Comprehensive plan for King William County, Virginia

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
NOAA
COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
CHARLESTONI SC 29405-2413

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

FOR

KING WILLIAM COUNTY
VIRGINIA

1990

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
L.T. McALLISTER, CHAIRMAN
C. THOMAS REDD, III, VICE-CHAIRMAN
ROBERT DIGGS
JAMES P.TOWNSEND
DANIEL L. WRIGHT

PLANNING COMMISSION
W. HENRY BAYNE, CHAIRMAN
ALVIN CARTER
H. EUGENE GWATHMEY
CHRIS LYDDAN
L.T. McALLISTER
GERALDE M. MORGAN, VICE-CHAIRMAN
WILLIAM GUY TOWNSEND
TOM VOSNICK
DENNIS WAXMUNSKI
PREPARED BY
THE KING WILLIAM COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT

THIS REPORT WAS PRODUCED, IN PART, THROUGH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE COUNCIL ON THE
ENVIRONMENT PURSUANT TO COASTAL RESOURCES PROGRAM4 GRANT NO. NA88AA-D-CZO91 FROM THE
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

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Property of CSC Library

FOREWORD

The purpose of any Comprehensive Plan is to give a summary

and analysis of a locality's trends, current situation, and to

recommend any policy changes or new directions necessary to deal

with the present and future needs of the locality. Once accepted
I ~by the locality, the document should be the guide for making many

of the decisions that the locality must make. Land-use decisions

on zoning and subdivisions are only part of the spectrum of

* ~decisions that should be addressed in and decided by factors in

the Plan. Policies on recreation, transportation, housing and

I ~public safety, to name just a few other areas, should be formulated

based on the information and recommendations found in t-his

document.

Even the best Plan is not perfect. The future never can be

seen completely. A Comprehensive Plan is only a brief compilation

* ~of the planning process and must be viewed as evolving at all

times. This is the reason that the Plan is reviewed, updated and

I ~sometimes rewritten in its entirety every five years. King William

County's last complete Comprehensive Plan was written in 1974 and

duly updated every five years thereafter. The County has changed

greatly since the 1970's. Population growth, changes in the

economy and the types of problems and responsibilities facing local

U ~government and its citizens have changed and are changing the

County. It is now in. the path of the suburban development that is

engulfing most of eastern Virqinia.

The County,, State and nation are becoming more aware of our
America's natural heritage. The Chesapeake Bay legislation that
was enacted last year and soon to be implemented does indeed

legally compel the County to protect its rivers, wildlife and
natural environment. 'There is a growing awareness aimong King
William's citizens that its greatest assets; its land, water and
wildlife resources must be conserved. Due to these concerns, new
techniques of planning unheard of at the time of the 1974 Plan are
being recommended in this Plan to face the problems of the 1990's.
A strategy to protect and promote both environmental needs
and human needs is an integral part of this Plan. We f eel that
the Plan, if adopted and implemented, will conserve and i-mprove
the County'Is environment while making the County a better place to
live.
The format of the Plan consists of four sections. In

Section I Natural Environment, a description of Xing William's
natural resources is given. Section II Human Considerations, a

review and analysis of the various effects of King William's growth
pains on its institutions and its citizens is made. In Section
III Strategy For Balanced Growth, various policy recommendations
are given which are proposed to balance the human and environmnental
needs of the County and lead to solutions to its mnany vexing
problems. Finally, Section IV Future Land Use Map Description
gives a written and visual picture of what the County would like
tobe in the near future. This thould be the Section -used in
making the majority of the County's land use decisions.
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For purposes of this report, information from the Town of West

Point, the only incorporated area within the County, is being used

for statistical purposes. Because of differences in laws and

regulations, the Town is being and will continue to be consulted

I ~on recommendations made in the Plan and future policy changes for

the County. However, the purpose of the Plan is to recormend

policies that effect County-wide problems and not to intrude upon

the Town's land-use and other regulations.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT PAGE

SECTION I NATURAL ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

A. Soil and Water Factors . . . . . . . . ... I-1

Topography and Geography . . ... . . . . . I-1

Climate and Rainfall . . . . . . . . . . . I-2

Soils . . . . . . . . . A . . *. a . .I-2

Tidal and Non-tidal Wetlands . . . I-2-I-4

Rivers . . . . . ...........I-4-I-5

Creeks, Streams and Marshes . . . . . . I-5-I-6

Groundwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-6-I-7

B. Wildlife, Forests, Flora and Fauna . . . . . I-7

wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-7-I-8

Forests . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...-8-I-9

Flora and Fauna . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9-I-10

C. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act . . . . . . . I-9

Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Regulations I-9
SECTION II HUMAN CONSIDERATIONS . . . .

A. Demographics . . . . . . . . . .

Population Growth . . . . . . .

Exhibit II-1 Population Change

Population Change by District .
II-1

II-1

II-2
. . 0 . *

* . *

� 9
Exhibit II-2 District Population Change .
II-3
iv

SUBJECT

CHAPTER
PAGE
II HUMAN CONSIDERATIONS (CONTINUED)

Households and Household Size . .

Exhibit 11-3 Number of Households

Household Size . . . . . . . . .

Building Permits . . . . . . . .

Exhibit II-4 Building Permits-

Single-Family Residential . . .

Mobile/Manufactured Homes . . ..

Exhibit II-5 Manufactured Homes

Racial Composition . . . . . .

Exhibit 11-6 Population by Race

Age ........... .

Exhibit II-7 Age Distribution . .
II-3

II-4

II-4
* . . S

and

a . 0.
* * .
. . . . II-5

. I11-5-11-6

.* . . II-6

. . II-6-II-7

. . * . II-7

. * . II-8

. . . . II-8

. . . . II-8
Sex
� � � � � � � � � � � 0 �
B. Economy .... ...... . . . . .... .II-9

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II-9

Labor Force .. ......... II-9-II-10

Employment and Unemployment . . . . . II-10

Exhibit II-8 Unemployment . . . . . II-11

Agriculture .. . . . . . . . . . . 11-11-11-12

Exhibit II-9 Agricultural Land . . . .. II-12

Travel and Tourism * . . .. II-12-II-13

Income . ... . . . .11II-13-II-14

Exhibit II-10 Median Family Income . . . II-14

Poverty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II-14
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SUBJECT

CHAPTER II HUMAN CONSIDERATIONS (CONTINUED)
PAGE
C. Infrastructure . . . . . . .

General . . . . . . . . . .

Public Safety . . . . . . . .

Fire Protection and Emergency

Education . . . . . . . . . .

Social Services . . . . . . .

Housing . . . . . . . . . . .

Fiscal Condition . . . . .

Exhibit II-11 Revenue . . . .

Exhibit II-12 County Budget

III. STRATEGY FOR BALANCED GROWTH .

A. General . . . . . . . . . . . .

B. Economic Development . . . . .

C. Education . . . . . . . . . .

D. Housing . . . . . . . . . . . .

E. Recreation . . . . . . . . . .

F. Public Safety . . . . . . . .

G. Transportation . . . . .

H. Land-Use . . . . . . . . . . .

IV. FUTURE LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION . .

A. Residential Land Uses . . . . .

General . . . . . . . . . . .

High Density Residential � o
. . . . e * II-15

. . . . . . II-s15

. . . II-15-II-16

Services . II-16
. . . II-17-II-18

. . . . @.. II-18

. . � II-18-II-19

. . . II-19-II-21

. . . . . . II-20

. . . . . . II-21

. . . . .. III-1

...... III-1

. . . III-2-III-4

. .. III-5-III-6

. . III-7-III-8

. . III-9-III-10

. I111-11-III-12

. III-13-III-14

� . III-15-III-18

. . . . . . IV-1

. . . . . . IV-2

.. . . . . IV-2

... . . IV-2-IV-3
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SUBJECT PAGE

CHAPTER IV FUTURE LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION (CONTINUED)
Medium Density Residential . . . . . . . IV-4
Agricultural/Forestal/Rural . . . . . IV-4-IV-5

B. Commercial and Industrial Land Uses . . . . IV-5
Local Business, Industry . . . . . . IV-5-IV-6

C. Planned Unit Development . . . . . . . . . IV-6

Commercial/Industrial/Residential . . IV-6-IV-7

D. Public, Semi-Public Land Uses . . . . . . . IV-8
Public, Semi-Public Designation . . . . . IV-8
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3 ~~~~~~SECTION I NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
A. SOIL AN~D WATER FACTORS
Topography and Geography - King William County is part of the

middle peninsula of eastern Virginia. This peninsula is formed by

I ~the Mattaponi River to the east and the Pamunkey River to the west

which converge at West Po int-at the County's southern edge to form

the York River which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The County is

3 ~long, approximately 40 miles from north to south, and much more

narrow, ranging from under 6 to approximately 8 miles in width.

I I~t covers an area of approximately 286 square miles and consists

3 ~of 178,560 acres. The topography varies from a gently rolling

level terrain to the steep hills and valleys bordering on the many

3 ~creeks, streams and marshes, and the Mattaponi and the Pamunkey

Rivers. There are some areas of the County that have slopes that

I ~exceed 30 percent. The topography varies from 250 feet in the

3 ~upland sections to almost sea level in the area near-West Point.

Much of the upper and middle portions of the rivers are
3 ~bordered by bluffs and high ground, with the lower portion having

the more characteristic marshlands that are so prevalent in eastern

I ~Virginia. In the lower part of the streams, marshlands and

I ~floodplain prevail.

This topography, is highly sought after by most types of human

3 ~land uses. Because of lower construction costs, such as minimaal

grading and filling, this topography has made King William a choice
I ~target for development. This trend will accelerate as the

urbanizing counties near Richmond become saturated with

development.

3 ~~Climate and Rainfall - The County is blessed with the
characteristically mild climate of eastern Virginia. Temperatures

3 ~average 57 degrees fahrenheit with January averaging 38
degrees and
July averaging 77 degrees. Total precipitation ave rages 44 inches
I ~of which 14 inches are of snow. These indicators shows a climate

I ~that has the advantages of a changing of the seasons without the
overly harsh winters or summers that other regions sometimes face.

Soils - The County does not have a completed soils survey.

I ~The information has been compiled for most of the County, but is
3 ~not available to County staff in a form appropriate for this
report. Until the County can make full use of this important

3 ~resource, the potential for making major errors in
land-use
decisions, such as allowing prime agricultural land to be converted

I ~into residential uses, is quite probable.

