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



                                                                                Task 53


                                                                               Final Product




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                           COMPREHENSIVE PLAN





                                                                      November 1991

                                                                        Submitted by:
                           Peceiveri b.:
                       Councillon the Environm,@,,t Redman/johnston Associates, Ltd.
                                                     29515 Canvasback Drive, Unit 2
                          01:c
                              5 19 91                        Easton, Maryland 21601








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                                     A       0        GEMENT

















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






           Support for this project was furnished in part by the Virginia Council on the Environment
           and Grant Number NA90AA-H-CA-796 from the Coastal Zone Management Program of
           the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - from the National Oceanic and
           Atmospheric Administration Act of 1972, as amended.






                                                     Property of CSC Library










                                           TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                                                                                      Page

              PART 1. INTRODUCTION AND FRAMEWORK
                            FOR PLANNING

                 INTRODUCTION AND FRAMEWORK FOR PLANNING                                                 1-1

                        Background Description                                                           I-1
                        The Comprehensive Plan Defined                                                   1-3
                        The Purpose of the Plan                                                          1-4
                        Legal Basis for- Comprehensive Planning                                          1-5
                        Past Comprehensive Planning Efforts                                              1-5
                        Process for Plan Development                                                     1-6
                        Components of the County Planning Program                                        1-7

             PART II. BACKGROUND FOR PLANNING

                 ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS AND NATURAL                                               II-1
                 RESOURCES

                        Description of Natural Features & Environmental                                  II-1
                        Quality Issues
                        Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act                                               11-19

                 POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS AND TRENDS                                                11-22

                        Historical Perspective                                                        11-22
                        Population Distribution                                                       11-23
                        Population Characteristics                                                    11-26
                        Summary                                                                       11-30

                 HOUSING                                                                              11-31
                 LAND USE                                                                             11-38

                        Forest Land Use                                                               11-39
                        Agricultural                                                                  11-42
                        Residential                                                                   11-45
                        Commercial and Industrial                                                     11-45







                                                                                                          Page

                  TRANSPORTATION                                                                          11-47

                          Primary Highways                                                                11-47
                          Secondary Highways                                                              11-49
                          Mass Transit                                                                    11-49
                          Waterways                                                                       11-49
                          Railways                                                                        11-49
                          Airways                                                                         11-50

                  COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES                                                11-51

                          Health and Welfare                                                              11-51
                          Safety and Emergency Services                                                   11-52
                          Education                                                                       11-52
                          Library                                                                         11-54
                          Recreation                                                                      11-54
                          Waste Disposal and Public Utilities                                             11-55
                          Government Services                                                             11-55

                  THE ECONOMY                                                                             11-57

                          Locational and Regional Factors                                                 11-57
                          The Travel Industry                                                             11-60
                          Employment and Income                                                           11-61
                          Summary                                                                         11-64
              PART III. PLAN GOALS & OBJECTIVES

                  PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES                                                               I11-1

                          Growth Management and Land Use                                                  111-2
                          Transportation                                                                  111-3
                          Community Facilities & Services                                                 111-3
                          Natural Resources & Enviromnental Quality                                       111-4
                          Economic Development                                                            111-5
                          Housing & Community Development                                                 111-6
                          Parks, Recreation & Open Space                                                  1111-7
                          Rural Character & Agricultural Preservation                                     111-7
                          Historic & Cultural Preservation                                                IH-8
                          Intergovernmental Cooperation and Continuing
                          Planning Process                                                                111-9








                                                                                      Page

            PART IV. THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

               FUTURE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS                                         IV-1

                     Introduction                                                     IV-1
                     Population Trends & Projections                                  IV-2
                     Household Projections & Trends                                   IV-5
                     Land Consumption Implications                                    IV-5
                     Future Land Use Issues                                           IV-6
                     Commercial Opportunities and Issues                              IV-7
                     Services                                                         IV-7
                     Manufacturing and Industry                                       IV-8
                     Development Pressures                                            IV-8
                     Development of Community Services                                IV-9
                     Other Planning Considerations                                    IV-9

               GROWTH MANAGEMENT AND LAND USE PLAN ELE-                              IV-10
               MENT

                     Background                                                      IV-10
                     Policy Considerations                                           IV-11

               LAND USE PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES                           IV-13

                     Town                                                            IV-15
                     County Development Service District                             IV-15
                     Deferred Development Service District                           IV-17
                     Business and Employment District                                IV-17
                     Rural Service Centers                                           IV-18
                     Rural Residential District                                      IV-20
                     Countryside District                                            IV-20
                     Agricultural Preservation District                              IV-20
                     Highway Corridor Enhancement District                           IV-21
                     Planned Residential or Planned Unit Developments                IV-23
                     Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas                               IV-23
                     Land Use Plan Summary                                           IV-24


               TRANSPORTATION PLAN                                                   IV-26

                     Functional Classification of Highways                           IV-27
 






                                                                                       Page

                     Traffic Volumes, Trends and Recommended                         IV-29
                     Improvements

               COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLAN ELEMENT                                     IV-36

                     Sewer Facilities                                                IV-36
                     Water Facilities                                                IV-37
                     Parks and Recreation Facilities                                 IV-38
                     Solid Waste                                                     IV-43
                     Law Enforcement/Emergency Services                              IV-43
                     Government Administrative Facilities and Library                IV-43
                     Historic and Cultural Resources                                 IV-44

               NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION AND                                       IV-46
               CHESAPEAKE BAY PRESERVATION AREA PLAN ELE-
               MENT

                     The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act                             IV-46
                     Purpose of the Act                                              IV-47
                     Data Collection and Analysis                                    IV-47
                     Resource Protection Areas                                       IV-48
                     Resource Management Areas                                       IV-49
                     Development Suitability                                         IV-51
                     Drinking Water Management                                       IV-52
                     Fisheries Protection                                            IV-53
                     Waterfront Access and Boating Facilities                        IV-54
                     Existing Pollution Sources                                      IV-55
                     Redevelopment of Intensely Developed Areas                      IV-56
                     Local Program Development                                       IV-57
                     Implementation                                                  IV-58
                     Summary                                                         IV-59

            APPENDIXA


           APPENDIXB











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                              INTRODUCTION AND FRAMEWORK


                                               FOR PLANNING



              Oackground Description
              Essex County is a predominantly rural County situated on the Middle Peninsula of
              Virginia. It is bounded on the north by King George and Westmoreland Counties, on the
              east by Richmond County, south by Middlesex County, and by Caroline and King and
              Queen Counties on the west.          The northeast boundary of Essex County is the
              Rappahannock River (See Map 1). The land area of the County is approximately 261
              square miles (167,200 acres).
              Formed in 1692 when Old Rappahannock County was divided into Essex and Richmond,
              the County was named for either the English County or the Earl of Essex. In 1652, a port
              settlement began in the area of New Plymouth, later renamed Tappahannock for the Indian
              name meaning Town on the River. Tappahannock was incorporated in 1926 and serves
              as the County seat covering an area of roughly 2.75 square miles and located near the center
              of the County.
              An elected Board of Supervisors and an appointed County Administrator govern the
              County and a Town Council-Town Manager form of government serves the Town.
              The manufacturing and trade sectors of Tappahannock are growing and providing an
              increasing number of jobs locally, reducing the rate of out-commuting. Tappahannock is
              both the employment and population center for the County.                Other residential
              developments exist as small rural communities along the Rappahannock River or as strip
              residential along primary roadways. Throughout most of the County's past, growth has
              been gradual and slow and the County has remained predominantly rural in character.
              As the County grows and changes over the next 20 years, this Comprehensive Plan will.
              serve as a guide for making public and private decisions regarding the character of Essex's
              growth and development. The Plan is a culmination of a cooperative effort, pulling
              together the knowledge and skills of diverse citizens and staff. This plan represents a
              future vision of Essex County in 2010 along with recommendations for bringing that vision
              to fruition. The ideas of the Plan are a distillation of the community's many desires,
              tempered by what seems necessary, feasible, and reasonable. This Plan is not intended to
              be a static document. It should be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect new
              development trends, shifts in the economy, or changes in the community goals and
              objectives.
              Essex County is a special place with a unique character, culture and history that
              distinguishes the community from thousands of counties across America. This
              Comprehensive Plan particularly the plan goals and objectives address the preservation


              Essex County                                                               Comprehensive Plan
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             and enhancement of these special qualities and that distinctive personality felt by the
             citizens who live and work here. This sense of uniqueness and pride of place are the
             guiding forces and strongest motivation for those who have contributed to the realization
             of this document.



             [rhe comprehensive Plan Defined

             The Comprehensive Plan is an official public document adopted by the County Planning
             Commission and Board of Supervisors. The Plan is a general, long-range, policy and
             implementation guide for decisions concerning the overall growth and development of
             the County.
             The Plan is comprehensive because the elements cover the entire range of development
             and preservation issues which can be influenced significantly by the County Board of
             Supervisors and other governing authorities and agencies. The Plan is general because
             the recommendations are broad. The Plan is long-range because consideration is given to
             the problems and opportunities which may arise over the next twenty years. The Plan is
             dynamic because there can be amendments to adapt to new situations and meet new
             challenges. Planning should be viewed as an opportunity for a community to control its
             own destiny. It is a process by which Essex County has:
                    ï¿½  assessed its current state of development, needs, problems, and
                       resources:
                    ï¿½  determined its desirable future physical form and character;
                    ï¿½  established public policies designed to help bring about the
                       necessary public activities and guide private actions to achieve
                       community objectives
             The purpose of such a process is to ensure rational allocation of scarce resources to meet
             the community's priority needs and to avoid future environmental, social, and economic
             problems and crises.
             In too many cases, communities fail to establish a proper relationship between planning
             efforts and regulatory processes. Planning should be a means for expressing the will of
             the community; regulatory actions the means by which the community"s will is
             implemented. In other words, regulations are not ends in themselves, but means of
             achieving the desired ends identified during the planning process -
             The Comprehensive Plan has evolved as the primary vehicle through which this process
             is conducted. The Plan generally consists of.
                    0 an analysis of e3dsting conditions and an inventory of available
                       resources;

                    0 goals and objectives:



             Essex County                                1-3                           Comprehensive Plan
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                     * future plans; and
                     *  recommendations for implementation
             In order to be effective, the plan must contain inputs from all segments of the community
             and must be continuously evaluated and updated as necessary.
             It has been prepared by the Essex County Planning Commission at the direction of the
             Board of Supervisors based upon the needs and desires of the citizens of Essex County.
             Although adopted as an official public document, the Comprehensive Plan is not a
             development and preservation ordinance. This plan serves as a catalyst and guide to the
             establishment of, or revisions to, other ordinances or planning tools including the zoning
             and subdivision ordinances. The Land Use Plan Map, included in this plan, serves to
             illustrate how and where the Plan's policies and recommendations will be carried out.
             This mapped information is general in nature and not appropriate for determining the
             suitability of specific sites for any specific use.
             The overall goal of the Comprehensive Plan is to: "Maintain and enhance the quality and
             rural character of Essex's natural and man-made environments by promoting the efficient
             use and conservation for the County's land and natural resources in order to effectively
             meet the social and economic needs of present and future citizens."



             [rhe Pu ose of the Plan

             This Plan provides the basic policy framework to manage and direct future development
             in Essex County. It is designed to deal with problems which are immediate in nature as
             well as to provide the planning for longer range actions and policies. As such, the Plan is
             designed to address the County's needs through the year 2010 and thereby provide the
             County with a means to ensure orderly, managed growth and development throughout
             the planning period. Various projections, policies, and recommendations have been
             prepared in the context of balancing the many objectives attendant to this Plan. The
             general thrust or "theme" of the objectives it that the County should endeavor to preserve
             the present "character" of the County and enhance the quality of life for its citizens while
             maintaining a pace of growth and development which is managed. This general theme
             when interpreted in terms of land use says that:
             In general, the County should adopt a "managed growth" philosophy toward the use of
             the land over which it has zoned authority; and that development should be of a controlled
             nature, channeled into the most appropriate areas and discouraged in other areas.
             Moreover, the County has determined that such a philosophy is necessary to cost
             effectively sustain adequate levels of public services and facilities in the form of schools,
             transportation networks, sewer, water, police, fire and health care services which will be
             required to support present and future residents.



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            This theme, together with objectives more specifically framed in subsequent elements of
            this Plan, serves as formally adopted policies regarding Essex County's future. They
            provide guidance for public decisions concerning how development win be managed or
            regulated, where and how it should occur, and where capital improvements and public
            services should be provided or not provided to support it. In this context, the Plan serves
            to inform County residents, the development community, and State and Federal agencies
            of the County's intent regarding its future. It identifies controls, management measures,
            financial or human resource investments, and incentives necessary to achieve County
            objectives.
            Finally, the Plan provides the basis for a number of County actions and management
            decisions and serves as a "yardstick" for evaluating the merits of proposals which will
            surface over time. While it is impossible to anticipate all possible future occurrences,
            problems or opportunities which will arise, undoubtedly County residents, the Planning
            Commission and the County Board of Supervisors will be faced with proposals which
            could affect many aspects of life in the County. This Plan, and in particular its policies
            and objectives, should provide guidance in decision-making and establish a basis for
            evaluating proposals of this kind.
            @egal Basis for Comprehensive Planning
            The preparation of a Comprehensive Plan is the legal responsibility of the County Planning
            Commission under Virginia Planning Enabling Legislation, Title 15.1, Article 4, of the
            Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. (See Appendix A). The Plan also serves to satisfy the
            requirements of Section 5.6A of VR 173-02-01 Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area
            Designation and Management Regulations which established standards for local
            Comprehensive Plan Elements designed to implement Chesapeake Bay Water Quality
            Improvement objectives. Any ordinance pertaining to the use of land or the growth and
            development of the County should conform to the goals, objectives, and policies as they
            are presented in this Plan.


            Past Comprehensive Planning Efforts

            Essex County formed its first planning commission in 1967. Over the years the commission
            has studied numerous facets of life in Essex County and has served in an advisory capacity
            to the Board of Supervisors in land use and public facilities planning efforts.
            In 1972 the Essex County Board of Supervisors moved to join the @&ddle Peninsula
            Planning District Commission (MPPDC) with the other five counties of the Nfiddle
            Peninsula. Since that time the County Planning Commission has continually received
            information and professional assistance from M[PPDC in their planning efforts. As of 1978
            the commission had attempted to provide direction to County development through land
            use tools including mobile home, subdivision and zoning ordinances. Economic and
            community development plans have also evolved. In the spring of 1983, Essex County's


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             Planning Commission began a review and update of the data base included in their 1978
             Comprehensive Plan and in July of 1984 adopted the "Essex County Comprehensive Plan".
             Periodic review and revision of the plan is intended to ensure that the goals and objectives
             of the plan fit the changing needs and conditions of Essex County.
             This document represents a substantial review and revision of the County 1983/84
             Comprehensive Plan. It builds on the foundation for planning established in the 1978
             Comprehensive Plan and subsequent revisions in 1983.
             Perhaps a most noteworthy product of this effort has been refinement of the County's
             vision for a future planned pattern of land use that is responsive to the County's interest
             in maintaining rural character and qualities. As such it recommends refinement of the
             County's zoning structure designed to channel most of the expected future development
             into serviceable form.



