Planning commission discusses helistops

By MELINA DOWNS
For the Stafford County Sun
Published: June 27, 2008

STAFFORD — The Stafford County Planning Commission approved several zoning ordinance amendments during its regular meeting June 18.

The commission approved an amendment that will now require developers to apply for a conditional-use permit before creating a helistop in the Recreational Business Campus zoning district.

Helistops or heliports are areas where helicopters can land, park or take-off.

The conditional-use permit will allow the community to have input before the Stafford County Board of Supervisors makes a decision to issue a permit based on the predicted impacts.

Also during the meeting, the commission approved a zoning ordinance amendment that prohibits the use of commercial apartments in five different zoning districts. This amendment came to the commission’s attention because of concerns that not all commercial properties may be suited for residential living.

In the event that developers require a mixed-use development with commercial apartments they are now required to request a rezoning.

The proposal does include a caveat allowing developers to apply for a conditional use permit if they require a dwelling to house a watchman or caretaker for businesses.

Businesses that may require this are hotels, motels or mini-warehouses.

The Stafford County Planning Commission, which is made up of seven citizens appointed by the board of supervisors, reviews and makes recommendations on transportation, long-range planning zone changes and major new subdivisions.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will make the ultimate decision on the ordinance after taking the commission’s recommendations into consideration.

Melina Downs is a contributing writer at the Stafford County Sun. Reach her at .