I ~~Tidal and Non-tidal Wetlands - The County is laced and

3 ~interspersed with a wide variety of wetlands. Creeks,
streams,
ponds and marshes abound within the County. Tidal wetlands are

I ~found on the M4attaponi River from the West Point tip of the
County
to as far north as just below Aylett. On the Pamunkey River, they
extend for approximately two to three miles from West Point to just

3 ~below Pampatike Landing. Exhibit 1-1 gives an indication of
the
location ok both tidal and non-tidal wetlands within the County.
I ~~There are several significant :non-tidal
wetlands in the
County. Many swamps such as Gouvernor's Swamp are formed at the
convergence of creeks and streams. Other ponds, whether man-made
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I .~impoundment or natural topographic or animal dams exist throughout
the County. Low lying areas or areas with poor soil permeability,

I ~also create short-lived to virtually permanent wetlands.
A new attitude concerning the value of wetlands is occurring.
I ~In previous decades, man has filled these marshes and swamps
not
realizing their value. in general, the wetlands are extremely

beneficial. They tend to slow the natural and human-caused

3 ~erosionary process. In flood situations, the peak level of

flooding is lowered by their storage of the added water. They also

tend to decrease the velocity of floo'd waters by being "holding"
5 ~areas-l Therefore, they can decrease flood damage by
releasing

flood-water both over a longer period and at a slower rate.
3 ~~~According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
wetlands are

particularly good water filters. A cleansing of nutrients and
I ~pollutants that would otherwise despoil our groundwater, Rivers,
3 ~the Bay and the overall environment occurs within these areas. Not
only is the surface water that is discharged from wetlands into
3 ~larger bodies of water cleansed by wetlands, but many
scientists
believe that wetland s have a purifying or recharge effect on water
I ~that eventually becomes part of the groundwater supply. I Although

this effect is debatable and varies according to the situation, in

a County such as King William, which relies on ground-water for its

3 ~water supplies, the potential benefits from wetlands are
an

important consideration.
I ~~~A most important part of the value of wetlands is
the integral
part they play in the food chain. Great volumes of decaying plant
material are stored and nourish the many small aquatic
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invertebrates and small f ish found in most wetlands. These in
turn, serve- as food for larger fish, and the cycle continues,

eventually supplying fish and food for both animals and raan. 2 The

high degree of the hunting and fishing that supplies both food and

recreation to the County's citizens, occurs partly because of the

importance of wetlands in the food-chain.
Even with their great resiliency, these wetlands raust be
protected from conversion to residential and agricultural uses,
erosion from nearby developments and contamainants that even these

"natural cleansing" areas cannot endure. The chief source of
problems for the wetlands has been misuse of lands near the swamps,
ponds, and marshes, both inland and along the Rivers. Agricultural

tillage of land without adequate erosion and nutrient run-off
controls, forestry practices and residential development that
remove all ground-cover near wetlands, all have contributed to

their shrinkage.

Rivers - The Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers are two of the

'most unspoiled rivers in the State. The virtual absence of
industry, and the low density of residential and commercial

development along their winding routes have tended to protect

these "virgin" rivers fromn the pollution that has despoiled many

of Virginia's other Rivers.

The human growth in population that is expected to occur and

is explained in more depth in Section II, could have the effect of

substantially harming these great natural waterways unless it is

properly managed. Erosion, pesticides, chemicals and garden/farm
1-
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nutrients for agricultural, commercial and residential uses can
greatly harm the Rivers. The unfortunate problem of litter and
improper dumping near streams and wetlands is already an unsightly
concern and is rapidly becoming a grave probleim that will only
increase as the population increases. It is essential to educate
the public on the importance of our rivers and wetlands, while

guiding more harmful land-uses away from our waterways and even
prohibiting some uses altogether.

Creeks,, Streams and xarshes - King William County is blessed

with a network of streaTas and creeks that form the capillaries

leading to the Rivers. The rivers of course are the arteries that

Ultimately flow to and affect the Chesapeake Bay. All too often,

Virginia's land use decisions have been made, ignoring this basic
analogy of the water network to a circulatory systemi. Each stream
must be viewed as a subsystem onto itself and also as a part of the
larger River/Bay systemn. Exhibit 1-2 gives the location of these
major stream systems that crisscross the County flowing to either

the Pamunkey or the Mattaponi Rivers. Some of these stream systems

should be used for very low intensity uses or left as natural
preserves due to their stream flows and location near
environmentally sensitive areas. Most of them should be protected

by buf fers where no permanent structures can be built. At this

point, sediment and erosion problems have caused somie damage, but

developmentAl predssures have not been exerted to any great degree.

The streamns relatively unspoiled nature remaains intact. How long

this condition will last without appropriate protection is a grave
1-5

and serious question. Agricultural pollution from nutrients and
Chemicals, in addition to pollution from residential septic

systems , commercial and industrial sources will continue to be
constant threats to the streams, Rivers, Bay and ultimately the

overall environment.

Ground-water - All of the County's water needs are served by
ground-water taken frora wells either within the shallow soils or
reaching 200 to 300 or more feet into the ground. Generally, the
water is of a high quality, although it tends to be "soft" in somae
.portions of the County. Because of the lack of large fresh-water

impoundments for human-consumption., ground-water protection is of
*extreme importance for the County's residents. Protection of its

ground-water in both quality and quantity from all forms of
pollution is vital for the County's future.

During the recent years of drought, several portions of the

County have experienced their more a dormancy in their shallow, 30-

100 foot in depth wells. New artesian wells reaching into the

permanent water table have had to be drilled. In the more highly

populated and growingj Aylett and Central Garage area, this has been

more prevalent. But even in the more rural areas with moderate
growth rates, such as Mangohick, there have been examples of wells
becoming dry. In the southern end of the County, near West Point,
water has been more abundant and is generally in close proximity
to the-surface. -The growing impermanence of wiater supplies from
shallow wells, and the great potential for contamination has made
the shallow well a source of major concern for the County's
1-6

residents and is leading to a new awareness of the need for ground-

water protection. The importance of the wetlands to groundwater
purification has already been discussed. The preservation of these
areas is one of the steps necessary for protection of ground-water
that is often overlooked, because the beneficial elements of
wetlands are not generally known to the public.

B. Wildlife, Forests, Flora and Fauna
Wildlife - The forests of the County overflow with an
abundance of wildlife ranging from field-mice and squirrels to

deer. All of the species in the County are characteristic
of the animals that had at one time been so plentiful in all of

Virginia. The onrush of humnan development that has occurred in
much of Northern and Tidewater Virginia has pushed their wildlife

into isolated pockets or removed them entirely to the point of
extermination from whole areas. The danger of this being repeated
in King William County is very real.
Of major significance is the presence of several endangered
species in the County. For example, Ithere are nesting sites for
our national symbol, the bald eagle. Because of the tenuous nature

of their existence, the Virginia Fish and Wildlife Service will not

release their exact nesting locations. There is a fear that

sightseers and hunters would either disturb or physically harm the

birds. There is also evidence, that the County may have areas
where -the elusive but fragile eastern tiger salamander, still
survives. Ironically, due to the secrecy necessary to protect
these endangered species from intruders, it becomes difficult to
1-7

3 ~protect them from the dangers that residential and industrial

development may bring.

Forests - King Williamu County is a part of the great forest
I ~that once covered most of the east coast of the North American
3 ~continent. Pine, cedar and other coniferous species combine with

the abundant oak, hickory, And numerous other deciduous species to
form a beautiful habitat for both wildlife and man. The U.S.

Census of Agriculture shows that between 1978 and 1982, there has
I ~been an actual increase in the number of acres of farmed woodland
3 ~(from 19,621 to 19,734), despite a marginal decrease in the farms
involved (by one). These statistics do not reflect the many acres
3 ~of land still heavily wooded that are located in inactive farmns,

on public property, on the Indian reservations or on large-lot

3 r~esidential properties.

The preservation and protection of the County's forests are

of prime concern for many reasons. They are the major source of

3 ~cleansing the air by "recycling" oxygen from carbon dioxide. They

serve as the mainstay for the prevention of erosion. Financially,
3 ~they are a major asset to the County's economy with.its timber and

wood-products industries, which have been promoting sound
I ~conservation practices for many years. The aesthetic and climatic

3 ~factor of shade from winter cold and summer heat cannot be
overlooked. Finally, the forests provide a habitat to the abundant
3 ~wildlife and flora of the County.-
The primal serenity and peace, that the forests have always
I ~given man, is of growing importance in the stress-filled day-to-

day modern world. This desire for a rural lifestyle close to

nature is a major reason why new residents are choosing King
William County for their home. Ironically, their i-mmigration, with

the constr"Uction of new homes, creating new businesses and the
building and widening of roads are the greatest threat to the
forests' well-being and the shrinkage of the rural amenities which
were the primary reasons the new residents came to the County.

Flora and Fauna - The County has a diversity of flowers,
plants and ground cover ranging from the river flowers and

marshgrasses along the rivers to the upland forest f lowers. There
are twelve reported species of rare plants found in the County.
There are American Snowbell, Hard-stemmed Bullrushes,, Dwarf Sundews

just to give examples. Most of these flourish in tidal and non-

tidal wetlands. The protection of these fragile plants gives

another concern for the preservation of wetlands and the activities

that affect its environment.

C. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
Chesapeake IBay Preservation Act Regulations - The 1988
Virginia General Assembly passed the Chesapeake Bay Preservation
Act to help preserve and restore the Bay and its environment to its
former clean natural state. The localities bordering rivers and
tributaries that flow into the Bay that are within the Tidewater
region, are the- major entities mandated to implement the guidelines
1-9

I ~that are being prepared to protect the streams, marshes and Rivers
from the various sources of pollution from human hands.

Footnotes for Part I.
3 1 "Xid-Atlantic Wetlands, A Disappearing Natural Treasure", Ralph
W. Tiner, Jr., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, June 1987.
*~~2"Conserving Our Wetland Resources: Avenues for citizen
Participation", Barbara M. Rice, editor, Chesapeake Bay
Foundation, 1987.
1-10

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SECTION II HUMAN CONSIDERATIONS
PART A. DEMOGRAPHICS
Population Growth - The one single factor affecting King
William County is an accelerating population growth-rate. Between
1980 and 1990, the population is estimated to grow by approximately
18.0 percent. In the final decade of this century, population
growth is projected for an additional increase of almost 9.0

percent (See Exhibit II - 1 below). In any event, a rapidly
growing population having different needs for goods and services
is expected to continue well into the future.

EXHIBIT II - 1
Popu lat ion Change

1970-2000
I
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15
14

,-' 11

03 10
lOc
goIa
0

I-
1-_ 9

-7

5
1970

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 1970-1980
Center for Public Service 1990 - 2000
II-1

population Change by District - Most of King 'William'ls

population growth has been due to an influx of new residents. The

predoiuinant growth in the County' s population between 1970 and 1980

occurred in the Acquinton and Mangohick Districts. This is

primarily due to their proximity to the Richmond industrial,

professional and-commercial job centers. The Acquinton District

had by far the greatest increase in this period, rising by

approximately 61 percent. The Mangohick District also grew by a

sizable amount during this period. Those farthest from the

Richmaond commuter growth pattern had only marginal increases. The

Town of West Point and West point rural had increases of only five

(5) percent and one (1) percent, respectively. It is apparent that

population growth is affecting and will continue to affect the

entire County., However, it is also apparent that the growth is

coming to the area nearest the Richunond-Henrico-Hanover corridors

along U.S. Route 360 and to a lesser degree via Route 30 to the

nearby connectors to the Richmond area; U.S. Route 301, U.S. Route

I and Interstate 95. Immigration from the Williamsburg-Hampton

Roads area, which would be nearest to the West Point magisterial

districts is occurring on a much lesser scale.
II-2

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EXHIBIT II-2
District Population Change

1970-1980

4
3154

2,726
-//" 2600

1963 1944
77//,/,~~~~~~~~~~/~~
193 443w4 14911503

_/ / /

I I II
3

%-
;
tu

vn
2
1
0
Aquinton Dist.
Mangohick Dist.