             Process for Plan Development

             Preparation of this Comprehensive Plan began early in 1991 with the hiring of the planning
             consulting firm of Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd. The County Board of Supervisors
             charged the Essex County Planning Commission to work with the consultants and County
             staff to redefine County objectives and to ascertain changes needed in the County Planning
             Program to achieve these objectives. A survey distributed to County residents in October
             1989 provided substantial insight concerning the interests and attitudes of residents
             regarding many planning issues. Residents noted an interest and perceived need for
             transportation and public recreation facilities improvement. Because survey responses
             covered a broad range of issues it has been included in this Plan. (See Appendix B).

             Between February and June the Planning Commission worked with the consultants and
             County staff to identify and discuss important planning issues and background
             information relevant to the Comprehensive Plan. A Comprehensive Plan "Issue Paper"
             was prepared and discussed.

             The "Issue Paper" contained important background information relating to recent
             development trends in the County. It also established a series of land use planning
             objectives and arrayed alternative implementation recommendations geared toward
             solutions to identified issues and concerns. The Planning Commission evaluated specific
             implementation approaches and selected those which were best matched to County needs
             and objectives.

             The Planning Commission also conducted a workshop to develop a set of draft goals and
             objectives for the Plan which were compatible with selected implementation
             recommendations. This workshop together with several meetings of the Planning
             Commission and a public forum to solicit citizen comments on a draft plan update fon-ned
             the basis for preparation of this Plan.




             Essex County                                 1-6                            Comprehensive Plan
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             romponents of the County Planning Program

             This Comprehensive Plan provides the basic framework and direction for all components
             of what may be considered the County's overall Comprehensive Planning Program. Its
             objectives, policies, and recommendation have been influenced by reports prepared as
             part of the process toward its completion. Likewise, it has or will, in turn, influence
             revisions in the construction of companion documents which serve to implement the Plan
             including the County Zoning Ordinance and Land Subdivision Regulations. Since the
             Plan concurrently influences and is influenced by these related Planning Program
             documents, a brief description of each follows.



             Zoning Ordinance

             A primary planning tool for implementing the Comprehensive Plan is the Zoning
             Ordinance. Zoning is a means by which private properties are regulated in the public
             interest. The Zoning Ordinance and its official map delineate and describe conservation,
             agriculture, residential, business and industrial areas throughout the County. The
             permitted uses and development regulations for each of these areas are described within
             the ordinance and through a schedule of district regulations and an official zoning map.
             Adopted in October 1976, Essex County has utilized zoning to direct development for 15
             years. An effort to preserve desirable characteristics, the ordinance also provides for
             managing the costs of development based upon future services needs. Recent creation of
             an overlay zone in the ordinance serves to implement requirements of the Chesapeake Bay
             Preservation Act. As a result of information and policies included in this Comprehensive
             Plan, revisions of the current zoning ordinance have been made to achieve consistency
             between the Comprehensive Plan and County Zoning Ordinance.

             The County Zoning Ordinance will continue to be the chief (though not exclusive) means
             through which this Plan is to be implemented. The revised Zoning Ordinance prescribes
             ways in which lands located within the County may or may not be used. It will prescribe
             a series of zoning districts and, for each district, enumerate uses permitted and establish
             performance standards for future development in each. The standards are designed to
             ensure achievement of certain objectives established in the Plan including protection of
             sensitive environmental features, protection of productive farmland, and enhancement of
             future built environmental qualities.
             Finally, the ordinance establishes additional design standards and site planning standards
             for certain uses to require control of access to certain County roads, and prescribe
             minimum landscaping requirements to enhance the established form and pattern of
             development in the County which will continue to evolve over time.






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                 Subdivision Regulations

                 Revised in 1977, Essex County has enforced subdivision regulations for many years.
                 Subdivision regulations assure adequate provision of services for residential communities.
                 By use of this planning tool, unnecessary burden of public funds for streets, recreation and
                 utilities is avoided in the future.

                 These regulations will continue to provide guidance and controls for the configuration
                 and layout of land subdivision in the County. They will further establish standards for
                 subdivision plat content and procedural submission requirements.

                 Standards contained in these Regulations will also be designed to ensure implementation
                 of certain Comprehensive Plan policies and objectives.



                 Site Plan Regulations

                 Another tool to implement the Comprehensive Plan is the establishment of site plan
                 requirements which provide for the review of proposed developments of a designated
                 scale prior to their location within the County. In this way the provision of public services,
                 impact on adjacent land uses and overall impact can be negotiated with the developer
                 prior to approval by the County. Such provisions should be added to the Zoning
                 Ordinance to assure the prospective impacts of site development for certain development
                 projects in the future are carefully monitored and assessed to minimize negative
                 consequences to the County.



                 The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act

                 Adoption of the Virginia Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act in 1988 has prompted many
                 of the revisions incorporated in this update for the County Comprehensive Plan and will
                 prompt changes to County Implementation Ordinances and Regulations. The Act has
                 required local governments (including Essex County) to amend their land use plan and
                 ordinances to meet performance criteria for the protection of the Bay and its tributaries.



                 Erosion and Sediment Control

                 Essex County has adopted an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance. Through
                 this ordinance, those developments and other activities which disturb the earth are
                 reviewed and monitored so as to assure that sedimentation is minimized and erosion is
                 prevented when land disturbing activities occur. This serves to control development only
                 to the extent that compliance with environmental protection factors must be met.





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                Housing and Building Codes

                Housing and building codes include the fire code, electrical code, housing code, building
                code and plumbing code. These are designed to protect the health, safety and general
                welfare of the residents of the County by providing minimum standards for all types of
                structures. Most of these codes have been incorporated into the Uniform Statewide
                Building Code and are in effect through the Office of the Building Inspector. The County
                may wish to consider adoption of a Housing Code in the future as staff resources become
                available to permit its administration. A Housing Code would provide for the inspection
                and regulation of existing structures to ensure safe and sanitary conditions in housing
                throughout the County.



                Historic Easement & Agricultural and Forestral Distri              cts

                The provisions of Virginia law permit County ordinances to include protection against
                destruction of or encroachment upon historic areas. This can be included within the
                zoning ordinance or it can exist independently in the form of historic easements. The
                historic easement is a means for private owners of historic properties to preserve these
                properties for public enjoyment without giving up their ownership. The easement
                includes a dedication of restrictions on future use and development of the property and
                places it in trust with a public or semi-public agency. The property owner, however,
                retains the right of continued ownership and usage as long as uses are consistent with the
                restrictions. There is also a provision for tax deductions. The County may wish to
                encourage owners of historic properties to consider their options in preserving identified
                historic sites and structures in the County. Similar State statutes permit a landowners
                voluntary formation of agricultural and forestral district. Encouraging landowners to
                create such districts further the comprehensive objectives for preserving farmland,
                forestland and rural character.



                Other Governmental and Financial Assistance Programs

                There are numerous programs through both the State and Federal governments which are
                available to Essex County. Funding sources change periodically, some are eliminated and
                others expanded. The extent to which funds are allocated to any area is limited.

                In the area of housing, programs are available to improve housing conditions for
                minorities, the poor, the elderly and those in areas where conditions may constitute a
                health hazard.       Rural areas are eligible for funds through the U.S. Department of
                Agriculture Farmers Home Administration. Housing Assistance programs for low and
                moderate income families for the repair and rehabilitation as well as construction of new
                homes are available through several programs of the Farmers Home Administration.
                The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers one hundred percent
                grants to localities in the form of Community Development Block Grants. These grants


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                can be used for a variety of community development projects dealing with the
                maintenance and expansion of the quantity and quality of housing but competition for
                such grants is keen.

                The Department of Outdoor Recreation is also a source of assistance in acquiring and
                developing sites for parks and recreational uses. Public utility systems may also be funded
                in part through the Farmers Home Administration or the State Water Control Board.
                The County should explore all possibilities in state and federal loan and funding sources
                in order to improve deficient housing conditions, provide necessary public utilities,
                provide public recreation and open space sites and assist in the deliverance of public
                services.




                Capital Improvements Program

                A capital improvements program lists the local public improvements needed, based upon
                the Comprehensive Plan, for a specified period. It identifies the estimated construction
                costs and the proposed funding source as well as the timetable under which such projects
                will be implemented.
                Essex County has no Capital Improvements Program at the present time. A capital
                improvements program serves to assist the County in carrying out the goals and objectives
                within the limits of the County's financial capabilities, and to assure adequate funding for
                capital improvements needed to facilitate delivery of services to County residents. In the
                future the County will need to develop a capital improvements program as a tool to assist
                the accomplishment of planning objectives.























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                             ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

                                      AND NATURAL RESOURCES

             The impacts of future growth and development on environmental quality in Essex is an
             issue of increasing public concern. The effects of increased population and physical
             development manifest themselves on the natural environment in many ways, including:
             clearing of trees and natural vegetation; loss of plant and wildlife habitat; loss of valuable
             wetlands and aquatic habitat; lower groundwater levels; groundwater contamination and
             saltwater intrusion; degradation of surface water quality in streams and rivers; disruption
             of natural water drainage systems; air pollution; increased amounts of solid wastes, and
             loss of scenic natural views.

             Environmental deterioration is not an inevitable consequence of population growth. The
             development of new homes, businesses, industries, schools, and roads necessary to
             accommodate a growing population can occur without unduly threatening the County's
             environmental quality if steps are taken to ensure new development is designed and built
             in an environmentally sensitive manner. Certain areas of Essex are much more susceptible
             to environmental degradation than others due to the presence of sensitive natural features.
             Future development should be directed away from sensitive areas and guided to areas of
             the County where environmental impacts will be less severe. Regardless of location, all
             future development should meet minimum performance standards for environmental
             protection.


             Oescrip on of Natural Features & Environmental Quality Issues

             Soil qualities, topography, the presence of wetlands, floodplains and tidal shorefront
             characteristics of Essex County influence development and can be adversely affected by
             land disturbances brought on by development activity. An understanding of these natural
             resources and their limitations will assist in determining overall land use suitability as
             well as provide an indication of how and why such resources should be protected to
             maintain County environmental quality. The following sections identify those natural
             features considered significant in the County as a basis for determining how they influence
             and can in turn be influenced by development.



             Climate

             Essex County is located in the temperate climatic zone near the mean path of winter storm
             tracks. The average annual temperature is 56.6 degrees, Fahrenheit, averaging 77 degrees
             Fahrenheit in July and 35 degrees Fahrenheit in January. Average annual rainfall is
             slightly less than surrounding areas at 40 inches.




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             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                  November 1991








             Groundwater
             The groundwater serving Essex County occurs in three major aquifer systems. Uppermost
             is the water table aquifer which is a reliable source of domestic water supply. However,
             seasonal fluctuations and lack of storage means makes it impractical for industrial or
             municipal uses. This water source occurs 50 to 140 feet below surface and may be highly
             mineralized in some locations.
             Occurring 150 to 200 feet below surface is the upper artisan aquifer system. It occurs
             consistently, making it a reliable source of individual domestic and subdivision
             groundwater supply. This system is currently providing water to light and moderate
             water users throughout Essex County for individual industrial and agricultural purposes
             and is of good quality.
             Of great potential is the principal artisan aquifer system occurring 200 to 400 feet below
             surface in Essex County. Although deeper and more costly to access, this aquifer remains
             a future possibility for water supply.
             Adequate groundwater supplies exist in good quality for Essex County for the present
             and foreseeable future.



             Surface Water Quality
             Water serves as a major attraction to tourists, residents and potential residents of Essex
             County. The entire eastern coast of the County is the Rappahannock River and several
             major inlets also attract development and are enjoyed for water sports. Swimming,
             boating, fishing, shellfishing and other water-oriented activities are dependent upon the
             maintenance of high standards of water quality.
             Shellfishing requires that certain standards be maintained. Water quality is affected by
             run-off from agricultural and paved areas, sewage treatment discharge, leaching of septic
             tank effluent and shoreline activity during construction. It is important to consider the
             impacts which various land uses will have upon waterways and identify potential
             environmental problems and solutions.
             Exhibit 6 of the 1984 Comprehensive Plan identified several areas presently condemned
             by the Virginia Department of Health Bureau of Shellfish Sanitation. In spite of Bay
             Protection efforts, conditions remain essentially the same today. Commercial shellfishing
             is prohibited in these areas due to the quality of the water as tested periodically. The
             boundaries of the condemned area include all of the Rappahannock River and its upstream
             tributaries from Lowery Point. Although local development in and around Tappahannock
             and marina activity contribute to water pollution, the major factor contributing to
             condemnation presently is industrial activity on the Rappahannock River above Essex
             County which affects water quality for some distance before dissipating.
             Depending on the size of the water resource and the location of nearby potential pollutants,


             Essex County                                11-2                            Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                November 1991






             all surface waters are susceptible to potentially harmful effects of development. These
             may include: leachate from landfills; solids or suspended sediment from sand and gravel
             washing operations; bacterial contamination from failing septic systems and sewage
             treatment plants; runoff from agricultural fields and impervious surfaces; untreated
             sewage from boats and marinas; leaking industrial storage and contairu-nent facilities;
             dredging operation; and leachate from dredge spoils sites.
             The Rappahannock River has been over-enriched with biological nutrients such as
             phosphorous and nitrogen attributable to many of these causes. In tidal waters these
             nutrients are not flushed downstream as quickly as in nontidal waters. When these
             nutrients are oversupplied, algal blooms result which cause unpleasant tastes and odors
             in the water. Water turbidity reduces the availability of light to bottom growing
             submerged aquatic vegetation which is an important food source for wildlife and
             waterfowl. In addition, when the algae die and decay, additional dissolved oxygen is
             needed, placing the continued health and survival of fish and shellfish inhabiting these
             waters in jeopardy.
             The Virginia Division of Soil and Water Conservation (VDSWQ recommends control of
             non-point sources of nutrients by best management practices for agriculture such as;
             maintaining vegetated buffers or filter strips along rivers and tributaries, using grass
             swales for drainage in agricultural fields, containing animal wastes, and limiting fertilizer
             applications. The VDSWC also administers the Erosion and Sediment Control Laws,
             which are enforced by local ordinances.



             Shoreline Condition
             The fastland of Essex County ranges from low shore to high shore with bluff, with several
             areas of artificial fill. Although eighty-nine percent of the shoreline is low or moderately
             low shore (sometimes with bluffs), flooding is not usually a problem.
             Tidal marshes, including fringe, embayed and extensive marshes, comprise eighty-four
             percent of the County's shoreline. The Virginia Wetlands Act of 1972 controls any
             proposed alterations to these areas, as marshes, especially embayed and extensive
             marshes, serve vital ecological functions, serve to filter nutrients in runoff and have
             valuable flood and erosion protection qualities. As non-renewable resources, marshes
             should be preserved.
             Eleven percent of the shoreline is comprised of beaches. Though there are several nice
             beaches fronting private residences, most areas have thin, strip beaches, often with
             vegetation. No public beach areas presently exist.
             East of Tappahannock, eighteen percent of the shorelands are developed for residential
             purposes, as compared with only two percent of the shorelands to the west. Over
             eightyo-eight percent of the shorelands east of Tappahannock are still agricultural or
             wooded, while roughly ninety-seven percent of the shorelands to the west are agricultural
             or wooded. Another statistic showing the greater development in the eastern section of

             Essex County                                 11-3                            Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                 November 1991





              the County riverfront is the amount of artificial stabilization. Thirteen percent of the
              shoreline east of Tappahannock is artificially stabilized, as compared with only one percent
              west of Tappahannock.



