone 9.22 acres to allow the construction of an additional one-hundred thirty dwelling units. These include seventy-two single-family attached units and fifty-eight multi-family stacked units. The residents are currently zoned to Steuart W. Weller Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, and Riverside High School.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2021-0024” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
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Broadlands Section 104
Application Number: ZCPA-2021-0011
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Description: “Broadlands Section 104” is a proposed application to rezone 10.19 acres to allow the construction of one-hundred sixty-three dwelling units. These include forty-five single-family attached units, thirty multi-family stacked units, and thirty-one multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Cedar Lane Elementary School, Trailside Middle School, and Stonebridge High School.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZCPA-2021-0011” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
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Belmont Chase II Commercial
(Located in the Broad Run District)
Application Numbers:
SPEX-2022-0012 & SPEX-2022-0013
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Description: “Belmont Chase II Commercial” are two proposed Special Exceptions application to allow the construction of an automobile service station and a fast-food restaurant with a drive-through in the Broad Run District.
Update: This application is scheduled to come to the March 28th, Planning Commission Public Hearing.
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Previous Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
All materials related to both applications can be found under “SPEX-2022-0012”. To access this information and/or to leave a comment on these applications, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “SPEX-2022-0012” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review these application documents.
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Goose Creek West
Application Number: ZMAP-2022-0013
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Description: “Goose Creek Village West” is a proposed application to rezone 20 acres (revised from 25 acres) to allow the construction of an additional two-hundred twenty-two residential units. These include one-hundred and four single-family attached units, and forty-six multi-family stacked units, and seventy-two multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Belmont Station Elementary School, Trailside Middle School, and Stone Bridge High School.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2022-0013” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
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Significant By-Right Developments in the Ashburn District |
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By-right: A "by-right" development is an application that does not require approval from the Board of Supervisors. The approval/denial of applications for by-right developments are managed administratively by county staff and must conform to the current zoning ordinance.
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Vantage VA 3
Application Number: STMP-2022-0016
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Description: “Vantage VA 3” is a by-right application which plans to build four data center buildings on 89 acres. The underlying zoning is Planned-Development Office Park (PDOP) and Planned-Development Industrial Park (PD-IP). PD-OP and PD-IP allows for data centers to be constructed without approval from the Board of Supervisors.
For more information click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “STMP-2022-0016” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to review the application documents.
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VDOT 511
511 provides users with real-time, accurate traffic information from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) about road conditions, traffic congestion, and highway construction anywhere you are, anytime you need it.
More information on VDOT 511 can be found here.
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Online Process for Building Permits, Land Development Applications
Homeowners and residential contractors can submit their completed application form and supporting documentation, including drawings and plats, in PDF format for most residential construction projects to the Department of Building and Development online. More information about the online submission process and requirements is available here.
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Residential Traffic Calming Guide
Loudoun County’s Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure (DTCI) manages an eight-phase process to address traffic calming, which considers residents’ concerns regarding speeding, safety and overall quality of life on publicly-maintained residential streets.
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Who Maintains my Street?
To identify which entity responsible for maintaining your road/street, Loudoun County made an online color coded mapping system which helps residents determine who to contact when work needs to be done.
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Report a road problem
VDOT created an easy to use online form to report unsafe and hazardous road conditions. Similarly, work requests for state-maintained roads can also be made here.
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Paving Schedule
VDOT reports what roads will be paved during the fiscal year and updates their website with progress updates.
Find VDOT's Paving Schedule here.
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Because your voice plays such a vital role in the decision-making process, a critical responsibility for me as your county representative is to provide you with the necessary facts to keep you informed about any and all issues affecting you or your family’s quality of life. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly or my staff or click the "Take My Survey" button to leave a comment. |
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Mike Turner
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Supervisor
703-777-0205
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Rachael Mai
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Chief of Staff
703-737-8180
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Joel Gicker
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Legislative Aide
571-440-1947
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