[7] i1970
West Point Dist-Rurawest Point District-Town

3 190eo

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 1970 - 1980

Households and Household Size- There were 910 more households

in King William County in 1980 than in 1970. At the same time the

number of persons per household dropped from 3.48 down to 3.04

persons. Even if population size remained stable, more housing

would be necessary. When viewed in terms of the population growth

discussed earlier, this increase in the total number of households,

the decrease in household size ( which is a nationwide phenomena)

and the immigration of new residents has created great pressures

on the quantity, location and quality of housing within the

County. Housing and the related land use issues involved will be

discussed in depth in later parts of this Plan.

II-3

EXHIBIT 11-3
Number of Households and Household Size
m
1970 1980 Tot. Change % Change
Number of Households 2157 3067 910 42.2
Household Size 3.48 3.04 .44 -12.6

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 1970 and 1980.

m Building Permits - Another important indicator of King
William's population growth, which also illuminates the increase
in the number of households is the amount of building permits for
new single family housing. In 1983, the County had a total of 53
building permits for new single-family housing. By 1988, the

m number of permits had leaped by 164 percent to 140 new homes. This
increase was consistently rising nature throughout the 1984-1987

period. The bulk of these new homes are being built in the
Acquinton District (from 25 permits in 1983 to 100 in 1988, an
increase of 300 percent). The',other districts had increases but

due to the low number of permits involved, the percentage increase
figures are misleading.
m
m
m

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I-
3m1-

EXHIBIT 11-4
NUMBER OF BUILDING PERMITS

NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
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1988

100

140
DISTRICT

ACQUINTON

MANGOHICK

TOWN OF WEST POINT

WEST POINT, RURAL

COUNTY
1983

56
PERCENT INCREASE

300.0

28.6

-25.0

160.0

150.0

SOURCE: KING WILLIAM COUNTY BUILDING OFFICIAL'S OFFICE

Mobile/Manufactured Homes - Mobile/manufactured homes have

become an increasingly popular yet controversial form of housing.

It is an affordable form of housing which provides the young, poor

and elderly a safe place to live. On the other hand, due to its

unconventional appearance, it:does not conform or "blend" well in

conventional single-family neighborhoods and subdivisions. So far,

although the Zoning Ordinances allows them, there have not been any

mobile/manufactured home parks: or mobile/manufactured home
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subdivisions. With the recent change in definition by Virginia

from "mobile home" to "manufactured home", and potential

restrictions on local authority to regulate this form of housing
differently from other forms of housing, makes this an issue which

the County must address.
EXHIBIT II-5
MANUFACTURED HOMES

MOBILE HOMES 1983-1988
26

24 -

) 22-
u~
I 20-

w
I 18 -
ED
16 15

z
4o -

a 14 -
Z:

4 2-
2 -

O0 .
YEAR
Source: King William County Building Official's Office

Racial Composition - The influx of new residents is changing

the racial composition of the population of King William County.

This is despite a non-white population growth of almost 6.0

percent, (primarily black and native American) between 1980 and

2000. In 1980, the nonwhite population comprised 35.0 percent of
II-6

the population.- By 1990, it is projected that it will have

decreased to 32.9 percent and by the year 2000, will decline

further to 31 percent of the population. The primary cause for the

change in the demographic make-up of the County is the influx of

new white residents into the County. The white population is

expected to grow by 42.3 percent by the year 2000 from its level

in 1980.

EXHIBIT 11-6
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PopulIation by Race

1980 - 2000

82 33

7369
White
7-
nr,
C~
n~
C 5976
ul 6 -r
o
0
.C
I-

4 - Non-white
3626 3721
33358

3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1980 1990 2000~~i
198 0 1990 2000

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 1980
Center for Public Service 1990 and 2000
II-7