              Shoreline ErosioA
              Shoreline retreat in Essex County is dependent upon several factors, combinations of
              which control the rate of erosion or accretion in a given area at a given time. There are
              three basic causes of erosion which can affect a river system such as the Rappahannock
              River. A prevalent cause of shoreline retreat is downhill rain runoff. This is a basic
              weathering of the shoreline due to rain waters. Rain runoff erosion mainly affects bluffs,
              especially wooded bluffs, as it undermines the tree system along the shore. Continued
              washing away of the soil causes the trees to eventually fall, carrying with them large
              amounts of soil suspended in the root systems.
              Traditionally, several agricultural areas have been plowed perpendicularly to the
              shoreline. Such plowing encourages rain runoff erosion and is a prime contributor to
              not-point source pollution. The sediments suspended in the rain runoff contain large
              amounts of fertilizers and pesticides which contribute to seasonal water quality problems.
              Runoff erosion and the ensuing pollution from agricultural areas can and is increasingly
              being eliminated with better farming practices which have evolved as a result of concern
              for bay water quality and the efforts of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service to develop Soil
              and Water Conservation Plans in conjunction with farm landowners.
              The primary cause of erosion along the County riverfront is wave action generated by local
              winds. The height and growth of waves is controlled by four factors: the overwater
              distance across which the wind blows (the fetch), the velocity of the wind, the duration of
              time that the wind blows, and the depth of the water. The width of the water body is also
              important in describing erosion patterns for a given area. Wave action is responsible for
              most erosion along the County's shoreline from Beverly Marsh east toward the river
              mouth. The longest fetches and usually the most powerful wind generated waves are from
              the southeast, north, and the northwest along this section of the County's shoreline.
              (However, winds from the southeast are generally very light. Those from the south are
              very powerful and thus can cause much erosion even without a large fetch). Winds
              approaching from any of these directions can cause much shoreline retreat along affected
              areas. (The 100-year average erosion rate for much of this section of the shoreline is 1.5 to
              2.5 feet per year, with several areas having rates of from 3 to 4 feet per year).
              Approximately 7.4 miles of the shoreline have been artificially stabilized. However,
              erosion is continuing in unprotected areas.
              Most of the erosion and accretion found along the upper Rappahannock River (above
              Beverly Marsh) occurs at the bends in the river. The river current is fastest on the outside
              of the meanders and is much less on the inside. As a result, the outside bends erode while
              the inside bends accrete. The amount and rate of erosion depends upon both the
              composition of the land in the bends and the speed of the current there.


              Essex County                                 11-4                            Comprhensive Plan
              Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                November 1991






             Beaches and marshes are natural barriers against erosion of the fastland. Both absorb the
             incident wave energy and therefore inhibit the erosion of the fastland. However, the
             beaches are usually very thin along the shoreline of Essex County due to a limited supply
             of sand in the littoral drift. Many areas, especially around Tappahannock and east of the
             town, have been artificially stabilized. These structures have usually been constructed on
             an individual basis, as compared to a sectional or community basis. Attendant with these
             structures has been the disappearance of beaches downstream, as sediment sources have
             been withdrawn from the system. Many areas have attempted to reestablish beaches by
             employing groin systems. However, these systems have proven of little value for most
             areas, since they depend upon the littoral transport of sand for success. In order to
             reestablish or maintain existing beaches, probably the only course of action would be a
             program of beach nourishment coincident with site specifically designed structures to trap
             moving sands. Any action would be costly and should entail a detailed study of the area
             and a unified solution.
             It should be noted that most areas still suffering from erosion in Essex County are either
             used for agriculture or are unused. Any program of protection for these areas would
             probably be too costly to be justified.



             SOUR
             A most important determinant of future development is the quality of the County's soils.
             Construction of roadways, building foundations, septic systems, forests, agriculture, and
             waste disposal depend upon soils conditions for their location. Therefore, land use, to a
             major extent, is dependent upon soils.
             Soil is a mixture of air, water, mineral and organic matter, and living things. A detailed
             soils survey was prepared for the County in April 1989.
             The following descriptions of the various soil associations found in Essex County provide
             only a summary of County@-wide soil characteristics. Each soil association area contains
             soils of major extent and others of minor extent, with the overall soil area being named for
             the dominant soils. For more detailed evaluation of soils on a particular site, the County
             Soil Survey should be consulted. Map U-1 identifies the five general soil associations in
             the County for which descriptions are provided.
             1. Emporia - Slagle - Atlee Association
             This association consists of broad, nearly level plateaus, and narrow to broad, gently
             sloping ridgetops, and the sloping and steep side slopes of intervening drainageways that
             dissect the uplands; it is primarily that area of the County drained by the Dragon Swamp
             and its tributaries. Elevations range from 50 feet above seal level in the drainageways to
             180 feet above sea level. Slopes range from 0 to 50 percent.




             Essex County                                                                 Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                November 1991





















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     I                    Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.
    ,,ran Planning, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecturel                                                                         ..-..Source: son survey of Essex County VIr'
                                                                                                                                                                                      9






             This association make up about 16 percent of Essex County. The association is about 12
             percent Atlee soils, 22 percent Slagle soils, 23 percent Emporia soils, and 43 percent soils
             of minor extent. The Atlee soils are on level plateaus, generally between 120 and 170 feet
             elevation. The Atlee soils are moderately well drained and have moderately slow
             permeability in the subsoil. They have a silt loam surface layer, and a loam and day loam
             subsoil with a brittle and compact layer at a depth of about 24 inches. The Slagle soils are
             on gently sloping, and sloping, slightly coves ridgetops, and concave areas near the heads
             of drainageways. The soils are moderately well drained and have moderately slow to slow
             permeability in the lower subsoil. They have a fine sandy loam surface layer, and a loam
             and day loam subsoil. The Emporia soils are on nearly level to gently sloping ridgetops,
             and on steep side slopes around drainageways. The soils are well drained and have
             moderately slow to slow permeability in the lower subsoil. They have a fine sandy loam
             surface layer, And a sandy clay loam and day loam subsoil.
             The common minor soils are poorly drained Bibb oils on flood plains along drainageways,
             well drained Emporia soils on nearly level to gently sloping, slightly convex ridgetops,
             and somewhat excessively drained Rumford soils on sloping and steep slopes along
             drainageways.
             About 20 percent of this association is in farmland. Most of the rest of the association is
             suited to and used for trees. Seasonal wetness and slope are the main limitations of many
             areas for non-farm development.

             2. Rumford - Suffolk - Emporia Association
             This association consists of level to steep narrow ridgetops, and sloping and steep side
             slopes of drainageways that dissect the uplands. Elevations range from less than 50 feet
             in the drainageways to 180 feet on higher knolls of the ridges. Slopes range from 0 to 50
             percent. This association makes up about 45 percent of Essex County. The association is
             about 28 percent Rumford soils, 18 percent Suffolk soils, 16 percent Emporia soils, and 38
             percent soils of minor extent.
             The Emporia soils are on nearly level to sloping, slightly convex ridgetops and on steep
             side slopes along drainageways. They are well drained and have moderate permeability
             in the lower part of the subsoil. The Emporia soils have a surface layer of sandy loam to
             loam and a subsoil of loam, sandy loam, or sandy clay loam. The Suffolk soils are on nearly
             level to gently sloping, broad to narrow, slightly convex ridgetops. They are well drained
             and mostly moderately permeable. The Suffolk soils have a sandy loam surface layer and
             a sandy loam and sandy clay loam subsoil, underlain by loamy sand and sand.
             The Rumford soils are on steep side slopes along drainageways and to some extent on
             gently sloping ridgetops. They are somewhat excessively drained and have moderately
             rapid permeability in the subsoil. They have a surface layer of sandy loam and a subsoil
             of sandy loam and loamy sand.
             The Common minor soils are well drained and moderately well drained Kempsville and
             Slagle soils on gently sloping knolls on ridgetops and on steep side slopes of drainageways;


             Essex County                                 11-7                            Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Assodates, Ltd.                                                 November 1991






             and poorly drained Bibb soils on floodplains along drainageways.
             Farmland comprises about 35 percent of the acreage of this association, mostly on the
             nearly level and gently sloping area. Most of the rest of the association is suited to and
             used for trees. Slope is the main limitation of most areas for non-farm development.
             3. Emporia - Rumford - Slagle Association
             This association consists of level to sloping, narrow to broad ridgetops and sloping and
             steep side slopes of drainageways that dissect the uplands. Elevations range from less
             than 50 feet in the drainageways to 200 feet on the higher ridges in the northwestern
             portion of the County. Slopes range from 0 to 50 percent. This map unit makes up about
             13 percent of the County. The Emporia soils are on intricately sloping, highly dissected,
             generally narrow ridges, and on steep side slopes of drainageways. They are well drained
             and have moderately slow to slow permeability in the lower subsoil. They have a fine
             sandy loam surface layer, and a sandy clay loam and clay loam subsoil. The Rumford soils
             are primarily on sloping and steep side slopes of drainageways. The are somewhat
             excessively drained, and have moderately rapid permeability in the subsoil. They have a
             surface layer of sandy loam and a subsoil of sandy loam and loamy sand.
             The Slagle soils are on gently sloping and sloping, slightly convex ridgetops, and on
             concave areas around the heads of drainageways. The soils are moderately well drained
             and have moderately slow to slow permeability in the lower subsoil. They have a fine
             sandy loam surface layer, and a loam and day loam subsoil.
             About 20 percent of this association is farmed, mostly the nearly level and gently sloping
             areas. The rest of the area is suited to and used for trees. Slope and seasonal wetness are
             the main limitations for most non-farm uses.

             4. Tetotum. - Tomotley - State Association
             This association is primarily on a broad, flat terrace that lies to the east of U. S. Highway
             17, and runs the length of the County. Elevations range from about 10 feet above sea level
             to about 50 feet. A fluctuating seasonal high water table is a primary characteristic of about
             3/4 of this association. Slopes range from 0 to 6 percent slope. This association makes up
             about 18 percent of Essex County. The association is about 30 percent Tetotum soils, 16
             percent Tornotley soils, and 12 percent State soils, and 42 percent soils of minor extent.
             The Tetotum soils are on clearly level, broad flats and on gently sloping areas around
             drainageways. They are moderately well drained and have moderate permeability. They
             have a surface layer of fine sandy loam or loam, underlain by loamy sand.
             The common minor soils are moderately well drained Munden soils on broad flats;
             somewhat poorly drained Augusta soils in depressions and ill-defined drainageways;
             poorly drained clayey Chickahominy soils on flats near the base of the escarpment to the
             uplands; and poorly drained Bibb soils on floodplains along drainageways.
             Most of the acreage of this association is used for cultivated crops. A small percentage is
             wooded. Seasonal wetness is the main limitation for non-farm uses.


             Essex County                                                                   Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                  November 1991






             5. Rappahannock - Molena - Pamunkey Association
             This association consists of broad, low-lying flats along the Rappahannock river and major
             creeks. Elevations range from sea level to about 15 feet above sea level. Slopes range from
             0 to 6 percent. This association makes up about 8 percent of Essex County. The association
             is about 32 percent Rappahannock soils, 15 percent Molena soils, 12 percent Pamunkey
             soils, and 41 percent soils of minor extent. The Rappahannock soils are on tidal marshes
             along the Rappahannock River and major creeks. They are very poorly drained and
             consist of organic materials (muck) to a depth of about 40 inches.
             The Molena soils are on broad flats primarily at the northern end of the County. They are
             somewhat excessively drained and rapidly permeable. They have a loamy sand surface
             layer, and have a subsoil of loam sand or sandy loam, underlain by sand. The Pamunkey
             soils are on narrow flats along the Rappahannock River. The soils are well drained, are
             moderately permeable in the upper subsoil, and have a seasonal high water table at a depth
             of 4 to 6 feet. They have a surface layer of loam and a subsoil of loam, fine sandy loam,
             and clay loam. The common minor soils are very poorly drained Levy soils on fresh water
             marshes at the northern end of the County; moderately well drained and somewhat poorly
             drained /bolling and Augusta soils in depressional areas and ill-defined drainageways.
             About half of the acreage of this association is farmed; the rest is in tidal and fresh water
             marshes. Some areas are used for waterfront development, but seasonal wetness and
             flooding limits some areas for non-farm uses.
             A detailed soil survey for Essex County was published in April 1989 through the Three
             Rivers Soil and Water Conservation District office located in Tappahannock, Virginia.
             Soil suitability for septic systems and for agriculture are prime considerations in making
             decisions about general land use policies in Essex County.
             Below is a table of soil types grouped into three categories:

                 1. Soils suited for septic systems;
                 2. Marginal soils - approximately 50% of these soils will not meet Health Department
                    standards for septic systems; and
                 3. Soils unsuited for septic systems. This table, used in conjunction with the general
                    soil map showing locations of the soil associations, will be a useful tool for locating
                    areas best suited for development.










             Essex County                                  11-9                             Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                  November 1991







                                        Soils Suitability for Sel2tic Systems



                                                                           Acreage        Percent4pe

                 1. Soils suited for septic systems.

                    A. Well drained, permeable soils with slight limitation:

                        1. Pamunkey                                         2,058.00           1.2%

                        2. Rumford                                          2,590.00           1.6%

                        3. Suffolk                                         15,936-00           9.6%

                           Total Suited Soils                              20,584.00           12.4%

                II. Marginal Soils, portions of which will not meet Health Department standards.

                    A. Soils with moderate limitations:

                        1. Bojac (wetness)                                   366-00            0.2%
                        2. Kempsville (permeability)                       15,736-00           09.4%

                        3. State (wetness)                                  3,835.00           2.3%

                    B.  Soils with severe limitations:

                        1. Catpoint (too sandy - poor filter)                797.00            0.5%

                        2. Emporia (wetness, permeability)                 15,537.00           9.3%

                        3. Molena (too sandy - poor filter)                 2,519.00           1.5%

                        4. Munden (wetness)                                 2,068.00           1.2%

                        5. Sloping Rumford and Slagle (6-15% slopes) 16,413.00                 9.8%

                        6. Tetoturn (wetness)                               9,442.00           5.7%

                           Total Marginal Soils                            66,713.00           39.9%












            Essex County                                II-10                           Comprhensive Plan
            Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                November 1991







                                                                            Acreage         Percent

                III. Soils Unsuited for Septic Systems

                    A. Soils with severe limitations:
                        1. Atlee (wetness, permeability)                    3,433-00             2.1%
                        2. Augusta (wetness)                                1,285-00             0.7%
                        3. Bibb (wetness, flooding)                         10,159-00            6.0%
                        4. Bolling (wetness)                                   270.00            0.2%
                        5. Chickahominy (wetness, permeability)              1,517.00             0.9%
                        6. Sogue (wetness, permeability)                       485.00            0.3%
                        7. Levy (wetness, flooding)                          1,337.00            0.8%
                        8. New Flat (wetness Permeability)                     572.00            0.3%
                        9. Rappahannock (wetness, flooding)                  4,798.00            2.9%
                        10. Steep Rumford and Emporia (15-50% slope)        41,024.00            24.6%
                        11. Slagle (wetness, permeability)                   9,164.00            5.5%
                        12. Tomotley (wetness, permeability)                 5,459.00            3.3%
                        13. Gravel Pits (disturbed area)                       199.00            0.1%
                           Total Unsuited Soils =                           79,703-00            47.7%

                           Total County Acreage                             167,000.00


             Soil suitability for agriculture may be indicated by the prime farmland list developed for
             Essex County. Prime farmland, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the
             land that is best suited to producing feed, storage, fiber, and oilseed crops. It has the soil
             quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to economically produce a sustained
             high yield of crops when it is treated and damaged using acceptable farming methods.
             Prime farmland produces the highest yields with minimal inputs of energy and economic
             resources, and farming it results in the least damage to the environment.