I
* ~~~Age -The population of King William is composed

predominately of age-groups that indicate a healthy, abundant

labor-force. There is an increasing elderly population. This is

in agreement with trends occurring nationwide. The figures between

1980 and the projected figure for the year 2000 would indicate a

stable or slightly enlarging amount of school-age population.

However, the influx of new residents since 1980 and the overall

population growth expected, makes this projection somewhat

questionable. The 1990 Census figures will determine the validity

of the size of the increase in school-age population.

EXHIBIT 11-7

AGE DISTRIBUTION

1980-2000

%Change
Age 1980 % of 1980 1990 % of 1990 2000 % of 2000 1980-2000

0-5 650 7.0 770 7.0 830 6.9 -0.1
I
6-19 2451 26.2 2350 21.3 2450 20.4 -5.8
20-55 4205 45.1 5630 51.1 6050 50.4 5.3
55+ 2028 21.7 2270 20.6 2680 22.3 6.0

Sources: Census of Population, U.S. Census Bureau (1980)
Center For Public Service, Univ. of Va. (1990- 2000

Sex - The County's population is almost equally divided

between males and females. Males represent 48.4 percent of the

population in the 1980 U.S. Census figures. In 1990, the projected

percentage is expected to decline to 47.8 percent. By 2000, it is

projected to have declined further to 47.4 percent. It is apparent
that females represent a slight majority and will continue to do

so particularly in the older age-groups.
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B. ECONOMY
General - Agricultural and forest-related industrial

production dominate King William County's economy. Corn, various

truck crops such as tomatoes and fruits, soy beans and dairy and

I ~beef products are the major Agricultural components. The
forests

I ~that still are prevalent in the County, provide the resource for

the wood and paper products industry. Chesapeake Corporation, a

paper and wood products manufacturer,, is the County's largest

single employer. The Town of West Point in the southern and of the

I ~County is the retail and serviLces center for much of New- Kent,
King

and Queen, -and Middlesex Counties in addition to King William

County. There are no large shopping or commercial centers outside

of the West Point area. Howeve r, there is a strong indication that

a maj or community-serving shopping node may develop in the. Central

I ~Garage-Aylett area in the near future. This will occur because
of

the this area's high growth-rate and its favorable location on U.S.

Route 360 and State Route 30.

Labor-force - In the 1980 Census of Population, 49.9 percent
of the labor-force worked outside of the County. In 1970, only

36.3 percent of the labor-force worked outside of the County.

Therefore, not only is the population growing but the growth is due

to the willingness of residents to commute to the urban and

suburban industrial and professional centers nearby. This trend

I will probably continue until the County's industrial and commercial

* ~sectors grow to a point where the County's citizens can find

employment within their skills and wage expectations in the County.
ii-9

The statistics indicate a marked increase in the size of the
labor-force. In 1970, the Census-listed 2,744 workers. By 1980,
this figure had risen to 3,942 workers. This is an increase of
43.7 percent. It is of great importance because a growing labor-
force is a prerequisite to
draw new business and
industry into the
* ~County.

Employment and Unemployment- King William County "suffers"
from an ordinarily satisfactory condition; a low unemployment rate.

It has consistently remained
in the 2.0 to 3.0 percent
range in

1988. This figure is well below the Virginia average and extremely
lo-w compared to the national average. Although this is a positive
factor for our citizen's well-being, it does have a negative side-
effect. Much of the -County's labor-force works outside of the
County. The County has a pressing need for more industry, in order
for our labor-force to work at home and build a desirable tax-base.
Formation of the infrastructure for industry, such as water, sewer,
and other utilities is a very costly matter. Because of the
County's good fortune in not having the extreme unemployment.
problems that have. plagued other parts of the state and nation,
there are very few or virtually no funds available froim the various
Federal and State agencies
to assist the County's
economic
development efforts. The County must be very creative and prudent

in the economic development strategies it implements.
11-10

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EXHIBIT II-8
Unemp I
oyment
1988
6.5

6
8
C6-

5.5 -

4.5 -

9 4

3.2

-E 2
5

9
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3.5 -

3 -
2

2.5 -

2
Jan. -Mar.

D King William
i
Ju I y-Aug.

+ Virginia
Apr.-June
Sept.-Dec.
Year
U.S.A.

Source: Virginia Employment Commission
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Agriculture - In the 1987 U.S. Census of Agriculture, the

number of farms in the County decreased to 121 active farms, having

42,305 acres in harvested cropland (which is an increase over the

1982 figures). Although there is a slight increase in the amount

of total land in agricultural use over the earlier 1978 figures,

the trend is beginning again to decrease from the gains made in

1982. . . . -

There was a slight decrease in total farmland. Furthermore,

crop-land actually increased apparently taking heretofore unused

II-Il

woodland, pasture and other rural land and placing them into
production. Ironically, harvested acreage fell.

A trend towards large farms continued with a dramatic increase
in larger farms with over 1,000 acres and a lesser increase in the

500-1000 acre farm. An economy of scale may be at work here. The
total number of farms continued their downward spiral; now down to

121 recognized farms. There was an decided decreased in the under

500 acre farms, as they were merged with larger acreages.

EXHIBIT II-9

AGRICULTURAL LAND 1978-1987
198
2-1987
Change
-2.4
4.1
-11.1
-17.7
-59.2
-18.8
20.1
- - - -
1978 1982 1987
Land in Farms 59,578 65,119 63,576
Cropland 36,026 40,641 42,305
Harvested 31,335 38,246 33,991
Woodland 19,621 19,734 16,234
Pasture and Other 3,931 3,659 1,494
Number of Farms 151 149 121
Average Size 395 437 525
Percent by Acreage:
Farms:
Under 500 127 116 76
500-999 15 18 27
1000 and over 4 6 18

-Source: U.S Census of Agriculture 19i78, 1982, 1987
-34.4
50.0
200.0
Travel and Tourism - According to the Virginia Division of

Tourism, King William derived over 1.6 million dollars from tourism

and travel generated dollars in 1987. This is a slight increase
over the 1.47 million dollars in 1986. The County's proximity to
the historic and recreational sites of Williamsburg, Richmond, and

on the Chesapeake Bay leads thousands of visitors through the
II-12

County each year. The Museums at the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Indian
Reservations attract many tourists to the County each year. With
these attractions and the many colonial plantation homes in the
County and the boating and natural recreational amenities, there
is a strong possibility that these relatively low figures are signs
of untapped income resources. The limited automotive/gas,
restaurant and alimost non-existent hotel/motel facilities will
undoubtably expand with the County's population growth provided

sound planning steps are taken to ensure appropriate locations.

Income - Financially, the people of King William County have

prospered in the 1980's. Current figures project that per capita

income has increased by approximately 31.0 percent in the period
1981 to 1986. Due to the relatively low inflation that the area
and the nation experienced during this period, an increase of this
type and magnitude can be explained by the new "immigrants" that

have entered the County in addition to the prosperity that the

County's long-time residents have enjoyed.

Median family income is another very important indicator of
how the "average" or middle income family has fared. In 1979, the
U.S Bureau of the Census showed a median family income of $19,446.
By 1986, the Center for Public Service estimates that it rose to
$30,681. They further estimate that by 1990, median family income

will have risen to $38,539. This is an increase of 98.2 percent

over the -1979 figure. Furthermore, this indicates an increase of

8.92 percent a year, well above the relatively low inflation rate

of that period. one possible factor responsible for the increase
11-13

is the growing prevalence of the two wage-earner family. Although

it is impossible to verify, based on data at hand, it is probable

that the two wage earner family, the immigration-of more affluent

residents into the County and the general prosperity of the 1980's

seem to be the answers for this dramatic increase.

EXHIBIT 11-10

MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME 1979-1990
I
YEAR FAMILY INCOME % INCREASE
FROM 1979

1979 19,446 --
1986 30,681 57.8*
1990 38,539 98.2*

SOURCE: 1979 U.S. BUREAU OF THE CENSUS
*1986,1990 PROJECTIONS- CENTER
IFOR PUBLIC SERVICE

Poverty - Approximately 8.3 percent of King William's
population (783 people) resided in families that had incomes below

the Federal government's poverty threshold in the 1980 U.S. Census.

This is a noticeable improvement over the 1970 figure of 21.6

percent. Moreover, even when the increase in population is

factored in, the County experienced a decrease from the 1,619

people under poverty level counted in 1970. This amounts to an

absolute decrease of over 50 percent. The low rate of inflation,

high level of job creation and the overall prosperity of the 1980's

may account for this positive trend.
II-14

C. INFRASTRUCTWUR

General -The infrastructure of King William county is in a

period of great pressure. The population growth that is changing

I ~the character of the County is causing the construction of new

I ~schools, improved roads, increased utilities and the formation of

new administrative methods. This pressure will probably not relent

3 ~~ for many years to come. Until the infrastructure reaches and

excee-ds future demand, the County will be faced with f inancial
I ~hardship, potential fu ture overcrowding of schools and a level of

* ~increased traffic congestion that the County heretofore has never

had to face.

Public Saf ety - The Of fice of the Sherif f is charged with

I ~the protection of the citizens of this very long (forty (40)
miles

from north to south), rural but growing County. Current staff for

this demanding task consists of the Sheriff, six (6) full-ti'me

3 ~deputies, a part-time Civil Process Server, five (5)
dispatchers,

and a full-timae and a part-time secretary. Thier vehicles consists

I ~of nine (9) patrol cars and a four wheel drive vehicle. These
are

of various ages, styles and are used for different law enforcement

purposes. They are constantly in use and therefore have short
automotive lifespans. With the rising population, the rise of

vandalism and crime, particularly drug related crimes, the County

I ~must face- the- c-ontinued need to upgrade eqiiipment,staff and

* ~training to meet the transition from rural to suburban law

enforcement.
II-is

Fire Protection and Emergency Services -The County is served

by 3 volunteer fire department and rescue squads. The King William

County Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad serves the

northern to north-central area of the County. The Walkerton
I ~Volunteer Fire Company from the nearby Town of Walkerton in King

U ~and Queen County serves a portion of the center of the County. In

the southern end of the County, the West Point Volunteer Fire

Department and Rescue Squad is the organization assisting the

County's citizens when fire and accidents occur. The King William

U ~Fire Dept. has approximately 28 volunteers. Its equipment
consists

of an engine, two tankers and a jeep. For its Rescue Squad it has

two advanced life support ambulances. The West Point Volunteer

Fire Department has 52 volunteers, 4 pumper trucks, a reserve

pumper, a crash truck, a ladder truck, and a tanker. Its Rescue

I ~Squad has three advanced life support ambulances. Two boats are

* ~also used by the Squad.

Although adequate for current conditions, the fire and

emergency services will also face the difficult growth pains that

will affect the other areas of the infrastructure. A imajor influx

of uncontrolled accelerated growth with its corresponding traffic

congestion, in addition to the great distances and country roads

that the fire and rescue squads already have to cover, will make

* ~it more and more difficult for these volunteers to save the lives

and protect the homes and property of the County's citizens.
I ~Either new volunteer-fire and-rescue.squads or branches of
current

ones will be necessary, dispersed throughout the County to deal

U ~with the afotementioned problems.
II-16

Education - The public education system of King William

County consists of two schools, a primary and a high school. A

third school, to accomodate the children in.the younger grades has
just been completed. To administer and educate the 1,522 students
in the system, a workforce of 109 teachers, 9 administrative staff
persons, 16 cafeteria workers, 4 full-time and 7 part-time

custodians and 26 bus drivers, is necessary.
As the population of the County rises, infrastructure costs
will rise. Because of the relatively small school system that the

County has now, any increase construction-wise is a major expense.
For example, increasing the number of schools from two to three as
was done recently is an increase of 50 percent of an educational

infrastructure. This is absorbed at great cost by a rural tax

base. However, an increase from a ten school to a eleven school

system by one of the County's more urban neighbors is an increase

of 10 percent and is more easily financed and disbursed over the
larger population base. A Capital Improvements Plan will be
discussed in the strategy section and is a good source of planning
for and providing a financially manageable system.
All of the schools are centrally located. Although this
serves the present needs of the County, it meAns that virtually all
of the County's students must be bussed long distances at least at

some point in their educational career. The sometimes narrow
country roads, all of which are two lane with the exception of U.S.
Route 360, already create traffic safety problems for the yoIung
students that maust traverse them, to and from school. A growing
11-17

u ~population? particularly one that commutes heavily to other
areas
to work, will accentuate and aggravate this problem.

Social Services -The Departmaent of Social services consists
I ~of 9 staff members and the Director. There are three eligibility
workers, a supervisor, two social workers, and a seasonal emuployee
to care for the fuel assistance program. This department
administers and assists in the administration of a large array of
programs for the poor and disadvantaged citizens of the County.
Among these are the Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), Food Stamps,
Medicaid and foster care for children. In their March 1989 report,
the Department administered; the Food Stamp program to 424 persons
3 ~in 168 households, the ADC program to 78 households and assisted
250 persons in the Medicaid program and several other smaller
activities. Recent changes in federal assistance policy and more
documentation for eligibility have reduced and stabilized most of
I ~the Department's workload in recent years with the one area of

continued growth being the Medicaid program.

3 ~~Housing - There is a need for housing, particularly
affordable housing in King William County. The 1980 U.S. Census
* ~of Housing indicated that over one third (33.4 percent) of all
homes were built between 1970 and 1980. However, 27.5 percent of
all housing was built prior to 1939. With the greater repair
costs, general lack of insulation and proper heating and electrical
devices, these older homes cause a great burden on the owners,
I ~particularly, the low and moderate income, and elderly home-owner.
II-18

Because these homaes are generally larger; designed for the larger
family that is not currently in vogue, these homes tend to be
difficult and too expensive for the low-moderate income person to
repair. The Middle Peninsula Planning District commission is
currently preparing a Community Development Block Grant application
for the County for housing rehabilitation. The Office of Aging
would implement the grant if the County is fortunate enough to
receive funding. This step is very important in developing a
program to maintain a diverse and affordable housing for the

citizens of the County.

Fiscal Condition - King William County is faced with rising
costs o'f enlarging, and creation of much of the infrastructure
discussed earlier. This has led to large tax increases in recent
years. These problems have been exacerbated by the disturbing
tendency of the State and Federal governments to mandate given
standards, programs or salary increases without the provision of

commensurate funding for the mandate's costs.
Most of the County's overall funding is from State and Federal
sources (58.9). This funding is earmarked for various grant and
entitlement programs. There is very little local discretion with
these types of funds. They must be used for the purposes directed.

The large majority of the Problems that King William must face in

the 1990's must be funded from local funds.
11-19

EXHIBIT II-11 REVENUE
I
County Revenue

1988-1989

Real Property C15.4%)
I

Persona I/Machine C12,8%)

State and Federal C58.4%D

I Other local fees (13.5%)
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Source: King William County Finance Department
I
Local funding comes primarily from real estate, personal
property, machine taxes and several minor types of inelastic taxes

such as motor vehicles and animal licenses, etc., which are

inelastic. Due to the absence of a substantial commercial and

industrial base, and the decline of agriculture, the chief strain
of taxation is borne by property-owners, particularly home-owners.

I The chief form of -growth in the County in the last decade has been
from residential subdivisions. Because of the burdens they place
i on the infrastructure, (i.e. schools, police, etc.), the result is
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11-20

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always more costly to the County then the revenue that residential

developments will produce (at least under current taxation

policies).

The overwhelming bulk of the County's budget (See Exhibit II-

12 below) concerns education. The other areas of the budget have

been modestly expanding to deal with their areas of the County's

infrastructure and human concerns. The increases in the other
segments of the budget have not been as great as the increase in

education costs.

Exhibit II-12

County Budget
Budget

Other c0 19W8-1989
PuOlic Safety C7.3%) (

Adm i n i strat i on ( 5.9%)/|

Community Dev. (O.9%)

Health/Welfare C5.9%)

PuOlic works C4.1%)

Shreriff/Courts (C8.2%)

.\~~/./'~~Eucation / 66.%
\ ~~~~~~~~~~~~/ Eclucat ion �SS. 7%)

Source: King William County Finance Department

II-21

3 III~~~11. STRATEGY FOR BALRNCED GROWTH

A. General- The purpose of a Comprehensive Plan is to provide

guidance for a County's long-range development. The major areas of
U ~concern Ifor the County's future such as housing, economic

development, -etc. were discussed in a series of open work sessions