             Essex County                                                                  Comprhensive Plan
             Redman /Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                November 1991




               Soil types considered prime farmland in Essex County are:               Acreage             Percent
               Atlee silt loam (0 to 2% slopes)                                            3,433-00             2.1%
               Augusta fine sandy loam (0 to 2% slopes),
                   if artificially drained                                                 1,285-00             0.7%
               Bolling loam (0 to 2% slopes)                                                 270.00             0.2%
               Emporia fine sandy loam (0 to 6% slopes)                                  13,545-00              8.0%
               Kempsville sandy loam (0 to 6% slopes)                                    15,138.00              9.0%
               Munden fine sandy loam (0 to 4% slopes)                                     2,068.00             1.2%
               Pamunkey loam (0 to 2% slopes)                                              2,058-00             1.2%
               Slagle fine sandy loam (2 to 6% slopes)                                     6,972-00             4.2%
               State fine sandy loam (0 to 6% slopes)                                      3,835.00             2.3%
               Suffolk Sandy loam (0 to 6% slopes)                                       15,936-00              9.6%
               Tetoturn loam (o to 6% slopes)                                              9,442.00             5.7%
               Tomotley fine sandy loam (0 to 2% slopes),
                    if artificially drained                                                5,459.00             3.3%
                                   Total                                                 79,441.00              47.5%

               Total Land Acreage in County                                              167,000.00
               The following are brief summaries of the soil association descriptions to use in conjunction
               with the soils map included in this document.



                                       SOILS ASSOCIATIONS FOR ESSEX COUNTY

                                                       GENERAL SOIL MAP
                   1.  Atlee - Slagle - Emporia Association: Moderately well drained and well drained,
                       level to steep, loamy soils on the Coastal Plain upland. (Minor soils: Rumford,
                       Kempsville, Bibb)
                   2.  Keml2sville - Suffolk - Rumford Association: Well drained and somewhat
                       excessively drained, level to steep, loamy and sandy soils on the Coastal Plain
                       upland. (Minor soils: Emporia, Bibb, Slagle)


               Essex County                                         11-12                                 Comprhensive Plan
               Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                              November 1991






                   I   Emporia - Rumford - Slagle Association: Well drained, somewhat excessively
                       drained, and moderately well drained, gently sloping to steep, loamy and sandy
                       soils on the Coastal Plain upland. (Minor soils: Atlee, Bibb, Kempsville)

                  4.   Tetotum - Tomotley - State Association: Moderately well drained, poorly drained,
                       and well drained, level to gently sloping, loamy soils on the middle terrace. (Minor
                       soils: Munden, Chickahominy, Augusta, Bibb)

                  5.   Rappahannock - Molena - Pamunkey Association: Very poorly drained, somewhat
                       excessively drained, and well drained, level to gently sloping, mucky, sandy, and
                       loamy soils on the low fluvial terrace. (Minor soils: Levy, Bolling Augusta)



               Topography

               The terrain of Essex County varies from flat to gently rolling. Land of less than 8% slope
               comprises the majority of the southern and eastern portion of the County, with greater
               slopes (over 8%) occurring intermittently along creeks and swamp areas. Further north
               in the County and west of Route 17 a greater proportion of the land is in the 8-15% slope
               category, with steeper slopes limited primarily to creek beds. Steeper slopes are more
               pronounced in the Baylors Creek and Elmwood Creek areas o            f the Occupacia District.
               Slopes of less than 8% present no development limitations and flat land is plentiful in Essex
               County. Areas indicated as moderately sloping, 8-15% are generally suitable for
               development with some modifications in construction necessary to prevent erosion. Land
               of greater than 15% slope is generally considered unsuitable for development since more
               level land is plentiful and less costly to develop. Steep slopes are generally not considered
               a major deterrent to development except in a small area of the northwestern portion of the
               County. However their location often occurs adjacent to County creeks and tributaries
               throughout the County and as such represent a development constraint. Where these
               areas occur they should remain undeveloped. Map 11-2 provides a general representation
               of the location of steep slopes (over 25%) in the County.



               Floodplains

               Floodplains are nearly level land areas which border streams and rivers are occasionally
               flooded unless artificially protected. The actual boundary of a floodplain varies
               significantly depending on the designated frequency of flooding. The 100 year frequency
               is most often used to determine flood hazard areas. The 100 year floodplain is the area
               which has a 100 percent probability of being flooded at least once during a 100 year time
               period; or a 1 percent change of flooding each year.
               The 100 Year Floodplain is recognized by federal regulations as the areas where the
               potential for flooding is a significant hazard and where development should be limited or
               not occur at all. The floodplain is divided into two sections; the floodway and the floodway


               Essex County                                   11-13                              Comprhensive Plan
               Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                     November 1991






























                                                                                      %























































      Scale    I inch   2.37 Miles    12.500 Feet


             1    .2     3      A
                                        Mile


      0               12.5          25.0            37.5           50.0
                                                                            Feet (1.000's)                                                                Data Sources: U.S.C.S. Digital Li
                          Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.
      .ran Planning, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture                                                                                         middle Peninsula Plann






             fringe. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements address the direct
             aspect of potential damage that can occur if new development takes place in areas subject
             to flooding. To qualify for flood insurance, floodway development is prohibited, and
             floodway areas are, therefore, well protected. The floodway is the land areas which is
             directly adjacent to the water channel. Although FEMA does not prohibit construction in
             the floodway fringe, development is not encouraged. Floodplain filling and development
             can result in a major loss in the storage capacity of flood waters, alter drainage patterns,
             and cause an increased velocity and volume of runoff. While development located on the
             filled floodplain is reasonably safe from flooding, areas downstream may experience
             increased flood heights and greater channel water velocity.
             Maps of the County's 100 Year Floodplain are available for inspection in the office of the
             County Administrator.



             Wetlands
             There was a time, not too long ago, that wetlands (marshes, bogs, pocosins, and mucky
             soils) were viewed as sources of disease and pestilence. Early government involvement
             with wetlands were giveaway programs with the condition that they be drained and filled
             for useful purposes such as farming. In the 20th century, well-intentioned public and
             private efforts to provide flood protection, mosquito control, greater agricultural
             productivity, better highways, and many other benefits to society have often resulted in
             filling or draining of wetlands for farn-ting, forestry, industry, and development.
             In more recent years, research has concluded that wetlands play a vital role in the
             environment. Wetlands are valuable for the many physical, hydrological, biological, and
             cultural functions which they provide. These include:


                    ï¿½ Wetland vegetation and shallow waters absorb coastal wave energy
                        and reduce shore erosion.
                    ï¿½   Wetlands slow water velocity and reduce sediment in the water.
                    ï¿½   Wetland plants and bottom sediments are sinks or collectors of
                        excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphorous.
                    ï¿½   Wetlands trap water borne heavy metals, herbicides, and pesticides.
                        Wetland plants re-oxygenate water thereby lowering biological oxygen
                        demand.

             H           al
               gdrolo.zic
                    * Wetlands act as floodways when associated with rivers and adjacent
                        floodplains which convey water downstream.
                    *   Wetlands store water during floods and release volumes slowly,


             Essex County                                H-15                             Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                November 1991







                         reducing drastic flood urges.
                         Wetlands, while most often are water discharged areas, also may act
                         as water recharge areas.

              BioloZical
                     ï¿½ Wetland plants and invertebrates serve as the basis of a highly
                         productive food chain.
                     ï¿½   Wetlands are nursery and spawning areas for many species of fmfish
                         and shellfish. From 60 to 90 percent of commercially caught fish
                         depend on coastal wetlands for food spawning.
                     ï¿½   Wetlands are also an important habitat for many waterfowl and
                         wildlife species, serving as protective areas for feeding, resting, and
                         breeding.
                     ï¿½   Wetlands are habitat for many rare and endangered species, almost
                         35 percent of protected animal species are found in wetlands,
                         although wetlands cover only about 5 percent of the nation's land
              CLltural   area.

                     0   Wetlands often contain important historical and archeological sites
                         since they were early sources of food.
                     e   Wetlands serve important recreational and commercial values for
                         fishing, hunting and trapping.
                     9   Wetlands which are forested may be managed for valuable timber
                         production.
                     *   Wetlands provide scenic open space and often serve as areas for bird
                         and wildlife observation.
              In light of the above described benefits, wetland activities are increasingly being regulated.
              In Virginia, tidal wetlands are protected by the 1972 Wetlands Protection Act, as amended.
              This law requires a special permit prior to starting construction'. dredging, or filling a tidal
              wetland. The Act also empowers local jurisdictions to establish Wetlands Boards which
              may review and decide permit requests. Essex County has a Wetlands Board. The
              Virginia Marine Resources Commission has the ultimate authority to administer the
              Wetlands Protection Act and reviews all decisions issued by local boards.
              Nontidal wetlands are currently federally regulated by Section 404 of the 1977 Clean Water
              Act, as amended, which prohibits disposal of dredged or fill material into -waters of the
              United States" and adjacent wetlands.          This has been broadly interpreted by the
              Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to include virtually all surface waters in the
              nation, regardless of size. The Virginia General Assembly is currently considering
              statewide nontidal wetlands protection legislation.
              The recently adopted Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and Chesapeake Bay Preservation


              Essex County                                  11-16                            Comprhensive Plan
              Redman/Johnston Assodates, Ltd.                                                    November 1991






               Area Designation and Management Regulations establish mandatory provisions for local
               Tidewater jurisdictions to protect wetlands and water quality. This legislation and its
               implications for Essex are discussed later in this chapter.

               Tidal Marshes@
               Tidal Marshes are located along 84% of the County's Rappahannock River shorefront and
               in many cases are extensive in the land areas they occupy. Noteworthy are Otterburn and
               Beverly Marshes as well as extensive marsh areas along Broad Creek, Taylors Creek,
               Hoskins Creek, Piscataway Creek and Dragon Run Swamp.
               With decreases in salinity in the upper reaches of the creeks and rivers, vegetation becomes
               more diverse. The wildlife species present depend on salinity, marsh elevation, soils, and
               other factors. Those marshes have the greatest diversity of vegetation, such as those in
               brackish waters, have the highest wildlife values.

               Nontidal Wetlands: Swamps & Pocosins
               Nontidal wetlands typically include freshwater swamps, bogs and low lying areas where
               water stands on or close enough to the surface to create oxygen poor conditions in the soil.
               Special types of plants called hydrophytes are adapted to these conditions and usually
               indicate the presence of wetlands. Other nontidal wetland indicators are waterlogged soils
               and drainage patterns that show physical evidence of flooding.
               The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has mapped all County nontidal wetlands of three acres
               or more in size as part of the National Wetlands Inventory. These maps are available for
               inspection at the Office of the County Administrator. Map 11-3 provides a general
               representation of the location of both Tidal and Nontidal Wetlands in the County.



               Forest Resources
               The forest industry in Essex County is an important component of the County economy
               and County rural character. Roughly 105,000 acres or 63% of the total County land area
               is established in forest cover. The patterns of ownership and management of forest
               resources are important when considering forested areas as biological habitat or for their
               value in protecting water quality. Forested areas provide habitat for numerous plant and
               wildlife species and also are an excellent filter area for'groundwater recharge. Forests also
               form an excellent windbreak in agricultural areas and serve to prevent windblown soil
               erosion. In addition, forested areas serve as an effective visual and noise buffer between
               land uses. Best management practices for the timber industry ensure the conservation of
               the County's extensive forest resources.






               EssexCounty                                         11-17                                 Comprhensive Plan
               Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                              November 1991


































                                                                                                                 N-1

























                                                                                                                                                                       N




















      le   I inch   2.37 Miles   12.500 Feet



                                   Mile


                 12.5           25.0           37.5           50.0

                                                                       Feet 0.000's)                                                                 .,Ddg Sour= U.Sas Dtptai L11W
                      Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                                                                J?Y-S. Ndiand retland Inmin
                      planning, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture
                                                                                                                                                      Middle Peninsula Planning








             Wildlife
             The number and diversity of wildlife species present in an area is determined in part by
             the quantity and quality of wildlife habitat which is available, especially food availability
             and cover. The major threat to indigenous species in developing areas is the fracturing
             and fragmenting of habitat areas. When habitat is cleared for development or agriculture,
             not only is the cleared habitat area lost, but the habitat area is also degenerated at the
             development edge. This results in disturbance to interior habitat areas as well. Certain
             species of wildlife require large, unfragmented habitat ares in order to survive.
             The Virginia Department of Conservation and I-Estoric Resources" Natural Heritage
             Program and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries'Fish and Wildlife Information
             System currently maintain inventories of wildlife resources and habitats for the County.
             Endangered and threatened plant species are protected by the Virginia Department of
             Agriculture and Consumer services, which uses information from the Natural Heritage
             Program inventory.
             The Natural Heritage Program was established in 1986 in joint cooperation with the Nature
             Conservancy to identify elements of natural biological diversity which are of rare or special
             concern in Virginia. The program focuses on rare plants, animals, geological landmarks,
             natural ecological communities, and other natural features.             The locations and
             characteristics of these natural features are entered into a computerized data base. Sites
             are rated and superior habitats are targeted for acquisition using the State's Natural Area
             Preservation Fund. The Natural Heritage Program also makes information on acquiring
             environmental easements available to property owners.
             The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has a similar information base of wildlife
             for planning and management purposes. General mapped habitats may be obtained for
             planning and/or preservation purposes, but locations of specific sites are closely guarded
             in order to protect the habitat.


             [rhe Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
             The Chesapeake Bay is the most significant and important natural resource in the
             Tidewater Region of Virginia. In response to recent interstate regional agreements
             between Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania to clean-up the
             Chesapeake Bay, the State of Virginia has adopted the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
             which mandates all Tidewater Virginia localities to establish programs, plans, and
             ordinances to protect and improve Bay water quality. These "local programs" must be in
             conformance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Management
             Regulations adopted by the Virginia Legislature in September 1989. In Essex County, the
             Rappahannock River watershed and all associated tributaries are affected by these
             regulations.
             The purpose of the Act is to protect and improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay,


             Essex County                                 11-19                            Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Assodates, Ltd.                                                  November 1991






               its tributaries, and other state waters by minimizing the effects of human activity upon
               these waters and implementing the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, which provides for
               the definition and protection of certain lands called Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas,
               which if improperly used or developed may result in substantial damage to water quality
               of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
               The regulations establish the criteria that the County has used to determine the extent of
               the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas within its jurisdiction. The regulations establish
               criteria for use by local governments in granting, denying, or modifying requests to rezone,
               subdivide, or to use and develop land in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas. The
               regulations identify the requirements for changes which local governments shall
               incorporate into their comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and subdivision
               regulations to protect the quality of state waters pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay
               Preservation Act. Essex County with the assistance of the Middle Peninsula Planning
               District Commission has identified and mapped Resource Protection Areas (See Map H-4)
               with all other County land area designated Resource Management Areas consistent with
               the Acts requirements. Effectively, both classifications render the entire County within
               the Chesapeake Bay Preservation area.
               The County has submitted proposed amendments to the County Zoning Ordinance
               designed to implement Bay Act requirements to the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance
               Board for approval prior to local adoption within the past few months. These ordinances
               change together with the Natural Resources and environmental protection plan element
               contained later in this document demonstrate the County's interest and commitment
               toward implementation of this State initiative.






















               Essex County                                      11-20                                Comprhensive Plan
               Redman/Johnston Assodates, Ltd.                                                            November 1991











































                                                                                                                                            **N





































       Scale   I inch   2.37 Miles   12.500 Feet


       0     1     2     3     4
                                       Mile


       0              12.5          25.0           37.5          50.0
                                                                                                                                                       Data Sources. U.S.C.S. Digital
                                                                          Feet (1.000's)                                                               PY.S. KatioiW Yettand Inv
                          Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.
                                                                                                                                                      -Middle Peninsula Plan
                          Planning, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture






                    POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS AND TRENDS
             Study of the County population tells us more than just the number of people residing in
             Essex County. Flistoric accounts of population numbers and analysis of the change in
             numbers, by migration or natural increase, indicate population projections for future
             years. This enables the County to plan what types and amounts of various land uses will
             be required. Where population growth occurs, services must be provided. Racial, age and
             educational composition change in the population indicate what types of services will be
             necessary in the future.
             Population figures in this chapter have come from the U.S. Census Bureau decennial
             census and various reports taken from them. The Tayloe Murphy Institute for the
             University of Virginia supplied estimates and projections based upon local indicators such
             as vital statistics, building reports and school enrollment.


             Oistorical Perspective
             Essex County took a decrease in population in the early portion of the century as did most
             rural areas when jobs were few and the city had more to offer (Table H-1). From the period
             1960 to 1980, the population made steady increases attributable to natural increase and
             stability of the base population. About 1965 the migration rate began to turn and
             in-migration has played an important part in the population growth since that time with
             the decade of the seventies reflecting a nearly 25% County population increase (1,765 new
             residents). The recent release of the 1990 Census suggests that in spite of issuance of 732
             permits for new homes during the decade of the eighties, the County population reflected
             a decline.

                                                     TABLE II-1

                                       POPULATION GROWTH TRENDS


             Magisterial District        1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970             1980 1990
             Central                     2995   2565   2865   2896   3238   3606   4583   4258
             Occupacia                   2593   2117   2985   1801   1785   1759   2203   2125
             Rappahannock                2954   2294   2046   1833   1667   1734   2078   2306
             Essex Count Total           8542   6976   7006   6530   6530   7099   8864   8689

             Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census
                       Tayloe Murphy Institute




             Essex County                                11-22                           Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                               November 1991








             Population Distribution
             It is apparent from Table II-1 that most of the growth of the 60's and 70's occurred in and
             around Tappahannock in the Central District. During the same period, the Occupacia
             District showed a significant increase due to subdivision development in the lower portion
             of the district. During the 80's the Rappahannock District showed growth while
             population declined in the Central and Occupacia Districts. Table 111-2 shows that in 1920,
             population was divided fairly evenly among the three districts whereas by 1970, the
             Central District contained half of the population, the Rappahannock and Occupacia
             Districts each containing half of the remainder. The distribution of County population
             today is generally consistent with the distribution evident in 1970.
             Table 11-3 reflects population density in the County for the periods 1990 and 1980. The
             County-wide population density in 1990 is even lower than that established in 1980 due
             to the apparent slight population decline during the eighties. (See Table 11-4). The
             breakdown of current density by magisterial district reflects densities quite similar to those
             manifest in 1980 (See Table 11-3. Clearly the density of population of over 18 acres per
             person reflects a very rural County character.

                                                     TABLE 11-2
                                 Percent Distribution Among Magisterial Districts

             Magisterial District         1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990
             Central                      35% 37% 41% 44% 48% 51%                    52% 49%
             Occupacia                    30% 30% 30% 28% 27% 25%                    25% 24%
             Rappahannock                 35% 33% 29% 28% 25% 24%                    23% 27%














             Essex County                                 11-23                            Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                 November 1991

























             FL



                                                                                 OCCUrACIA oisr.




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                                                                                                                                         oppoho not b
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                                                                                                                                                              nAPPAIIANNOCK DI




             z1a                                  ESSEX COUNTY
















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                         0

                   0






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                   R.
                   CD


                                                                                                                                                                                                                       TABLE 11-3
                                                                                                                                                                                                  POPULATION DENSITY, 1970, 1980




                                                                                                                                                                                            X     :1.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      .......... .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ...........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ..............
                                                                                                                                                                                                        -A                                                                                         .........
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ...........
                                                                                                                                                                                              .......... ....                                                                         ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ..... ...............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              . W.0.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ..........-                                  ..........

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ...                                                         . .........................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 . .......................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ......................
                                                                                                      ......                                 ...... . . .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              .................
                                                                                  . . . . . .......                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             jkjjw         . ....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           X     . . ......... ........  ........
                                                                                                                                                                                          t                                                                                           ..... . I.:

                                                                    Magisterial District                                                                            1990                          1980                     S          Mites                  Acres                                  1990                         1980                         1990                  1980

                                                                    Central District                                                                                4258                          4583                                  83.4                       53,376                           51.0                         54.9                         12.5                  11.65

                                                                    Occupacia District                                                                              2125                          2203                                  99.9                       63,936                           21.3                         22.0                         30.0                  29.02
                                                                    Rappahannoc District                                                                            2306               1          2078                                  67.5                       43,200                           34.1                         30.8                         18.7                  20.79

                                                                        Essex County                                                                                8689                          8864                                250.8                      160,512                            34.6                         35.3                         18.5                  18.11









                          0









                                                      TABLE Il - 4

                                            1990 POPULATION DENSITY
                     Population                 Density in Persons per         Density in Acres /Person
                                                      Square Mile
                        8689                             34.6                          18.5



              Population Characteristics
              The population of Essex County in 1990 was composed of almost 38% non-white
              (predominately black) residents, the greatest number of which resided in the Central
              Magisterial District (Table 111-5). The Occupacia District however, is currently home to the
              highest percentage of non-white population among all districts.



                                                       TABLE 11-5
                                             Minorities as a Percentage of
                                   Total Population by Magisterial District - 1990


              Magisterial                                      % of Total              % of Total
              District                     Number         County Population        District Population

              Central                      1,550               17.8%                   36%
              Occupacia                    1,118               12.8%                   53%
              Rappahannock                 602                 6.9%                    26%
              Essex County                 3,270               37.6%


              The minority population in 1990 (3,270 residents) reflects a decline of about 400 non-white
              residents since 1980. This decline is somewhat greater than the total population decline
              reflected in the 1990 census indicating a modest reduction in the % of the total non-white
              population.
              While minorities represented 41.5% of the total County population in 1980, today they
              represent roughly 38% of the total resident population.




              Essex County                                   11-26                           Comprhensive Plan
              Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                  November 1991















               r)
               0

           0



           0
                               Total Population: 8,689

           M                                                                                                              TABLE    11-6
           0
                                                                                        Essex County Population           Age, Sex, Distribution by Race, 1990
           m                                                                                         .............                              . ... . ......... ...............

                                                                                                                                                                                                              1990
                                                                                                                                                                                          % Change 1980
           FL
                                                                                                                       ..          ..                                                     white         Non White
                                                  Sex                Age                                         .............     ..                             II .. ....

                                            MaLe               Under 5                         156                103                     1. 7/              1.1%                         2.6%             -  30.0%

                                                                 5-19                          502                360                     5.7%               4.1%                         6.7%             -  33.5%
                                                               20-34                           478                369                     13.0%              0.0%                         -13.0%              0.0%

                                                               35-54                           684                360                     7.8%               4.1%                         19.5%               1.0%

                                                               55-64                           286                142                     3.3%               1.6%                         8.3%                3.4%

                                                               65 & Over                       419                183                     4.8%               2.1%                         9.3%                0.0%

                                                                                                                                                                                          ... .....
                                                                                                 25


                                            Femate             Under 5                         125                126                     1.4%               1.4%                      --25.0%                16.0%
                                                               5-19                            492                372                     5.7%               4.3%                         - 8.8%              34.0%

                                                               20-34                           485                418                     5.6%               4.8%                         19.1%               4.5%

                                                               35-54                           724                397                     8.3%               4.6%                         31.0%               8.1%

                                                               55-64                           318                154                     3.7%               1.8%                         - 5.9%              13.2%

                                                               65 & Over                       660                286                     7.6%               3.3%                         15.9%               20.0%
                                                                                                                        ............... .................
                                                                                 ME                                                                          a zX
           OZ


                               Source:     U. S. Bureau of the Census, 1990






             Table 11-6 gives the age, sex and racial breakdown of the Essex population as of the 1990
             Census. The elderly population (over 65 years of age) comprises 17.8% of the County
             population presently and reflects a large proportionate increase from 1980 to 1990 as
             people live longer and families retire or pre-retire to the Essex County waterfront.
             The 19 90 Census of Population indicates that since 1980 the County population is aging.
             18% of the County Population or 1,551 residents are now over 65. Table ][1-7 indicates that
             through comparison of 1980 and 1990 statistics that the percentage of County residents in
             all age groups over 35 years of age has increased in recent years.
             Nationwide the average household size is decreasing as fan-dlies are having fewer children,
             divorce rates increase and relatives maintain individual households longer. Household
             size is characteristically somewhat larger in families of lower income and minority groups.
             Table 11-8 shows the decreasing household size in all districts, Occupacia District having
             a larger average, yet showing the greatest proportionate decrease since 1960. Although
             not yet available by magisterial district, the total households County-wide in 1990 is 3,258.
             The average household size in 1990 was 2.67 as compared to 2.8 in 1980.
             Educational level attained by the Essex County population showed a marked             increase
             from 1960 to 1970 (Table 11-9). In 1970, approximately 17% of the population had
             graduated high school (one out of every six persons over 25 years of age). In 1980, this
             figure was 22.8%. Although 1990 census statistics concerning educational characteristics
             are not yet available it is expected that later publication will reveal continued improvement
             in educational levels.

























             Essex County                                 11-28                            Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                 November 1991








                                                                                   TABLE 11-7


                                          AGE CHARACTERISTICS OF ESSEX COUNTY POPULATION


                                                                                   1980 & 1990





                                                                                                                                           ........ ... .. . ...


                                                      .....      .... ...
                                                                                                                           ............
                                                                    ............ ..........                             . .......
                                                                                                                 ...........
                                  ......                                                          0. U                           .1-0bun. ww.-.i::: .
                                                                                                     V. :1= A
                                           .... .. . ....... . ......              . ... ..... ..... .. . .. ..........


                               Under 5                                                               562                                514

                                5 -19                                                                2183                               1742

                               20- 34                                                                1917                               1768

                               35 -54                                                                1846                              2204

                               55 -64                                                                885                                910

                               65 and over                                                           1374                              1551
                                                 .............      ........ ......................

                                                                                                                                                ...............
                                                                                                                                           89
                                                                                                           ...............















                                                                                  TA13LE 11-8


                                                             Household Size by Magisterial District


                                                        bukh' Id"..                                             .9.                        . ........
                                                                                                                      ..........   -9     0
                                           N                                              6.
                                      ... ..........

                                      Central                                                 870                  1,093                 1,652

                                      Occupacia                                               398                     463                  644
                                      Rappahannock                                            461                     525                  736
                                         Total Essex County                                  1,729                 2,081                 3,032



                                      ..... .          ................                                                         .............
                                                                                                              -9.
                                                                                                                 7
                                                                 ld S
                                                                            . . ............                                         ......
                                      Central                                                  3.7                    3.3                    2.8

                                      Occupacia                                                4.5                    3.8                    3.4
                                      Rappahannock                                             3.6                    3.3                    2.8
                                    F    Total Essex County                                    3.0                    3.4                    2.9




                   Essex County                                                          11-29                                             Comprhensive Plan
                   Redman /Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                                                            November 1991


















                                                             TABLE 11-9


                                                      Educational Level - 1980



                                                         Completed H.S.               Completed 4 Yrs. College
                                                       .................... . ......-............................
                                                                  ............. ........................ .
                                                                                         W
                                                                                                       iq-   W-h
                                                                            . . . . ......
                                                                  ................ ......

                    Total Population                   904               340              531              128
                    25 Yrs. or Older            I

              Total Population 25 Yrs. or Older:                5,466
                % Completed High School                         22.8%
                % Completed 4 Years College                     12.0%












              @ummary

              Essex County saw a modest population decline from 8864 residents in 1980 to 8689 in 1990
              based on preliminary Census Counts. The County population aged somewhat during the
              period. The number of residents in the age group 35-54 and all elder age groups increased
              during the period. A corresponding modest reduction in the school age population was
              also evident through the same period. These trends suggest County programs may at
              some point require redirection in meeting the special needs (health care /transportation)
              of an older population.









              Essex County                                       11-30                                  Comprhensive Plan
              Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                             November 1991







                                                       HOUSING


               Housing is a need common to all Essex County citizens, and their particular housing needs
               differ as greatly as their number. Often the type of housing required is not available due
               to economic conditions, attitudes, regulations or environmental conditions. This chapter
               will review the current housing situation, local housing activities and issues, housing
               trends, current and future housing needs and the problems and potential steps toward
               solutions.

               Census figures for housing in Essex County include the data for Tappahannock. A
               comparison of the data from 1970 to 1980 to 1990 reveals some changes that have occurred
               during that time.



                                                        TABLE 11-10

                                POPULATION AND NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS




                                                                                    ...........
                                                                                 .1'. @Zo
                                                             . ....... ...
                                                                        .... .... ...  ..... ...


                          Population                               7099          8864         8689

                         Total Housing Units                       2784          4082         4073

                           Vacant Seasonal and                    271            629          815
                            Nfigratory

                           Year-Round Housing Units                2513          3453         3258

               Source:       a.      1970 Census of Housing, Housing Characteristics f or     States, Cities and
                                     Counties, Vol. 1, Pt. 48, Virginia

                             b.      1980 Census, General Housing Characteristics, HC 80-1-A48.

                             C.      1990 Census, UVA Academic Computing Center. (Preliminary Counts)
















             Essex County                                   11-31                              Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                     November 1991






                      The total number of housing units in the County has decreased slightly (9 units), over the
                      last decade. However, in 1970, the average number of persons per household in Essex was
                      3.4 persons. In 1980 this figure had dropped to 2.87 and in 1990 further dropped to a 2.66
                      average household size. Given the trend toward decreasing household size, a greater
                      number of housing units would be required to accommodate the same population as
                      existed in the County in 1980. However, the decrease in population over the period 1980
                      to 1990 generally corresponds to the drop in year round housing units. Noteworthy
                      however, is the almost 200 unit decrease from 1980 to 1990 in vacant and seasonably
                      occupied units.
                      The following table contains housing information broken down by occupancy in Essex
                      County.

                                                                                         TABLE 11-11
                                                                  HOUSING UNITS BY OCCUPANCY






                                                                                                      ....... ...                                           S


                                    Total Units                                            4082                   4073                           .9
                                    Vacant Units, Year                                     413                       237                        -176
                                    Round

                                    Vacant, Seasonal &                                     629                       578                        - 51
                                    Migratory
                                    Total Occupied Units                                   3040                   3258                         + 218
                                      Owner                                                2381                   2571                         + 190,
                                      Renter                                               659                       687                       + 28




                                                                                                                              . . ........  ....... ..............
                                                       ......... .      K

                                                                                                                               ...  ......
                                                                                           ...... ......
                                           ear
                                                                                                      ............. .
                                         1980                         3040                                   2381                               659

                                                                                                  ... ....... ...
                                                            ...        .......             . . ... .. ........                                              .. . ..........


                                         1990                         3258                                   2571                               687

                                                                                                           ...............
                                                                                                                     ................
                                                                                                                                  .. . ............
                                                                                                  ..................
                                                                                                         i. ............
                                                                                                ...........
                                                                                                                  Mi.
                                                                                                    ...... .                      . . ..


                      Source:                  a.         1980 Census, General Housing Characteristics HC 80-1-A48.