between the public and the Planning Commission and are derived from

3 ~these meetings. This section deals with the hopes, dreams and

plans to fulfill those hopes and dreams for the County's future

I ~that were espoused at these meetings. Goals, objectives and

3 ~strategies of the major subject areas affecting the County will be

discussed in this Section. The topics of Economic Development,

3 ~Education, Housing, Land-Use Policy, Public Safety, Recreation and

Transportation will be given long-term goals and objectives. At

I ~the end of each section, a grouping of short and long-term specific

* ~policy recommendations will be made regarding the County's future.

A summary of the reasons for the goal, objectives and the policy

3 ~recommendations will b'e made for each topic.

B.* ECONOMIC DEVELOPXENT
King William County has a smaall commercial and industrial
base. Commercial and Industrial development is necessary to offset
the rising costs of County services that lead to higher taxes. The
increasing influx of residential development has led to increased
education, solid waste disposal, transportation (roads) and public
safety costs. The purpose of this section is to clarify the

County's goals and objectives and to begin the implementation of

policies that will further those goals and objectives.

GOAL: TO MAINTAIN, EXPAND AND CREATE A VIABLE, GROWING
ECONOMIC BASE, BOTH COXXERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL, IN ORDER TO PROVIDE
EXPLOYXENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE COUNTY'IS PRESENT AND FUTURE
CITIZENS AND ENSURE A STABLEA, PROSPEROUS FISCAL ENVIRONMENT FOR THE
COUNTY.

OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVE: ATTRACT NEW INDUSTRIAL FIRXS, PARTICULARLY "IHIGH-
TECH", ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND, LOW-WATER USING INDUSTRIES.
OBJECTIVE: EXPAND EXISTING INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES AND
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

OBJECTIVE: ATTRACT NEW COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES AND EXPAND
EXISTING ONES, BOTH IN THE RETAIL AND SERVICE SECTOR, TO SERVE THE
COUNTY' S NEEDS AND CREATE NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THESE
,FIELDS.
OBJECTIVE: EXPAND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND PROTECT THE
FUTURE OF AGRICULTURAL, FISHING AND FORESTRY ENTERPRISES BY
ENCOURAGTNG THE LOCATION OF AGRT-BUSINESS, FOOD PROCESSING AND
WOOD-RELATED INDUSTRIES.

0OBJECTIVE: PROTECT VALUABLE AGRICULTURAL, FISHING AND
FORESTRY ENTERPRISES AND RESOURCES FROM RESIDENTIAL ENCROACHMENT
AND PERMANENT DISPLACEMENT.

-OBJECTIVE: -EMPHASIZE- AND_ ENHANCE THE COUNTY' S MANY
RECREATIONAL, TOURIST AND HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS AND INCORPORATE THEM
INTO THE ECONOMIC PLANS OF THE COUNTY, REGION AND STATE.

OBJECTIVE: ENCOURAGE IMPROVED EDUCATION AT ALL LEVELS, TO
PROVTDE SKILLED, LTTERATE WORKERS To PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS.
ii1-2

STRATEGXES
.STRATEGY: CONTINUE TO WORK WITH STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS
THAT PROMOTE JOB TRAINING FOR YOUNG AND UNSKILLED WORKERS (PIC,
ETC.).

STRATEGY: CONTINUE TO STRIV FOR THE HIGHEST IEVIEL OF
EDUCATIONAL TRAINING POSSIBLE. VOCATIONAL AND HIGHER EDUCATION
SHOULD BE CONTINUOUSLY EXAMINED AND IMPROVED TO PROVIDE THE BEST
JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE. CONTINUING EDUCATION
PROGRAMS SHOULD BE PROMOTED- TO IMPROVE JOB OPPORTUNITIES OF OLDER
WORKERS. -

STRATEGY: BEGIN STUDIES TO IDENTIFY SOURCES OF WATER FOR A
COUNTY-WIDE WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM. BOTH GROUNDWATER AND
IMPOUNDMENTS SHOULID BE STUDIED. RECREATIONAL AND COMMIERCIAL
BENEFITS AND COSTS OF IMPOUNDMENT SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED IN ORDER
THAT APPROPRIATE PLANNING OPTIONS SHOULD OCCUR. ECONOMIC GAINS
SHOULD BE BALANCED AGAINST ANY PROJECT'S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.

STRATEGY: THE COUNTY SHOULD BEGIN THE PROCESS TO CREATE THE
ORGANIZATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE NECESSARY FOR CERTIFICATION UNDER
THE STATE'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. THIS WOULD INCLUDE A
MORE ACTIVE ROLE FOR THE COUNTY'S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

STRATEGY: BI-COUNTY OR REGIONAL APPROACHES FOR PROMOTION OF
INDUSTRIAL, HISTORIC AND RECREATIONAL SITES SHOULD BE FOSTERED.
THIS SHOULD INCLUDE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL THAT WOULD
ACTIVIELY PROMOTE A TWO,OR MORE COUNTY-AREA. THE OTHER COUNTIES OF
THE MIDDLE PENINSULA SHOULD BE SOLICITED INTO FORMING AND ASSIST
IN FUNDING OF A MUTUAL AUTHORITY THAT WOULD BENEFIT THE REGION.

STRATEGY: LAND FOR FUTURE INDUSTRIAL USE SHOULD BE DESIGNATED
AS INDUSTRIAL ON THE FUTURE LAND-USE MAP AS PART OF THIS PLAN.
APPROPRIATE INFRASTRUCTURE SUCH AS WATER AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL
AMENITIES SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED FOR THESE LOCATIONS. CONSIDERATION
SHOULD BE GIVEN TO REZONING OF THE LAND TO EITHER M-1 OR M-2
INDUSTRIAL. THE COUNTY SHOULD ALSO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF
GAINING CONTROL OVER A SITE AND PROVIDING THE NECESSARY
IMPROVEMENTS THAT COULD MAKE THE SITE MARKETABIE.

STRATEGY.' UTILIZE FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDS FROM THE VARIOUS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT AND LOAN PROGRAMS WHEREVER FEASIBLE.
THESE WOULD INCLUDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS FOR ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION LOANS (TO NEW AND
EXPANDING BUSINESSES), AND FARMER' S HOME ADMINISTRATION. THE
COUNTY SHOULD BE EVER VIGILANT FOR PROGRAMS THAT WOULD ASSIST IN
THE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS INFRASTRUCTURE AND IMPROVE ITS ECONOMY.

STRATEGY: REVISE THE CURRENT SIGN ORDINANCE PORTIONS OF THE
ZONING ORDINANCE TO CREATE ATTRACTIVE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
DISTRICTS THAT WILL PROMOTE FUTURE ECONOMIC INVESTMENT.
iii-3

STRATEGY: REVIEW METHODS OF TRAFFIC AND LAND-USE CONTROL
ALONG ROUTE 30 AND THE ROUTE 360 CORRIDOR, SUCH AS PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENTS (PUD'S) TO BRING ABOUT ACCESS ROADS OR COMBINATION OF
ENTRANCES, TO MINIMIZE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND PROMOTE SAFETY.

STRATEGY: CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE MATTAPONI AND
PAMUNKEY INDIAN TRIBES, HISTORIC PRESERVATION GROUPS, ENVIRONMENTAL
GROUPS AND THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM TO PRESERVE,PROMOTE
AND UTILIZE THE COUNTY'S UNIQUE HISTORY AND ENVIRONMENT TO CREATE
EMPLOYMENT AND INCREASE INCOME.
111-4

C. EDUCATION
King William County is very concerned with the quality and
costs of its educational system. 'With the great majority of the
County's budget being spent in this area, a concern for both cost-
effective and innovative objectives and strategies were stressed
at the work sessions and at later sessions. This section outlines

the results of these discussions.

GOAL: TO PROVIDE AN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEX THAT WILL PROVIDE HIGH
QUALITY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, TRAINING FOR ADVANCED EDUCATION,
AND CONTINUING INTELLECTUAL GROWTH-AN DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL SEGXENTS
AND AGE-GROUPS OF THE POPULATION.

OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVE: ADAPT CURRICULUM, EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND
EXPERTISE OF EDUCATORS TO THE TECHNOLOGICAL AND EXPLOYMENT NEEDS
OF BUSTNESS AND INDUSTRY.

OBJECTIVE: 'SECURE, UPGRADE AND CONTINUALLY MONITOR BASIC
LEVELS OF READING, WRITING AND MATHEMATICS, THAT MUST BE MET BEFORE
MOVING FROX ONE GRADE TO THE NEXT To ENSURE PROFICIENCY FOR PUBLIC
SCHOOL STUDENTS.

OBJECTIVE: IMPROVE. PRESENT AND EXPLORE NEW VOCATIONAL AND
CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS THAT WILL REACH ILLITERATE AND UNDER-
TRAINED CITIZENS WHO EITHER WISH TO LEARN AND/OR WISH TO IMPROVE
THEIR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

OBJECTIVE: PROMOTE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS THAT STRESS THE
HISTORICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS AND VALUES OF THE
COUNTY, REGION, STATE, NATION AND THE WORLD.

OBJECTIVE: PROXOTE COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS BETWEEN
THE COUNTY AND THE TOWN OF WEST POINT.

OBJECTIVE: EXPLORE REGIONAL PLACEMENT OF SCHOOLS IN THE
GROWTH AREAS OF THE COUNTY TO MINIMIZE TRAVEL TIME AND TRAFFIC
CONGESTION.
- - - -- OBJECTIVE:- -INCREASE PARENT -AND -COMMUNITY -INVOLVEMENT AND
COOPERATION IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS.
111-5

STRAkTEGIES
STRATEGY: HIRE, RETAIN AND PROMOTE WELL-TRAINED TEACHERS WITH
APPROPRIATE SALARY LEVELS AND OTHER INCENTIVES THROUGH A COST-
EFFECTIVIE ACCOUNTABLE MIERIT SYSTEM. THIS WILL PREVENT THE RAPID
TEACHER TURN-OVER RATE THE COUNTY HAS EXPERIENCED, AND PROVIDE AN
OBJECTIVE MEANS OF' HIRING AND PROMOTION. STATE GUIDELINES WILL
HAVE TO BE COMPLIED WITH ON THIS MATTER.

STRATEGY: VIGILANTLY SEARCH FOR VOCATIONAL, HIGHER
EDUCATIONAL AND- CONTINUING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES OF A REGIONAL
NATURE TO UNITE THE COMMON INTERESTS OF THE COUNTY'S AND THE TOWN
OF WEST POINT'S SCHOOL SYSTEM INTO CONSORTED PROGRAMS. THESE WOULD
INCLUDE EXTRA-CURIRICULAR ACTIVITY TRIPS, TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMS,
COMBINED SPECIAL CURRICULA PROGRAMS AND PURCHASING OPPORTUNITIES.

STRATEGY: MEDIA SHOULD BE INFORMED AND ENCOURAGE TO THE
UTMOST TO PUBLICIZE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
PROGRAMS.

STRATEGY: ENCOURAGE WITHIN THE ZONING ORDINANCES THIE
PLACEMENT OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC DAY-CARE PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN SAFE, CONVENIENT LOCATIONS.
III.-
6

D. HOUSING
Much of the County's housing stock is of poor and substandard

quality. Population growth from immigration has improved the
overall quality. However, the many older substandard rural houses
combined with smaller family size but with more overall faiuily
units, has accentuated this problem. It was recognized at the work
sessions that the quality of housing is interrelated with health,

family unity, unemployment and underemployment, and community and

aesthetic values.
Another problem relating to housing is the need for safe water
supplies and proper sanitary facilities. Whether in rural settings
or suburban subdivisions, th.is need will become more critical as

population increases.

This section presents possible goals, objectives and a

strategy to be utilized on these problems.

GOAL: PROXOTE DECENT,, SANITARY AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR ALL
SEGMENTS OF THE PRESENT AND FUTURE POPULATION IN SAFEi, PLEASANT
COMMUNITIES WITH INFRASTRUCTURE AND AESTHETIC AMENITIES.

OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVE: ELIMINATE SUBSTANDARD HOUSING BY EITHER PROMOTING
THE REDEVELOPMENT OF OLDER HOUSING OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF OTHER
FOR~MS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
OBJECTIVE: PROMOTE AND/OR PROVIDE SAFE WATER SUPPLIES,
SANITARY WASTE FACILITIES, ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY AND SOLID WASTE
DISPOSAL IN ALL AREAS OF THE COUNTY.

STRATEGIES
STRATEGY: REVIEW CURRENT POLICY ON MOBILE HOMES AND DESTGNATE
A DISTRICT OR DISTRICTS WHERE THIS FORM OF HOUSING IS PERMITTED BY
RIGHT. PROMOTE THE USE OF THE MOBILE HOME PARK PROVISIONS OF THE
ZONING ORDINANCE TO CLUSTER MOBILE HOMES INTO APPROPRIATE AREAS.
III-7

STRATEGY: PROMOTE MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING IN PARTICULAPR HIGH
DENSITY GROWTH AREAS THROUGH THE USE OF PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS
(PUD#S) AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS.

STRATEGY: REVIEW A DECREASE IN RESIDENTIAL LOT SIZE
REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE ROUTE 360 CORRIDOR IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE
THE CLUSTERING OF POPULATION -IN-THOSE -AREAS BEST SUITED-FOR-GROWTH.
]ENCOURAGE IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER AND SEWER FACILITIES INTO THOSE
AREAS IN THE FUTURE.

STRATEGY: DETERMINE SOURCES OF FUNDING TO REHABILITATE OLDER
HOUSING AND PROVIDE WATER AND SANITARY FACILITIES TO SUBSTANDARD
HOUSING. DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANTS (CDBG'S), PARKER'S HOME ADMINISTRATION, VIRGINIA HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND OTHER PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FORMS OF
FUNDING. SUPPORT SHOULD BE GIVEN TO PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE LOW
INTEREST LOANS FOR HOME OWNERSHIP.

STRATEGY: CREATE THROUGH DESIGNATION'ON THE LAND-USE PLAN AND
CONTROLS ON LOT SIZE, A BALANCED MIXTURE OF UPPER, MIDDLE, AND
LOWER INCOME HOUSING TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. PROPER
ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE NEEDS FOR STARTER OR SMALLER HOMES
AND MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE ELDERLY, MIDDLE
TO UPPER CLASS HOUSING FOR THE MORE AFFLUENT AND RESORT/
RECREATIONAL HOUSING FOR THOSE WISHING TO ENJOY THE RIVERS.
111-8

EB * ECREATION
The change from a rural community to a more suburban one has
br ought with it a demand for an array of recreational facilities
that were unnecessary for earlier generations of the County. The
new resident that has immigrated from the Richmond area and the
changing needs of the growing number of young -people are reshaping
existing recreational programs and requesting new programs and
facilities. An increased awareness of physical fitness and the

County's natural beauty are also contributing to this trend.

GOAL: 'UTILIZE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES,, BOTH NATURAL AND XAN-XADEj,
FOR CIVIC, CULTURAL, HEALTH, RELAXATION AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.

OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVE: UTILIZE AND PROTECT THE COUNTY'S EXISTING NATURAL
AND MAN-MADE RESOURCES OF THE RIVERS, FORESTS, PARKS, SCHOOL
FACILITIES AND ATHLETIC FIELDS TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL AGE AND
INTEREST GROUPS IN A COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER.

OBJECTIVE: REVIEW THE NEED FOR PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES IN A
COUNTY-WIDE APPROACH THAT ALLOWS INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITIES OR AREAS
OF THE COUNTY TO MOLD THE PROGRAMS TO THEIR, NEEDS.
OBJECTIVE: RECOGNIZE THE EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS OF
RECREATION AND PROMOTE THE ENJOYMENT AND APPRECIATION OF THE
COUNTY'S HISTORIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

STRATEGIES
STRATEGY: CONDUCT A STUDY AND SURVEY OF THE COUNTY'S
RECREATIONAL NEEDS, STRENGTHS AND DEFICIENCIES WITH RECOMMENDATIONS
AS TO TYPES OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED, THE COST OF SERVICES,
SOURCES OF FUNDING AND MOST EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE PLACEMENT OF
PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES.

STRATEGY: INVESTIGATE AND REVIEW REGIONAL APPROACHES TO THE
PROVISION OF LIBRARY, ATHLETIC, AND OTHER RECREATIONAL SERVICES.

STRATEGY: COORDINATE WHERE FEASTBLE THE COUNTY'S PROGRAMS AND
ACTIVITIES WITH THE TO'WN OF WEST POINT AND THE PAM4UNKEY AND
MATTAPONI TRIBES.
I'll-9

STRATEGY: COORDINATE PUBLIC PROGRAMS WITH PRIVATE SOURCES
UTILIZING CIVIC AND CHURCH ATHLETIC AND OTHER FACILITIES WHENEVER
IT IS MUTUALLY ADVANTAGEOUS AND FEASIBLE.

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F. PUBLIC SAFETY
The law enforcement, fire and rescue emergency units in the

County are expected to face maj or problems in the coming years.

As more people enter the County, more crime, f ires and traff ic

accidents will occur. Added to this, is the great length of the

county, approximately 40 miles long, and- the expected increase in

traffic.congestion which will follow a larger population. All of

these factors will cause increases in expense; both in personnel

and equipmaent, and/or potential loss in ef ficiency and response

timne. This section is primarily to point out the potential

problems in this area and begin a strategy to minimize the coming

adversity. It is noted that the f ire and rescue segments are

private/nonprofit in nature and there is no intention of changing

to something other than these dedicated community volunteer

organizations. They are included with the law enforcement services

because of their interrelated nature and the public role they

perform for the County's well-being.
I
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GOAL: PROVIDE LAW ENPORCEMENT AMD PROMOTE PIRE AND EMERGENCY

SERVICES TO PROTECT THE HEALTHj, SAFETY,. AND PROPERTY OP THE

CITIZENS OF KING WILLIAM COUNTY.

OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVE: PROVIDE A TRANSPORTATION NETWORK THAT MINIMIZES

CONGESTION AND FACILITATES EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO EMERGENCY

SITUATIONS.

OBJECTIVE: CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EFFICIENT, PROFESSIONAL LAW

ENFORCEMENT AND CONTINUE TO PROMOTE EFFECTIVE EMERGENCY SERVICES

- -WITHIN- ALL-AREAS OF THE-COUNTY.-
II I-
II1

STRATEGIES
STRtATEGY: CONTINUE TO EMPHASIZE AND PROMOTE HIGH LEVEILS OF
EMERGENCY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING, PARTICUIARLY THOSE HAVING
GREATEST IMPACT UPON RURAL/SUBURBAN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SAFETY.

STRATEGY: CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE MOST NODERN, COST-EFFECTIVE
EQUIPMENT POSSIBLE FOR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND PROMOTE AND
ASSIST THE EMERGENCY SERVICES WITH THE ACQUISITION OF THE HIGHEST
QUALITY, MODERN EQUIPMENT.

STRATEGY: IMPLEMENT A ROAD/STREET-NAMING AND NUMBERING POLICY
FOR THE ENTIRIE COUNTY TO FACILITATE THE 911 EMERGENCY SERVICE
CONCEPT AND LESSEN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TIMES.

STRATEGY: COORDINATE THE POLICIES IN THIS SECTION, THE
TRANSPORTATION SECTION AND THE LAND USE SECTION THAT PERTAIN TO
ROADS AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION TO ASSIST PUBLIC SAFETY.

STRATEGY: CONTINUE TO REVIEW AND PURSUE REGIONAL, STATE AND
FEDERAL PROGRAMS THAT ENHANCE EXPERTISE, PROVIDE NEEDED EQUIPMENT,
MINIMIZE COST AND MAXIMIZE SERVICES.
111-12

G. TRANSPORTATION
The County's transportation network is predominately rural.

Although there is rail service serving the County, automotive

traffic carries most if not all of the goods, supplies and

I ~passengers from and into the County. The roads by in large are

paved, have inadequate right-of-ways, and will be in much need of

upgrading with the population growth that is expected in the next

decade. Much has been done in recent years, but the changes that

are occurring and that will occur in the County will demand even

I ~greater efforts.

U ~GOAL: TO PROVIDE A SAFEs, ORDERLY TRANSPORTATION NETWORK WITH
ADEQUATE ROADS AND BRIDGES APPROPRIATE FOR PRESENT AND FUTURE
3 ~NEEDS.

OBJECTIVES
3 ~~OBJECTIVE: REVIEW THE COUNTY' S MAJOR ARTERIES, SUCH AS ROUTE
30 AND U.S. ROUTE 360 FOR IMPROVEMENT OF SAFE TRAFFIC FLOW.
OBJECTIVE. PAVE THE REMAINING UNPAVED COUNTY ROADS AND WIDEN
AND STRATGHTEN OTHER MAJOR ARTERTES PARTICULARLY IN THE DESIGNATED
GROWTH AREA.

U TRAFFJECIVE:A FO STUDY ALTERNATIVE ROUTES.TO DIVERT "NON-LOCAL"

3 ~~OBJECTIVE: REVIEW ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF TRANSPORTATION TO
THE AUTOMOBILE, SUCH AS RAIL, AND AIR SERVICES TO ASSIST IN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

U
~~~~~~~~STRATEGIES