                                               b.         1990 Census, UVA Academic Computing Center (Preliminary Counts)







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             Total housing stock in the County decreased by 9 units between 1980 and 1990. However,
             the number of occupied units increased by 218 during the same period. The number of
             vacant units in the County inventory dropped significantly from 413 in 1980 to only 237
             units in 1990. These characteristics suggest either vacant units in 1980 became occupied
             during the ten year period or were demolished. It is likely that some of both occurred over
             the 10 year period. Units held as vacant for seasonal use over the period also dropped,
             suggesting many of these units may now be classified as occupied year round. It is likely
             many pre-retirement seasonal homes became occupied retirement homes during this time.
             During the same period, mobile homes also showed a tremendous increase in proportion
             to the total number of new homes; an additional indication that economic conditions
             heavily influenced residential activities in Essex County.
             Noteworthy features of Table ILI-11 are outlined here, briefly:
                      * The number of vacant year-round units declined by 176 or 42% from
                        1980 to 1990
                      o There are 51 fewer units under the vacant seasonal and migratory
                        category suggesting that many of the new units added between 1980
                        and 1990 are occupied year round reversing the trend of the 70's in
                         second home" construction. In spite of the drop in population from
                        1980 to 1990 the decade evidenced the addition of 218 new
                        households as a function of decreasing average household size.
                      0 Of the total occupied housing units in 1970 and the total in 1980,
                        the percentages split between owner- and renter-occupied indicating
                        that rental housing had not increased at the rate that
                        owner-occupied housing had. This appeared to be a problem for that
                        portion of the population that did not desire permanent ownership of
                        a home at this point. While this trend continued in the 1980's the
                        percentage share increase in owner occupied housing was only slight
                        suggesting the trend of the 1970's has leveled off.
             A review of Building Permits for residential construction during the same 10 year period
             indicates that 732 permits for new homes were issued during the decade. Almost one-half
             of these permits were for mobile homes. 60% of all permits issued were issued in the period
             of 1986 to 1990 indicating somewhat greater development activity in the second half of the
             decade.
             Table 11-12 shows the building permit activity for the decade by type of construction. It is
             difficult to ascertain the actual distribution of development in the County in the past 10
             years. Although 1990 Census results are not yet available to confirm it, it is likely the
             Central Magisterial District received the largest percentage of new construction given the
             availability of sewer and water facilities, the role of the Town as a regional center of
             Commerce and the fact that the District has historically been home to just over one-half of
             the total population and household in the County. Table 111-13 reflects their distribution
             in 1980.






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                                                            TABLE 11-12


                                           Building Permits, Essex County 1981 - 1990




                          1981     1982      1983      1984     1985     1986      1987     1988       1989     1990

                MH        24        32       30        32       21        30       40        47        34       47

                CR        24        28       35        30       35        37       36        50        54       64




                MH - Mobile Homes
                CR - Conventional Residences







                Source:         Review of Essex County & Town of Tappahannock Permits
                                County Staff & Redman/Johnston Associates, February, 1991



                                                           TABLE 11-13





                              1980 HOUSING DISTRIBUTION BY MAGISTERIAL DISTRICTS



                                                        Total          Total             Occupied Units
                                         Total         Housing         Year-Rd.
                                        Persons         Units          Units      Owner         Renter         Total


               Essex County                8864          4082          3453           2381          569         3040

               Central District            4530          1913          1775           1191          431         1622

               Occupacia Dist.             2219          774           732            552           131           683

               Rappahannock
               Dist.                       2115          1395          946            638           97            735


               Source:         1980 Census of Housing; G   eneral Housing Characteristics, Vol. Part 48, Virginia.







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               The following table contains a breakdown of housing in the County according to
               magisterial districts in 1980. Concentrations of housing units in the Central District and
               seasonal units in the Rappahannock District at that time are revealed in this table. A more
               detailed discussion for these features follows.









                                                             TABLE 11-14

                     ..........
                      . .........
                     .. . . ... ..
                                                                -y
                                 US          SX                B.
                                                                                                                 ................
                                              Total         Total           Total              Occupied Units
                                             Persons       Housing       Year-Round
                                                            Units            Units       Owner      Renter      Total

                 Essex County                     8864          4082              3453       2381        659       3040
                 Central District                 4530          1913              1775       1191        431       1622
                 Occupacia District               2219             774             732         552       131        683
                 Rappahannock                     2115          1395               946         638         97       735
                IlDistrict
               Source:          1980 Census of Housing; General Housing Characteristics, Vol. Part 48, Virginia











               In 1980 the Central District was by far the most populous and contained 51.1 % of the total
               County population as opposed to 25% in Occupacia, and 23.9% in the Rappahannock
               District. As a percentage of the total County housing, the Central District again had a
               greater percentage with 46.9%, followed by 34.1 % in the Rappahannock District and 19.0%
               in the Occupacia District. Compared to its share of the County population, the number of
               housing units in the Rappahannock District was unexpectedly high. This is primarily due
               to the concentrations of housing along the shoreline in this district. Much of this housing
               at that time was seasonal. An examination within each district of the percentage of
               year-round structures as a portion of each district's total housing units, further illustrates
               the point. Housing units in the Central District were 92.8% year-round. In the                  Occupacia


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                        District, 94.6% were year-round. However, in the Rappahannock District, only 68.8% are
                        year-round structures. Although census results by each district are not available to permit
                        comparison in 1990, it is likely the percentage of units occupied year round in the
                        Rappahannock district is now somewhat higher given the total reduction in seasonal units
                        County-wide and the population growth sustained in this district during the 1980's.
                        The condition of housing in the County is an element as important as quality and
                        distribution. Some factors considered in making determinations regarding the overall
                        quality of housing stock in Essex include the presence or lack of plumbing facilities,
                        household income levels, values, and the incidence of overcrowding.

                                                                                          TABLE 11-15


                            SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF OCCUPIED, YEAR-ROUND HOUSING UNITS

                                                                                          1980 CENSUS



                                                                                                   ........ . ....
                                                                                                                                                                ... .. ....
                                                                                                                                                            .. .... .......
                                                                                                      ...... ..............
                                                                                                          . .......... 
                                                                                                                                                         . .. .....................


                                                                                                    ...                     ..... .....
                                                                                                                            ..... .....
                                                                                                              ...
                                                                                   Total                                    ..... ......
                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                       . .. ..........
                                                                                                                                 R                               
                                                                                  Owner
                                                                                                        ................. ....... ... ...
                                                                                                           .... ..... ..
                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                Occupied
                                                                                                                            .............
                                                                                                                                                            

                        Essex Co.                                                         2381                         223                 659                       163

                        Central District                                                  1191                           97                431                         64
                        Occupacia District                                                 552                           73                131                         62
                        Rappahannock District                                              638                           53                  97                        37




                                                                                          TABLE 11-16



                                                   OVERCROWDING; 1.01 OR MORE PERSONS PER ROOM


                                                                                                      ..........
                                                                                                                                                                     ... . .......
                                                                                                      ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        .........                       . . .....   ...
                                                                                                                                                                           .............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ............ -


                        Essex County                                                             194                                                   87
                        Central District                                                           85                                                  38
                        Occupacia District                                                         67                                                  36
                        Rappahannock District                                                      42                                                  13

                        Source:                1980 Census, Selected Housing                       Characteristics, Table 45.




                        Essex County                                                              11-36                                                  Comprhensive Plan
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 





               Structural condition is difficult to assess even when there is a means of conducting such a
               survey. Another indicator of the presence of substandard housing in the County is a
               summary of the dollar value of the units.

                                                             TABLE 11 - 17




                               CHANGE IN FINANCIAL CHARACTERISTICS 19                       80 TO 1990


                                                                       ....... ......
                                                                             W.).


                        Under $10,000                                        68                       41
                        $10,000 - $19,999                                    135                      .55
                        $20,000 - $29,999                                    276                      61
                        $30,000 - $39,   999                                 298                      164
                        $40,000 - $59,999                                    401                      381
                        $ ,        -$99,999                                  305                      601
                        $100,000+                                            75                       400


               Source:          1980 to 1990 Census, Selected Housing Characteristics





               Although value alone does not indicate the soundness of a dwelling, it is reasonable to
               assume that a housing unit (other than a mobile home) valued at less than $30,000 is
               probably substandard suggesting some 157 units in the County may presently be
               substandard. Although lack of Census Data for 1990 concerning absence of plumbing
               facilities does not permit comparison with 1980 data shown in Table H-16 the
               overcrowding of units (units with more than 1 person per room) appears to have eased.
               The 1990 Census indicates 100 units are overcrowded compared to 194 in 1980. General
               indicators are fewer substantial units exist today than did in 1980 based on dramatic value
               increases and comparison of overcrowded unit over the past 10 years.










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                                                            LAND USE


               For planning purposes, the pattern of development is more significant than the total
               acreage in each category of land use or number of structures in each activity. These
               patterns in Essex County have been a product of residential development preferences,
               economic forces, environmental factors, and social forces. The County also has had the
               benefit of zoning and subdivision regulations which have influenced, somewhat, the
               pattern and pace of residential, commercial and industrial development.
               The most predominant use of land in Essex County is forestry. Forests dominate
               approximately 63% of the total County land area and all but a very small percentage is
               privately owned.



                                                             TABLE 11-18
                                            Essex County Land Use Acres (Estimated)'


                                                           Acres                 % of County Land Area


                       Crop Land                            40,000                            25.1%

                       Pasture and Hay Land                   9,500                            5.9%

                       Wood Land                           100,000                            62.9%

                       Other Land    2                        9@700                           6.1%

                       TOTAL                               159,600


                  From SCS data.
               2  Includes urban, industrial, residential, transportation, and wildlife land.


               Agricultural uses involve another 31% of the total land area. Forested and agricultural
               uses combined amount to 94% of the County. The remainder of 6.1% includes urban,
               industrial, residential, transportation, and wildlife land. Typical of a rural County, the
               percentage of County land devoted to each use has changed very little in the past ten years -
               The remainder of this chapter will look at the trends and situation of each type of land use
               activity: agriculture, forestry, residential, commercial land, industrial. From this
               assessment the basis for the future land use plan becomes clearer.






               Essex County                                        11-38                                 Comprhensive Plan
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                          d Use
             Porest Lan
             According to the U.S. Forest Service 1991 Forest Survey for the Coastal Plain of Virginia,
             a total of 98,013 acres of commercial forest land are reported for Essex County. This forest
             ownership is divided between the following groups:



                                                      TABLE 1
                                      Ownership of Essex County Forestland
                  Non-industrial Private                                 Industrial and Public

             Private Individual       43,883 acres                    Forest Industry      16,023 acres
             Farmer                   28,210 acres                    County                 385 acres
             Private Corporate         9,403 acres                    Misc. Federal          109 acres


             Most of this reported acreage is sawtimber sized trees with an almost equal amount of
             seedling and sapling sized trees. These young trees are a direct result of an aggressive
             reforestation program in Essex County.



                                                      TABLE2
                              Area of Commercial Forestland, By Stand Size Classes


                     Sawtimber                                               40,994 acres
                        (Softwoods; 9" DBH and over)
                        (Hardwoods 11 " DBH and over)

                     Pole size timber                                        24,231 acres
                        (5" DBH up to sawtimber)

                     Seedling and saplings                                   32,788 acres
                        (up to 5" DBH)

                        TOTAL                                                98,013 acres



             The oak-hickory forest type continues to be the predominant timber type in the county
             although reforestation efforts have increased the pine resource of Essex County.





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                                                        TABLE3
                                              Essex County Forest Types


                         Loblolly /Virginia/ Shortleaf pine             34,230 acres
                         Oak-pine                                       17,117 acres
                         Oak-hickory                                    40,012 acres
                         Oak-gum-cypress                                3,519 acres
                         Elm-ash-cottonwood                             3,135 acres

                         TOTAL                                          98,013 acres
             A comparison of the average net annual growth with the average annual cut for the past
             six years shows a slightly higher volume of timber being removed than being grown.



                                                        TABLE4
                                               Estimates Growth vs. Cut
                                             Sawtimber                          Growing Stock
                                           (Million bd.ft.)                    (Thousand cu. ft.)
                                           Growth         cut                  Growth         Cut
             Softwoods                        9.4          5.8                   2.2          1.1
             Soft hardwoods                   8.2          6.3                   1.7          1.8
             Hard hardwoods                  11.0         16.9                   2.1          3.6

             TOTALS                          28.6         29.0                   6.0          6.5
             This difference is also noted in the comparison of 1991 with 1985 total wood inventories
             of Essex County:



                                                        TABLE5
                                      Total Wood Inventory by Species Group


                                              Sawtimber                           Growing Stock
                                             (Million bd. ft.)                   (Thousand cu. ft.)
                                           1991           1285                   1991          1985
             Softwoods                     203.4          166.8                 59,031         49,664
             Soft hardwoods                127.9          122.4                45,618         46,713
             Hard hardwoods                187.9          237.2                60,904         72,132

             TOTALS                        519.2          526.4                165,553        168,509





             Essex County                                   11-40                           Comprhensive Plan
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                      The following information is the Department of Forestry accomplishments for the forest
                      landowners of Essex County during the past five years:









                                                                                             TABLE 6


                                                                                                                                        . .........


                                                                                     sl@ 1@

                      Forest Management Mans                      12         2,233          19      2,043            14      2,577          11     1,068          NA        NA
                      Seendlings planted                  .1,100,000         1,780    762,000       1,096    1,037,750       1,041    896,000      1,203    682,100       927
                      Timber Stand Improvements                   32         1,203          16        L66            26      1,129          18       807           6      432
                      Timber Thintwd                              10           659           3        158             4        301           0          0          0         0
                      _Information 1, Education                   49]            0          58           0           34          0         3L           0         18         0
                      Forest Fires                                12             4                  22 4              4                              9.7           8 _.L5.4










                      Essex County"s forests are an important timber resource as well as wildlife habitat,
                      watershed protection, outdoor recreation, air quality, and aesthetic beauty. As we begin
                      this new decade and prepare for the 21st century, the forest resource of Essex County will
                      continue to enhance the livelihood of its residents.















                      Essex County                                                           H41                                                 Comprhensive Plan
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               jAgricultural

               Agricultural activities in the County are examined here through a review of the Census of
               Agriculture; primarily for the years 1978,1982, and 1987, although trends are also based
               on the figures reported in the 1969 and 1974 Census. The number of farms fluctuated
               between 1969 and 1982. In 1969, there were 198 farms; however, this number dropped to
               168 in 1974, rose to 200 in 1978, and fell again, slightly to 192 in 1982. During this same
               period, the total number of acres in farmland County-wide had shown a steady rise
               although the average size of farms in Essex had risen and fallen over the 1969-1982 period
               in a manner similar to the rise and fall of the number of farms.








                                                           TABLE 11-22


                                                           Essex County
                                        Number of Farms by Farm Size, 1978 and 19821





                                                                                     .............


                                                        ..........
                                                                              ............. ....
                                                                            ........... ..

                          0 - 10                                 8                  8                 3

                          10-49                                 47                 46               21

                          50- 179                               59                 52               47

                          180-499                               48                 33               25

                          500-999                               19                 31               24

                          1000- 1999                            16                 18               19

                          2000+                                  3                  4                 3

                          Total No. of Farms                   200                 192              142

                          Average Farm Size                    359                 426              487
                          (Acres)

                Based on 1978, 1982, 1987 Census of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of
               Census.