STRATEGY: WIDEN AND FOUR-LANE ROUTE 30 FOR ITS ENTIRE LENGTH
I ~THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.
STRATEGY: STUDY TRAFFIC USE OF ROUTES 600, 618, 605 AND 604
- -FOR WIDENING AND -STRAIGHTENING -PURPOSES IN- ORDER TO DEAL WITH -THEIR
INCREASED FUTURE LOCAL USE.

3 ~~STRATEGY: REALIGN INTERSECTIONS, WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
III-13

STRATEGY: NAME ALL PUBLIC ROADS AND NUMBER ALL ADDRESSES
WITHIN THE COUNTY TO ASSIST SAFETY AND COMMERCE.

STRATEGY: EXAMINE LOCATIONS FOR PUBLIC PARKING FOR "1RIDE-
SHARE" PROGRAMS.

STRATEGY: FOR SUBDIVISIONS ON PUBLIC ROADS, AMEND THE
SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE TO COMPEL THOSE WISHING TO SUBDIVIDE LAND TO
DONATE THEIR SHARE OF THE REQUIRED RIGHT OF WAY, TO BRING THE
PUBLIC ROAD TO STATE RIGHT OF WAY STANDARDS.

STRATEGY: UTILIZE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT SITE PLAN REVIEW
TECHNIQUES TO MINIMIZE TRAFFIC IMPACTS ALONG ROUTE 360 AND OTHER
ROADS.

STRATEGY: PROMOTE THE EFFECTIVE USE OF RAIL FACILITIES TO
FURTHER THE COUNTY' S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PROVIDE AN
ALTERNATIVE FORM OF TRANSPORTATION TO TRUCK AND AUTOMOTIVE TRAFFIC.

STRATEGY: CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE WEST POINT
REGIONAL AIRPORT.
III-14

H. Land-Use
The most important and far-reaching area for a locality is

land-use policy. Ill-advised or short-sighted policies can do more

damage than outright mismanagement.

Due to the factors discussed in Chapter II concerning the

substantial growth in residential growth projected for this decade

and well into the 21st century, growth management policies should

be undertaken and implemented. Land would be earmarked and in

Section IV, a suggested designation is given to protect and

preserve potential prime industrial and commercial properties, as

well as current farms and sensitive natural areas such as wetlands,

from over-development of residential land uses.

Many of the goals and objectives of the earlier chapters on

Economic Development, Housing and Transportation and others are

echoed in this Chapter. The most important finding discovered in

the Comprehensive Plan process has been the inadequacy of the

current land-use ordinances. They were very adequate for a more

static rural locality, but for better or for worse, more strict

regulations become necessary for a more suburban, growing County.

In the remainder of this chapter, a set of goals, objectives and

strategies are given to assist the formulation of future land use

policy.

GOAL - GUIDE AND MMIAGE PLANNED AND PURPOSEFUL GROWTH THAT
STIMULATES HUMAN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, WHILE BALANCING
AND PROTECTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS FROM OVER-DEVELOPMENT
AND POOR LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.
III-is

OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVE: CREATE A BALANCED PATTERN OF ILAND-USES THAT
PRESERVES AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST RESOURCES WHILE FOSTERING NEW
INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE IN THE APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS.

OBJECTIVE: CREATE A SAFE, HARMONIOUS, RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT
FOR ALL OF THE COUNTYIS CITIZENS,. INSURING THAT THE CHARACTER OF
THE COUNTY'S HISTORICAL AND NATURAL TRIEASURES BE PRESERVED.
STRATEGIES
STRATEGY: FOLLOW AND UTILIZE THE PROPOSED LAND-USE PLAN MAP
WITH ITS PROPOSED DENSITIES AND USES IN MAKING REZONING AND
3 ~SUBDIVISION DECISIONS.

STRATEGY: DIVIDE THE A-R AGRICULTURAL-RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
INTO TWO TO THREE DISTINCT DISTRICTS HAVING THE FOLLOWING GENERAL
CONFIGURATION:
A. AN AGRICULTURAL-FORESTAL DISTRICT WITH A MINIMUM LOT SIZE
I ~~~OF TWENTY (20) OR TEN (10) ACRES IN AREA. ITS PURPOSE
WOULD BE TO PRESERVE THE FARMING, TIMBER AND NATURAL
RESOURCES OF THE COUNTY. EXTREMELY LOW DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL USES IN CONJUNCTION WITH FARMING/LUMBER USES
SHOULD BE THE ONLY USES APPROPRIATE IN SUCH DISTRICTS.
SUCH DISTRICTS SHOULD BE PIACED IN THE MOST RURAL AREAS
OF THE COUNTY WHERE HIGH GROWTH IS NOT ENVISIONED IN THE
I ~~~NEAR FUTURE. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND ROAD QUALITY AND
CAPACITY SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN DETERMINING
WHERE THE DISTRICTS SHOULD BE PLACED. MOST, IF NOT ALL
I ~~~~OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY PRESERVATION AREAS SHOULD BE PLACED
IN THIS DISTRICT.

B. A RURAL-RESIDENTIAL (R-R) DISTRICT WITH MINIMUM LOT SIZE
I ~~~OF FIVE (5) ACRES IN AREA. ITS PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE
RURAL, LOW DENSITY LAND-USES, PRIMARILY RESIDENTIAL, TO
AREAS OF THE COUNTY IN THE MEDIUM TO LOW GROWTH AREAS
I ~~~WHERE FARMING HAS LARGELY BEEN DISPLACED. IT IS MEANT
AS A BUFFER DISTRICT BETWEEN THE PROPOSED A-R
AGRICULTURAL-FORESTAL DISTRICT AND THE EXISTING HIGH
DENSITY R-1 SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. CRITERIA FOR
I. ~~~INCLUSION IN THIS DISTRICT SHOULD BE THE CONDITION OF
CURRENT ROADWAYS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF URBAN TYPE
3 ~~~~SERVICES TO THESE AREAS.

C. A RESIDENTIAL-MEDIUM DENSITY SUBURBAN (R-2) DISTRICT WITH
MINIMUM LOT SIZE OF TWO (2) ACRES IN AREA. ITS PURPOSE
I ~~~~IS -TO PROVIDE A DISTRICT FOR NEW AND EXISTING
SUBDIVISIONS IN MODERATE TO HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
GROWTH AREAS. SEVERAL EXISTING SUBDIVISIONS ARE
3 ~~~~CANDIDATES FOR INCLUSION IN THIS DISTRICT, WHICH BECAUSE
OF THEIR LOT SIZE WERE NOT ZONED R-1 SUBURBAN
RESIDENTIAL. AGRICULTURAL USES, SPECIFICALLY SOME
III-16

LIVESTOCK USES, SHOULD BE RESTRICTED TO A DEGREE IN THIS
DISTRICT.
ALL EXISTING A-R AGRICULTURAL-RESIDENTIAL LAND WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED
AMONG THE ABOVE DISTRICTS AND THE R-1 SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL

STRATEGY: UTILIZE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS FOR ALL
I ~PROPERTY ADJOINING ROUTE 360 AND WITHIN 1/2 MILE OF THE
INTERSECTION OF ROUTE 30 AND ROUTE 360,1 FOR ANY MIXED-USE
DEVELOPMENT AND ANY OTHER DEVELOPMENT WHICH VOLUNTARILY WISHES TO
I ~COMPLY. THIS CONCEPT WOULD ALLOW STAFF TO REVIEW AND THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO REQUIRE TRAFFIC CONTROLS;
SUCH AS MAINTENANCE OF SITE DISTANCES, COORDINATION OF COMMON
DRIVEWAYS, AS WELL AS A MINIMIZATION OF OTHER ADVERSE IMPACTS OF
GROWTH, SUCH AS SIGN CONTROL, ETC. IT WILL ALSO ALLOW "'MIXED-USE"~
DEVELOPMENT, SUCH AS RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS WITH COMMERCIAL NODES
3 ~WITHOUT "SPOT-ZONING".

STRATEGY: PERMIT BY RIGHT, MANUFACTURED HOMES IN THE PROPOSED
A-F AGRICULTURAL-FORESTAL AND R-R RURAL RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. THIS
WOULD FORMALIZE THE POLICY OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS WHICH
I ~GRANTS SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS ON IARGE LOTS IN RURAL AREAS. MOBILE
HOMES (WHICH WERE BUILT BEFORE 1974) WOULD STILL REQUIRE SPECIAL
EXCEPTIONS IN THESE DISTRICTS. THE CHANGE TO A LIMITED PERMITTED
SYSTEM WOULD TEND TO MINIMIZE ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS OF MANUFACTURED
HOMES BY LIMITING THEM FROM EXISTING SUBDIVISIONS AND ONTO LARGER
LOTS WHILE PROVIDING OUR YOUNG, POOR AND ELDERLY A DISTRICT WHERE
THEY CAN HAVE AN AFFORDABLE HOME WITHOUT A LONG ADMINISTRATIVE

3 ~~STRATEGY: REQUIRE SETBACKS FROM LOT-LINES FOR SIGNS.
THIS
WILL MINIMIZE THE CLUTTER AND UNATTRACTIVENESS OF NUMEROUS SIGNS,
PARTICULARLY ALONG A COMMERCIAL AREA, AS WELL AS LEAD TO GREATER
3 ~SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE FOR MOTORISTS.

STRATEGY: MINIMIZE INDIVIDUAL DRIVEWAY ENTRANCES ONTO PRIMARY
AND SECONDARY ROADS AND THEREBY IESSEN TRAFFIC CONGESTION. THiIS
I ~APPROACH IS A CONTINUATION AND EXTENSION OF A RECOMMENDATION MADE
IN THE ORIGINAL 1974 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. THE PROPOSAL HAD GREAT
I ~MERIT AND WAS IMPLEMENTED INTO THE SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE. HOWEVER,
IT LACKED THE LEGAL INCENTIVES AND DISINCENTIVES TO ACHIEVE ITS
GOAL. IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THIS APPROACH, THE COUNTY SHOULD AMEND
THE SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE TO:

I ~~A. PROHIBIT FLAG LOTS IN ALL MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS.

B. AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO LARGE LOT (6 ACRE LOTS) SUBDIVISIONS
-IN -RURAL -AREAS,r PERMIT SMALLER LOTS IN A CLUSTER WITH A
BUFFER AREA SURROUNDING THE SUBDIVISION. THIS CAN BE DONE
AS A CONDITIONAL ZONING SITUATION WITHOUT ANY ORDINANCE
3 ~~~CHANGES.
III-17

STRATEGY: PROHIBIT PRIVATE ROADS IN MINOR SUBDIVISIONS.
I ~SUBDIVISIONS OF UNDER SEVEN (7) LOTS CAN HAVE A GREAT IMPACT UPON
THE COUNTY. THESE SMALL SUBDIVISIONS "GROW" INTO LARGER
SUBDIVISIONS THAT EVENTUALLY MUST BE CORRECTED, MOST LIKELY BY THE
I ~HOME OWNERS AFTER THE PROBLEMS HAVE BECOME SEVERE.* ON PRIVATE
ROADS,. MAIL IS DELIVIERED AT THE ENTRANCE, CHILDREN MUST WAIT FOR
THE SCHOOL BUS AT THE ENTRANCE, SNOW REMOVAL AND DRAINAGE ARE A
PRIVATE HAPHAZARD OR NON-EXISTENT AFFAIR. POTENTIAL STATE
DEPARTMIENT OF TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS MAY BE LOST BECAUSE OF THIS
TYPE OF POLICY THAT MOST OTHER COUNTIES ARE ABANDONING.

3 ~~STRATEGY: ALLOW MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS OF UP TO TEN LOTS IN THE
AGRICULTURAL-FORESTAL DISTRICT PROVIDED THAT ALL OF THE LiOTS ARE
OVER TEN (10) ACRES IN AREA.

U ~~STRATEGY: ALL SUBDIVISIONS IN WHICH NEW PARCELS OR LOTS ARE
CREATED SHOULD BE APPROVED BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE
PRIOR TO RECORDATION. THIS WILL ALLOW THE COUNTY TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE
OF THE VARIOUS TRANSACTIONS TAKING PLACE AND SCHEDULE CAPITAL

STRtATEGY: STEPS SHOULD BE TAIKEN TO IMPLEMENT THE "OLD STYLE"
CONDITIONAL ZONING. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE COUNTY TO ACCEPT CASH OR
OFF-SITE PROFFERS TO DEFRAY THE CAPITAL COSTS THAT A DEVELOPMEN4T
CAUSES. UNDER THE 1989 STATE LEGISLATION, THE COUNTY QUALIFIES AND
* ~SHOULD BEGIN TO IMPLEMENT THIS VALUABLE TOOL. TO PROPERLY IMPLEMENT
IT, THE COUNTY SHOULD:
I ~~A. BEGIN A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND CONTINUE A PROCESS
TO UPDATE THE COUNTY'S CHANGING NEEDS.
B. CREATE A SOUND METHODOLOGY OF THE COSTS AND BENEFITS TO
THE COUNTY OF A DEVELOPMENT' S IMPACT AND DERIVE AN
OBJECTIVIE MEASURE FOR APPROPRIATE PROFFERS.
I ~~C. UTILIZE AND MAKE ZONING DECISIONS, PARTICULARLY IN THE
AREAS OUTSIDE OF THE GROWTH AREA WITH THE INFRASTRUCTURE
3 ~~~CONDITIONAL ZONING PROFFERS IN MIND.
STRATEGY: EXAMINE THE COUNTYIS FEE SCHEDULES FOR ALL ZONING
AND SUBDIVISION ACTIVITIES AND CALCULATE THEM TO REFLECT THE
* ~ADMINISTRATIVE COST OF THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
III*-18

IV. FUTURE LRND USE XAP DESCRIPTION

The attached Future Land Use Map (Exhibit IV-1) is the general

guide for the location of present and future land-uses for the

County. It should be utilized to locate and control growth over

the next five years. Although the map has attempted to balance the

needs for growth, concerns of rural residents and envirormental

issues, it is recognized that some concerns may arise that the Map

and this Plan did not foresee.