             Essex County                                       11-42                                 Comprhensive Plan
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               Table 11-23 however, reflects a more recent trend comparison for the period 1982 - 1987
               and illustrates a substantial drop in both the number of farms from 192 to 142 over the
               period as well as a reduction in farm acres from 81,794 to 69,188 over the more recent
               period.                                       TABLE 11-23


                                        CHANGES IN FARM SIZE CHARACTERISTICS

                                                              1982- 1987


                                                   ESSEX COUNTY, VIRGINIA




                                                                      .... .....
                .............


                                   A%.
                                      . . . . ......
               P.
                           @AW
                 1-9                           8                    49                    3                    26
                 10-49                         46                 1,277                   21                  648
                 50-99                         25                 1,823                   24                 1,948
                 100 - 179                     27                 3,656                   23                 3,063
                 180  -259                     10                 2,075                   13                 2,538
                 260-499                       23                 8,570                   12                 4,556
                 500 - 999                     31                 21,906                  24                 16,459
                 1000 or more                  22                 42,438                  22                 39,956
                             ...............
                                .....                                                                    ....     . ..........
                               ...........                                                               .....
                              ............                                                                          ........
                                                                                                           ............. ....... .....
                                                                                                                ...............

                                                                                                                    . .............
                                . ... . ....












               Harvested cropland has fluctuated from 26,735 acres in 1969, to 47,656 acres in 1982 and
               back to 37,017 acres in 1987. Cropland used only as pasture has decreased from 3,808 acres
               in 1969 to 2,634 acres in 1974, to 1,818 acres in 1982 and only 537 acres in 1987. Woodland
               on farms increased only slightly.




               Essex County                                        11-43                                 Comprhensive Plan
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                The market value of agricultural products sold in 1982 at $12,251,000 dropped to 7,412,000
                in 1987. Grains, such as corn, wheat, barley and soybeans, account for $10,076,000 of that
                amount, with livestock ($1,469,000) and other crops accounting for the rest. These other
                crops include tobacco, potatoes, hay, alfalfa hay, some fruit and vegetables, sweet corn
                and melons for local retail and wholesale use.




                                                              TABLE 11-24





                                                              Essex County

                                      Agricultural Economic Indicators, 1978, 1982 and 1987


                                                         ..........                                 ........         ....

                                               ..........
                                                                                             9.            ......
                                                                                 ...............

                     (1) Value of Principal Farm Products                 $8,778,000    $12,251,000        $7,412,000
                     (2) Value of Products Sold for Human                     18,000           47,000               NA
                          Consumption

                     (3) Value of Capital Items:
                           Land and Buildings                           108,758,517                NA      68,570,948
                           Machinery                                        8,653,000      10,377,000      11,078,556
                     (4) Farming as Principal Occupation                99 persons      120 persons      85 persons
                     (5) Other Occupations, Farm, Part-Time             101 persons     72 persons       57 persons
                   F(6) Average Age of Farm Operator                    52 years        52.4 years       52.7 years

                Iource:         Census of Agriculture 1978, 1982, 1987










                Farming as a principal occupation had increased from 99 persons in 1978 to 120 persons
                in 1982 but declined to 85 persons in 1987. Those reporting farming as a part-time
                occupation dropped steadily during the 78-87 period. Both of these changes are consistent
                with Agri-business trends in the late 80"s. Although employment in agriculture tends to
                fluctuate, farming is still an important source of local employment and an important part
                of the local economy. Moreover the non-farmers in Essex County appreciate the rural
                qualities the industry provides them.



                Essex County                                         11-44                                Comprhensive Plan
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             @Kesidential
                        2-1


             Residential land uses within the County could at one time be classified as year round or
             seasonal with relative ease. Much of the seasonal housing is located in the lower half of
             the County, on or near the shoreline, and during the 80's has been increasingly subject to
             conversion to permanent housing. Problems associated with this practice are waste
             disposal, shoreline erosion, and the provision for public services such as water or sewer.
             A land use survey, completed in May 1976, was mapped showing the general location and
             nature of the structures that existed at that time in Essex County. This mapped information
             was updated in April of 1983 to include structures recorded in the files of the County
             Building Inspector's Office. These records indicate that approximately 470 dwelling units
             were added from March of 1976 through April of 1983. More recent review of the County
             Permit records indicate that from April 1983 thru 1990, another 599 units were added with
             half the units being Mobile Homes. The average increase in residences for th e- more recent
             period is roughly 80 homes annually.
             All information indicates that residential development has followed the same pattern as
             in the past. Subdivision development has continued along the County's waterfront areas;
             primarily the shoreline just north of Tappahannock and in several areas along the shoreline
             south of the Town to the County line.
             Throughout the rest of the County there are only a few new, small subdivisions as most
             of the new residential development has continued to be spaced out along the roadways.
             The pace of residential development has slowed considerably, due primarily to a sustained
             increase in interest rates and the overall cost of housing. In fact in the first 5 months of
             1991 only a few permits have been issued monthly reflecting the condition of the national
             economy.
             These factors also contribute to a rise in the proportion of mobile homes located in the
             County. Throughout the 80's the number of new permits are distributed almost evenly
             between mobile homes and all other types of single family dwellings.



             @Commerdal and Industrial

             Commercial and industrial development is almost non-existent within the County due to
             the presence of those activities in Tappahannock. This is not unusual given their need for
             central sewer and water facilities. A review of the building permit data listing commercial
             and industrial uses reveals a low level of activity also likely due, in part, to poor economic
             conditions which are nationwide. The permits listed represent a few smaller convenience
             stores, sawmills, expansion of an existing greenhouse operation, and limited development
             in the Bray's Fork area which capitalizes on the location of the Route 17/360 junction.
             In 1981 Essex County applied for and secured a Coastal Plains Commission grant enabling
             the County to have an Industrial Development Program drafted. The resulting study


             Essex County                                 1145                             Comprhensive Plan
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                pinpointed several potential industrial sites within the County and was designed to aid
                in attracting new business and industry. It and the efforts of the County have resulted in
                the recent 1989/1990 location of the Canon sub-assembly plant which employs 350
                residents in the region and is slated for future expansion. A new Wal-Mart store in the
                town provides another 160 jobs for the region@s work force.







































                Essex County                                         11-46                                 Comprhensive Plan
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                                            TRANSPORTATION


             Highway travel is the overwhelming dominant form of transport of both people and
             goods. The framework for Essex County's transportation system includes primary and
             secondary roadways constructed and maintained by the Virginia Department of
             Transportation.
             As has been the case in the past, the private automobile will continue to be the dominant
             mode of travel in the County throughout the planning period. The key consideration in
             managing future growth in the County will be the location of improvements to the County
             highway system.
             Although most of the highways in Tappahannock are currently operating at acceptable
             levels of service, continued growth in the Town and County will undoubtedly require
             substantial investment in highway improvements within the planning period.
             Waterways and airport facility have played a minor role as alternate modes of
             transportation. However, in recent years use of air forms of transportation have increased
             nationwide. Moreover, the County has found that improved airport facilities may be
             prompted to remain competitive in attracting industry and to maintain the role of the
             community as a commercial center for the eight county region.


             Primary Highways
             All inter-county traffic and much intra-county travel is dependent upon primary Route 17
             and 360 which connect Essex County to surrounding metropolitan and resort areas. These
             primary routes are dual lane routes throughout the County excepting a portion or reach
             extending from Bray's Fork to Dunnsville.
             Route 17 traffic in both directions has shown substantial increases in traffic volumes in
             recent years with the greatest increase attributable to higher percentages of truck traffic.
             Improvements to Routes 17-360, notably a Town bypass, would eliminate some of the
             traffic problems associated with the number of vehicles passing through the Town of
             Tappahannock and is a logical next step improvement given increased traffic (notably
             truck traffic) in recent years and the past improvements to the 17 corridor to dualize
             throughout the County in recent years.
             The near town portions of the corridors are sufficiently congested to create long delays for
             area residents making left turn movements to gain access to Route 17 from intersecting
             town streets.
             In 1988 the Virginia Department of Transportation conducted a Route 17/360 corridor
             study and identified several alternatives for by-pass construction but failed to specify the
             States' preferred alternative. The Town and County preferred option for its location is

             Essex County                                 1147                            Comprhensive Plan
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                 identified in later sections of this plan.
                 Traffic projections made by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), (See Table
                 111-25) indicate that the average daily traffic on Rt. 17 through Town will increase from its
                 current level of 22,000 vehicles per day to 30,500 vehicles per day by 2010, assuming no
                 other alternative route is built. Volumes of this degree indicate a need for additional lane
                 capacity on the Town's major transportation artery and/or underscore the need for a town
                 by-pass or alternate parkway within the planning period. Clearly the Town needs to make
                 judicious use of the existing highway system to ensure that the capacity is not prematurely
                 depleted as a result of poor access control, particularly along the major arterial corridors.
                 Table H-25 shows trends in average daily traffic for this primary route. The average annual
                 percent increase in traffic well exceeds the rate of growth for dwelling units. Many routes
                 have experienced traffic increases of 10 to 17 percent a year. Presently, Route 17 south of
                 Bray's Fork is considered inadequate until this section of the route is dualized. If these
                 trends are projected into the next twenty years, the traffic will exceed those levels for which
                 VDOT is planning.



                                                                    TABLE 11-25




                                                                                                           A":
                                                                                                                   . ..... ..
                                                                                                            ... .!   ...........
                                                                                                                   .. ........ .
                                                                                                                   .1  ............
                               mom,                                                                                  .... ..... ENE:

                               ........... ...............
                                                                                                "an f*
                                                                                                                            ...................
                                                                                      ............
                   Rt. 17       Rt. 360E          NCL            6,815          15,230          123.48%        21,790       43.07%
                                                  Tapp.      I
                   Rt. 17       Rt. 360E          Rt.           12,610          22,460          78.11%         30,520       35.89%
                                                  617        1
                   Rt. 360      Rt. 17/360        Rich.          7,585          13,640          79.83%         18,140       32.99%
                                                 --Co.Ln.













                 EssexCounty                                                11-48                                    Comprhensive Plan
                 Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                                         November 1991






             @econdary Roadways

             Utilized mostly for intra-county travel, secondary roadways are of a major importance for
             rural areas in transporting farm products and equipment, timber to mills, residents to work
             and services and tourists to waterfront areas. Several of the roads in the County secondary
             system serve a great deal of inter-county travel to Tappahannock for employment and
             services.
             The condition of secondary roadways in Essex County is reasonably sound with on-going
             program of expansion, improvements and maintenance being carried out by the Virginia
             Department of Transportation.           The County has adequate opportunity for
             recommendations for highway improvements in the Mghway Plan for the secondary
             roadway system developed and revised by the State I-Eghway Department annually.
             Recent traffic counts indicate the airport road which serves both the County and Town is
             at capacity and should be planned for upgrade in the near term depending on how its
             traffic volumes may be influenced by a Town bypass.


             Mass Transit
             Essex County is served by one bus line (Greyhound) which provides intercity travel
             service. No other form of mass transportation exists. Bus traffic has decreased with
             increases in auto ownership and use. It is unlikely that this service will be expanded within
             the planning period.
             Little potential exists for providing a County transit system although the County does
             have a segment of its population which is transportation disadvantaged. Special programs
             could, by established route, serve scheduled functions in portions of the County, if
             financially supported, but the distance from Supply to Laneview combined with the very
             low ridership of a very rural population precludes any cost-effective County-wide system.


             @Vaterways
             Travel on the Rappahannock River is limited to private pleasure craft and some
             commercial grain transport. A public wharf was rebuilt in the early 80"s and is maintained
             in Tappahannock by the Virginia Department of Transportation. Navigable waters do
             have potential for expanded shipping and transportation in the future.


             @Raiiways                                                                                    I
             No railroad passes through Essex County. West Point, Bowling Green and Fredericksburg
             are the nearest available stations, Fredericksburg having the only complete rail services.


             Essex County                                 1149                            Comprhensive Plan
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              [Airways

              Tappahannock Air Service operates the airport located adjacent to the industrial area
              within the Town limits. The 2800 foot paved runway includes some limited overrun
              extension. Flight training, rentals and charter services are available as well as tie downs
              for private craft. Primarily the facility is utilized by private individuals, transients for fuel
              stops and local businesses and industries. Although the location is convenient to area
              industry, it offers no potential for future expansion of the airport facilities, given the
              pattern of surrounding town development.











































             Essex County                                11-50                           Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                               November 1991






                    COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES

             Citizen tax dollars support a variety of public services provided to Essex County Residents.
             Conveniently, almost all are located in and around the Town of Tappahannock. Services
             attract population and commerce, but often lack of facilities and services does not deter
             growth. When growth and development exceed the capacity of services, a burden is
             placed upon the citizen tax dollar to meet the service and facility requirements. Often this
             situation forces abandonment of County programs not considered absolute necessities in
             order to provide the most basic services and maintain a quality of life suited to the Essex
             County population.
             Analysis of existing services and facilities and.projection of need based upon population
             and economic data can assist in anticipating what additional services and facilities will be
             required in the future. In this way, necessary appropriations from the budget can be
             anticipated in advance.


             Oealth and Welfare                                                                   _71
             Essex County has a variety of types of medical services available to it. In private practice
             and/or affiliated with the hospital there are over thirty doctors. These include family
             practitioners, surgeons, radiologists, internists, obstetrician-gynecologists, cardiologists,
             ear-nose-throat specialists, dentists and optometrists. Prescription medicines are available
             through three pharmacies located in Tappahannock. Riverside Tappahannock Hospital
             located in Tappahannock is a one hundred bed facility offering X-Ray, Nuclear Medicine,
             Laboratory, Physical Therapy and Respiratory Therapy services. The surgical suite can
             handle major surgery and complicated orthopaedic surgery. Physician specialties utilized
             in the hospital include Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, General
             Surgery, Cardiology, and Orthopaedic Surgery. The Emergency Department is well
             equipped to treat all types of injuries and is staffed 24 hours each day by an Emergency
             Room Physician.
             Tappahannock Manor, a one hundred twenty eight bed convalescent care and home for
             adults facility, opened in 1977. The nursing home employs eighty five full and part-time
             workers and is operating at approximately 96% occupancy.
             In addition to private medical services, the County Health Department, located in
             Tappahannock, holds regular X-ray, family planning, child health, obstetrics, Medicaid
             and immunization clinics. The Health Department also provides expertise in planning
             and approving individual sewage systems, testing private water supplies, inspecting food
             selling establishments as well as assisting with rabies control. State and locally funded,
             the Health Department operates on an ability-to-play basis serving those County residents
             unable to afford private care.



             EssexCounty                                                                  Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                 November 1991






             Social Services are provided by the Essex County Department of Social Services located
             also in Tappahannock. Staffing includes a director, two social workers, three eligibility
             workers and three clerks. The department administers the food stamp, auxiliary grants
             for the aged and disabled, general relief funds, Aid to Families of Dependent Children,
             child protective services, foster care and numerous services through Title XX Funds.


             ISafety and Emergency Services                                                            I

             The Sheriffs Department, located in Tappahannock, is staffed by the Sheriff and ten
             officers. The department operates nine (9) automobiles and one van, all of which are radio
             equipped. The department cooperates with other counties in the Middle Peninsula in
             minimum classroom and on-the-job training and in emergency services operations. An
             addition to the original building houses six offices. The Town employs an additional 5
             officers through its police department and five state police are assigned to the
             Town/County area.
             A single volunteer organization, the Tappahannock-Essex County Volunteer Fire
             Department serves Essex County from a new facility located in Tappahannock. The
             Department of fifty four members is equipped with a 250 gallon mini-pumper, two 500
             gallon pumpers, two tankers, 1500 gallon and 2500 gallon, a portable pump as well as one
             hook and ladder truck. Traveling as far as 21 miles to either end of the County, with no
             satellite stations, the fire department averages twenty calls per month, consistently
             throughout the year.
             The County-Town Rescue Squad is composed of thirty-seven members operating four (4)
             rescue vehicles and a boat. Office records show an average of fifty-five cans per month
             during recent years. The units are dispatched county-wide from the County Sheriffs
             Department. This unit, as well as the fire department, operates primarily from private
             donations.