The Map is also a visualization of what the County would like

to be. For this reason, the balances of man and the natural

environment, suburban and rural, and the agricultural/forest,

residential, commercial and industrial mix in the County are

portrayed on the Map.

The area in green on the map is an approximation of the

Resource Protection Area that will be necessary under the

Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. This area removes a sizable

portion of the County's usuable land, particularly along the

Rivers.

The areas of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Reservations and the

Town of West Point are designated separately on the Map (in a

shaded Pattern) . However, they are not subject to the land use

regulations of Ring William County.
Tv-i

A. RESIDENTIAL LAND USES
GENERAL- In the 1973 comprehensive Plan, a
residential/commercial growth area was proposed in a concentrated
area surrounding the intersection of U.S. Route 360 and State Route
30. With the developmaent that has occurred and is occurring, this
proposal has been well implemented. Exhibit IV-2 The Current Land
Use Map shows how accurately it was followed. This map was used
as a guide for determining growth areas for the Future Land Use
Map. However, many of the older residential subdivisions within
this area have been filled to their capacity. This has led in part
to some of the recent controversial cases concerning the expansion
of existing residential subdivisions and the question of where to
place new ones (particularly those in areas designated as rural
residential in the 1973 Plan).
The market for real estate in the County is effected by three
chief factors; 1) the imm'igration of workers from the Richmond area
that continue to work in that area, 2) the relatively inexpensive
land in the County in comparison to and in easy commuting distance
to the Richmond area and, 3) the decrease and division of farm land
for residential purposes caused by a decline in the number of farms
and a decrease in the amount of acreage in agricultural use.
These factors were taken into account in determining the various
areas of concentration.
HIGH DENSITY-RESIDENTIAL- The demand for residential growth
has followed the routes traveled by workers to the Richmond area.
Following mainly U.S. Route 360, which is a direct route to the
metropolitan area and to a less degree, Route 30, which links the
IV- 2

County through Hanover and Caroline counties to the major roads of

U.S. Route I and 301 and Interstate 95, the commuter real estate

muarket force pressures have emerged in the northern and north

central areas of the County. For this reason the highest density

I ~residential growth was enlarged from its present Route 30/360 axis

flowing westward to Route 605 and Route 618, ke~eping Routes 611 and

the southern portion of Route 600 as its northern and southern

borders respectively. This area is shown as yellow on the future

land use map. This will also tend to concentrate a residential

I ~market for the commercial growth that is so needed to serve the

County along U.S. Route 360.

Smaller growth area nodes at the northern border of the County

at the intersection of Route 30 and Route 601, and the Manqohick

Post Office area along Route 30 are also proposed to alleviate some
I ~of the need for development in the northern end of the County. In

the West Point area, another small growth area near the Town limits
along Route 30 is continued from the 1973 Plan. This area is not

growing as quickly as the northern end of the County, and expansion

of this growth area on the Map has been small.

I ~~High density is defined as one (1) unit or less per acre for

residential use. It was felt that the future need for water and

sewer for development in these locations could economically be

provided either by private or public sources. The roads in these

locations are appropriate in size and and can be upgraded to

I ~provide the appropriate -carrying capacity -for the proposed

densities. High density residential land-uses are prevented as

much as possible from adversely affecting the potential Resource

3 ~~~~~~~~~~~~IV-3

Protection Areas, particularly the Rivers, maajor marshes, swamps

and stream systems.

MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL- The County also recognized the
need for a type of housing situation that is not high density

suburban no~r low density rural/agricultural. The location along

rural roads with large lots (five or more acres), had been
beneficially used in several subdivisions in recent years. These
existing subdivisions form the nucleus for the medium density
residential areas. This density of residential use is proposed for
portions of the County in which public/private utilities are not
feasible at this time and/or; are served by rural roads and/or; are

already of this approximate lot size and a change in their

character is not foreseen in the near future.

These land uses are in various l'ocations throughout the

County. These are shown in an orange hue on the Map. The larger

acreage areas for this designation are in the northern and central
.areas of the County. The existing subdivisions and the increasing
growth pressures in those areas are the chief factors in their

designation in this category. Smaller areas are shown in the
south, but give adequate room for expansion.

AGRICULTURAL/FOREST/RURAL- The remaining "residential" land
use is agricultural,. forestal or rural in character and remains the
most prevalent land-use within the County. All areas not
specifically designated on the Map are in this category. This

reflects the importance that agriculture and forestry plays in the
IV-4

County'Is economy and the strongly asserted view that the County
should remain primarily rural, at least in appropriate areas.
This agricultural/forestal land designation is def ined as
parcels over ten (10) acres in size and containing the -major farms,
forests, natural habitats .and rural residential areas of the

County. They are particularly prevalent in the southern, central-
western and northwestern areas. This also surround (and protect

from over-usage of nearby lands) the major potential Chesapeake Bay
,Preservation areas. The ten acre plus def inition gives adequate
,property size for housing citizens that wish a rural/agricultural
life-style. This size protects the agricultural base from
.intrusions that lead to further loss of farm and forestal land to
,residential and other land-uses. Below this size, a viable farming
or forestry operation is clearly out of the question.

B. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL LAND-USES

LOCAL BUSINESS, INDUSTRY- Established and probable commercial
,enterprises are shown in,red at several rural intersections along
,Route 30 and Route 600. These are generally small businesses, such
as convenience stores, auto parts or local restaurants. Often

overlooked, they perform an invaluable service to their areas of
the County.. The designated areas have been widened from those
shown in the 1973 Comprehensive Plan, to allow for their expansion,
rejuvenation and to protect these often overlooked assets from
inimical land-uses.
'v-5

There are several thriving timber-related industries adjacent
or in close proximity to Route 30. Existing and proposed sand and

'gravel quarries on Routes 600 and 628 are also shown in this

category. These serve as the major industrial base for the County
outside of the Town of West Point. These also have been given
adequate space to expand and to attract other industries nearby.
Active public sanitary land fills and private industrial
landfills have been shown as industrial land uses on the Map

because of the "industrial-type" impacts upon other non-industrial

uses.
C.* PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
U.S. Route 360 is sprinkled with a combination of smaall
businesses (convenience stores, offices and shops), small light
industries and the entrance properties to several major

subdivisions, as well as several individual homes. There is a

large amount of vacant land - some usable, some not economically

feasible to develop at this time due to terrain. Due to their

proximity to wetlands, some of them probably should not be
developed. Recent years have seen the emergence of two very good
commercial shopping center sites and construction of several banks,
offices and convenience stores. With the residential growth that
is occurring, commerical and industrial growth will be forthcoming.

The major concern with U.S. Route 360 is the effect of
potential strip development on traffic flow. Entrances should be
controlled: by their combination wherever -possible and the use of
access roads. Therefore on the Map, these areas are shown in blue
as Planned Unit Developments (PUD' s).
IV-6

The area surrounding the proposed Cohoke Reservoir is also
shown.as a Planned Unit Development area. The primary concern is

the protection of this potential water supply from development
adjacent to it. Protections against pollution are expected if this
project is approved, to be more stringent and have intensive site-
plan review for this PUD designation.
Planned Unit Developments would serve as overlay districts,
which would require site-plan review by the Planning Commission or
staff of new businesses, industries or residential developments.

The review standards would have to be enunciated in the Zoning

Ordinances and address highway safety, transportation, or water

resource protection needs. These have been used in other

localities with success. If begun in the early stagje of the

County's growth period, these areas can be, made as safe and as

properous as possible.
No attempt was imade to differentiate between the potential

industrial, commercial and residential Planned Unit Developments.
Many of the vacant sites are clearly commerical PUD candidates.
Most of the vacant sites, particularly those in the west near
Hanover county, could be viable commercial, industrial or mixed use
residential/commerical sites. A more detailed study should be
made, and appropriate labeling given when the concept is reviewed
for implemnentation into the Ordinance. However, even at that
point, some flexibility is necessary for some of the sites because
of their unknown potential.
IV-7

D. PUBLIC, SEMI-PUBLIC LAND USES
PUBLIC, SEMI-PUBLIC DESIGNATION- Public and semi-public
properties are shown on the Map. These include the array of

administrative offices, historic sites, recreational facilities,
schools, and churches that are essential for the continued services
of the public sector, religious denominations and private clubs and
organizations. Wherever possible, these areas have been widened
to provide areas for future growth and protection from other more

intrusive land uses.
IV-8

EXISTING LAND USE 1989
KING WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Z Z ~~RESIDENTIAL

~~~ ~ COMMERCIAL

EIFZ ~~INDUSTRIAL

~~Ii1 PUBLIC/SEMI-PUBLIC

E: Z NOT SUBJECT TO COUNTY LAND USE CONTROLS

[ Z Z ~~AORICULTURAL, FORESTED OR VACANT

U~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.S.0. ?.SMiUT SmI
- -- TRANSMISSION UN~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~EET0~0AWtM
i
k
1_

FUTURE LAND USE PLAN
KING WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA

L I Z| HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL LOT SIZE UNDER 2 ACRES

MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL LOT SIZE 2 TO 5 ACRES

RESIDENTIAL, INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT

RURAL COMMERCIAL

-_I PUBLIC/SEMI-PUBLIC

INDUSTRIAL, LANDFILLS, GRAVEL PITS

GENERAL CHESAPEAKE BAY PRESERVATION AREA AND PROPOSED COHOKE CREEl

� POTENTIAL PLACEMENT OF WATER/SEWER FACILITIES

I I AREAS NOT SUBJECT TO COUNTY LAND-USE REGULATIONS

] AGRICULTURAL, FORESTED, VACANT, OR RURAL RESIDENTIAL
I' -

K RESERVOIR
9fj
?
'
st
y

/ I
I
49 'c1

.0, 0
LEGEND

STREAM9

U.S. ROUTE

VIRGINIA PRIMARY ROARD

VIRGINIA SECONDARY ROADS

---------.---- UNIMPROVED ROADOS

PUBLIC BUILOINGS

---- RAILROADS

POLITICAL BOUNDARIES9

-- TRANSMISSION ULINE

-e
SCALE - FEET

BASa uAP
BY
WV LIAM C. OVERMAN ASSOCIATES. P.C.
-r 380 Cle,lod Pi.. VO'r Btoah. Va. 23462
aDYunE:

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