             Wucation

             The Essex County School Board operates a consolidated public school system at three sites
             in Tappahannock. The following table (Table 11-26) shows the facilities by function,
             enrollment and staffing for 1991.











             Essex County                               11-52                           Comprhensive Plan
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                                                                           TABLE 11-26








                                                                                                                                    ... .......
                                                                              ..........


                             ........            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                              K-4 Tappahannock Elementary                                    560                   35               2

                              5-7 Essex Intermediate                                         351                  25                1
                            ILLL21-11ex High School                                          561                  46                2






                   Student enrollment for the period 1980 to 1991 (Table H-27) reflects a generally stable
                   enrollment pattern through the period.



                                                                           TABLE 11-27





                                                               D.
                    .......   .......



                                                                                                                         .. . .... .

                           1,501              1,477            1,497             1,477             1,464              1,485             1,472

                                                                          -C   E        -T .
                                                                                          .......... .......... ............ ... ..


                                                                              ............ . . .....                      ..... ..
                                                                         . . . ..........
                                                                                                                    . . ........


                                                                      ......... ..
                                                                                                                                                ... ..... . . ..
                                                                                       RE
                      Elementary                                15.0             15.0                                 15.2               15.6
                       Secondary                               11.1              13.3                                 12.2               13.0










                  Essex County                                                   11-53                                         Comprhensive Plan
                  Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                                                 November 1991






               The following table shows the number of private schools serving Essex County and the
               range in grades each provides instruction:
                              Aylett Country Day School - Early Childhood 3 yr. olds - Grade 8

                              Saint Margaret's School - Grades 8 - 12

                              York Academy - Grades K - 12

                              Tappahannock Junior Academy - K - 7
               As the population change factors indicated earlier, a decreasing rate of natural increase in
               the late 1980"s, accounts for a modest projected decrease in school enrollment. Migration
               may be increasing somewhat presently, but the pre-school aged population decrease
               shown earlier further indicates a continuation in the trend of decreasing school enrollment
               at least for the next 4-5 years. The increase in population of the child-bearing age may
               cause a temporary increase in the five to fifteen year range later in the planning period,
               yet decreasing family size should tend to offset this factor.
               A new primary school facility was completed in 1978 which has improved educational
               facilities for grades kindergarten through third, leaving the existing school building for
               office space for County Government. In 1974 a vocational addition to the high school was
               made, bringing its curriculum facilities to the desired level. Classroom renovations were
               completed in the Intermediate School in 1982 which has provided for efficient modern
               school facilities throughout the Essex Public School System, while providing better
               meeting space to supplement the offices of County Government.


               @ibrary
               The Essex Public Library is operated by the County in a facility located in the old
               elementary school complex on Route 17 North of Tappahamock.
               The library contains 17,000 volumes and is funded primarily by the County. Some
               additional funding comes from the Town of Tappahannock, the state, federal grant-in-aid
               monies and private donations. The Library is presently housed in 2500 sq. ft. of space
               which may require expansion in future years.


               @Kecreation

               The vast amount of waterfront has built enthusiasm from Essex County residents and
               tourists for water sports and activities. Although there are no public parks or beaches on
               the waterfront, there are several public landings along the Rappahannock for launching
               boats. A small park in Tappahannock provides picnic facilities as well as a wayside station


               Essex County                                        11-54                                 Comprhensive Plan
               Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                             November 1991






             on north Route 17 which is maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation for
             motorists.

             Camping facilities are available at Hunter's Mill Lake Campground with 22 sites operating
             from 30% in the off-season to 75% capacity during the summer months and weekends.
             Marina facilities at Bowler's Wharf offer 132 slips and operate [email protected] to 100% capacity. Slips
             are also available at June Parker Marina in Tappahannock.
             The County operates a Department of Parks and Recreation utilizing the swimming pool,
             gym and two lighted ball fields for organized sports and recreation activities. Their
             programs include volleyball, flag football, basketball, after-school primary level activities,
             weekend youth activities, parades and open gym activities.
             Exploration of public waterfront areas for use by the general public has been supported
             from time to time, and was supported by citizens based on the County survey distributed
             in 1990. However, study must be given to whether a facility of this nature would best be
             operated publicly by the County or if a private venture would be more feasible and to
             ascertain the specific facility improvements that residents would most likely desire and
             support.



             Waste Disposal and Public Utilities

             Waste collection and disposal operations in Essex County are carried out by County
             employees under the authority of the County Administrator. The County owns and
             operates a 450 acre landfill, with two full time workers and one part time. Equipped with
             two Mack compaction trucks, a loader and 4 convenience/ recycling centers scattered
             throughout the County, refuse is collected daily and covered daily at the landfill. The
             facility is scheduled for closure in 1994 with waste disposal to be handled through the
             Regional Public Service Authority.
             The only public water and sewer facilities offered in Essex County are located in the Town
             of Tappahannock. The County owns two water systems at schools which are now no
             longer in use. Many of the private subdivisions have central water supplies owned and
             operated privately. The largest of these include: Gwynnfield, Maryfield, Coleman Island
             Beach, Point Breeze, Markhaven Beach, Essex Acres, Laurel Park, Wilson Acres.



             @Govemment Services

             In addition to the services already mentioned, the Essex County Government includes a
             building inspection program with a full-time building official-zoning administrator and
             an administrative staff. All offices are currently located in or adjacent to the County
             Courthouse. The addition of local programs and services is not expected at this time and
             total space is presently adequate for those programs administered.                   However,


             Essex County                                 11-55                             Comprhensive Plan
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              reorganization of office space by function allowing centralization of County offices is an
              ongoing need.
              Public facilities anywhere are costly to provide and operate in a rural county. The
              problems are more pronounced due not only to a lower population and revenue, but the
              lack of concentrated development pattern. This means the people must travel further to
              services or the services must travel further to the people. This is expensive and often
              results in decreased services.
              Land use regulations can promote community development and inhibit scattered
              stripping of residential and commercial uses. In this way, services can be localized; fewer
              centers serving more people is more efficient and less travel for routine or emergency
              services conserves energy.
              The future land use plan, in coordination with public services and facilities planning, must
              address needs with respect to location of development and the provision of services at
              least cost.



































              Essex County                                11-56                           Comprhensive Plan
              Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                               November 1991







                                                THE ECONOMY


             This chapter of the Comprehensive Plan focuses on the economic indicators of community
             growth and direction of resulting change in Essex County and the Town of Tappahannock,
             and ways in which these directions both influence and may be influenced by public policy.
             This analysis was performed as a series of tasks starting with the identification of principal
             locational and regional factors that have and will continue to influence the local economy.
             Basic transportation routes link Essex and Tappahannock to other market areas. The
             general trade area is delineated as served by retail establishments centered at
             Tappahannock. The relationship of the area to other urban communities in the Virginia
             urban corridor is also defined.



             @ocafional and Regional Factors
             An important feature of the local economy is its proximity to about 3.5 million people
             living in the "urban corridor."i The relationship of Tappahannock and Essex County to
             this corridor as well as the major transportation routes is shown on the following page.
             The Town of Tappahannock is a natural regional center because of its strategic location at
             the junction of Routes 17 and 360. Its Rappahannock bridge location centers the Town to
             serve substantial areas of the Northern Neck and Nfiddle Peninsula regions. The greater
             trade area served by the town includes all or part of eight counties. The eight county area
             (listed in Table H-28) had a total population of 89,671 persons and reported receiving
             $2,077,619-51 in local sales tax in 1980. Essex County comprised 11 % of the population in
             this area in 1980, but reported receiving 22.8% of the sales tax or $473,678.83 in the same
             year.
             The County population in 1990 of 8,689 residents now represents only 9.8% of the eight
             county and regional population which has grown to 89,671. Nevertheless, the same 1 %
             local sales tax has grown substantially through the 80's to over 3/4 of a million dollars
             annually. Table H-29 reflects a growth rate in the 1% sales tax from the period 1984/85 to
             1987/88 of over 20% in only 4 years. The table also shows the Essex receipts per capita in
             1989 were double that of other counties in the Nliddle Peninsula Planning District






               1 Clarence R. Jung, Jr., Virginia's Urban Corridor, Virginia Electric and Power Company,
                 1971



             Essex County                                  11-57                            Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                  November 1991














              In
              (A



              0

          0
                                                                                        Location and Trade Area Map
          0






          (D
          FL                                                                                                                                                            Urban Corridor

                                                                                                                                                                                             qj




                                                                                                                                                                                          Gre       r
              00                                                                                                                                                                          Trade       rea
                                                                                                                                                                                                   In r
                                                                                                                                                                                                  Tra e      Area













           OZ



                                                  sw                                                                           -ft-.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Urba n
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Corridor




















                                                              TABLE 11-28

                                                     Local 1% Sales Tax              Population

                          Counties                  1980                1989               1980               1989


                   Westmoreland                   304,537.58           432,660            14,041              15,448

                   Richmond                       306,537.58           419,520             6,952              7,269

                   Middlesex                      217,588.48           304,290             7,719              8,634

                   King and Queen                 38,286.99             57,520             5,968              6,287

                   King William                   278,427.96           467,270             9,334              10,893

                   Caroline                       284,850.07           488,970            17,904              18,966

                   Essex                          473,678.83           766,050             8,864              8,689

                   King George                    173,577.71            40,093            10,543              13,485


                   TOTAL                        2,077,619.51          2,996,373           81,325              89,671


               Source:          U.S. Bureau of the Census, Censu5 of Pot)ulation          1980, Vol I  Characteristics of
                                the Population, Pt. 48, Virginia; and the Commonwealth of Virginia, Degartment
                                of Taxation Annual Ret)ort 1980 - 1981.






















              Essex County                                         11-59                                 Comprhensive Plan
              Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                                November 1991








                                                              TABLE 11-29

                                                                                                   ... .... .

                                                   ......................                                 X..

                                                     Total              Share of State Tax                Local 1%

                  84 - 85                          $1,132,421                  $532,546                   $599,875

                  85 - 86                          $1,079,782                  $496,176                   $583,606

                  8 - 7                            $1,254,871                  $596,917                   $657,954

                  17 - 88                          $1,364,869                  $640,646                   $724,223

                                                     Taxable Sales, 1987 and 1989

                                                         1987                                      1989

                                             Sales                                      Sales
                                            ($1,000)           Per Capita              ($1,000)           Per Capita
                  Essex                      66,578                $7,481             $ 76,605               $8,512
                  Gloucester                 109,760               3,878                117,404               3,837
                  King & Queen                 5,136                  428                 5,752                 913
                  King William               36,374                3,531                46,727                4,408
                  Mathews                    20,688                2,351                21,871                2,485

                                                                   3,427                30,429                3,498
                                             29,812
                  Middlesex


               Sources:         Virginia Department of Taxation


               rrhe Travel Industry

               Tourism is increasingly playing an important role in the County economy. The travel
               industry provides employment and tax benefits with substantial dollars spent by travelers
               circulating through the local economy. Table 111-30 reflects growth in this industry for only
               a 2 year period during which time 7 jobs were added to the local economy and a $5,000
               gain in tax receipts occurred.



                                                              TABLE 11-30

                                             Expenditure by Travelers, 1985 and 1987

                                             Total             Payroll         Employment         Local Tax Receipts

                  1985                    $3,442,000            $644,000             70                   $32,000

                  1987                     $4,299,00           $733,000              77                   $37,000


               Source:         U. S. Travel Data Center





               EssexCounty                                         11-60                                  Comprhensive Plan
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               @mpioyment and Income
               Figures indicate a steady increase in County employment thru the period 1980 to 1987.
               The period reflected a 13.3% rate in employment growth. Average wages for 1987 were
               $12,567.00.




                                                             TABLE 11-31

                                                   Employment And Average Wage
                  1980      1881     1982      1983     1984     1985     1986       1987      Average Wage, 1987

                                         2    3,548
                  3,516     3,436    3,40              3,568    3,675     3,797     3,985             12,567.00






               More recent statistics indicate employment levels jumped appreciably from 1987 to 1990.
               (See Table 111-32) The Virginia Employment Commission indicates that by February 1990,
               the employment level reached 4516 in Essex. This represents yet another 13.3% increase
               in only a three year period. Over the full ten year period (1980-1990) County employment
               increased by 28%.







                                                              TABLE 11-32

                                       Labor Force, Employment, Unemployment, 1989-1990

                                         Labor Force          Employment          Unemployment                Rate

                  May 89                     4,474                4,321                  153                  3.4%

                  Sep 89                     4,462                4,306                  156                  3.5%

                  Oct 89                     4,495                4,311                  184                  4.1%

                  Jan 90                     4,806                4,498                  308                  6.4%
                  Feb 90                     4,874                4,516                  358                  7.3%__],






               EssexCounty                                         11-61                                 Comprhensive Plan
               Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                              November 1991






                Table U-33 provides a breakdown of employment in the County by industry type in 1980
                and 1988. Although Census data is not yet available to permit 1990 comparison it is dear
                from review that growth in employment levels in the County were substantial for the
                period particularly when modest population decline was evident for the same period.

                                                              TABLE 11-33



                                                   EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY
                                              ESSEX COUNTY AND VIRGINIA 1980



                                                                                     1980             1988

                                    Employed Persons 16 Years & Over                 3,861            4,556

                             Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and                    258             285
                             Mining

                             Construction                                             526             265

                             Manuf acturing                                           786             904
                                Nondurable Goods                                      328             364
                                Durable Goods                                         458             540

                             Transportation                                             83            114

                             Communications & Other Public Utilities                    75              79

                             Wholesale Trade                                          103               83

                             Retail Trade                                             681             1,092

                             Finance, Insurance & Real Estate                         154             239
                             Business and Repair Services                             127             146

                             Personal, Entertainment & Recreation                     231             301
                             Services

                             Professional and Related Services                        685             880
                                Health Services                                       218             386
                                Educational Services                                  368             382
                                Other Professional & Related Services                  99             112

                             Public Administration                                    152             168




                Source:         U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of                    the Census, Labor Force
                                Characteristics, 1980, PHC80-2-48, and Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional
                                Economic Information System, 1990









                Essex County                                        11-62                                 Comprhensive Plan
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               The recent location of the Canon Plant (Southtech) may account for an additional 300 jobs
               in the 1987-90 period.
               The Census of Business and Industry "County Business Patterns, 1987" indicates retail
               trade jobs increased to 1,092 in the County from 681 in 1980. This represents an increase
               of 60% in the 7 year period. Health services employment alone increased from 218 in Essex
               in 1980 to 386 in 1990; an increase of 77%.

               While these sectors of the County job base grew substantially, manufacturing employment
               in the 1980-87 period grew only by 17%.
               Major employers presently in the County are shown on Table 111-34.



                                                             TABLE 11-34




                                                        MAJOR EMPLOYERS

                                    Firm                            Product/Service                  Employees

                 H. Warshow & Sons                              Garments                                  360

                 Quality Automotive Corp.                       Brake Shoes                               168
                 U.S. Auto Manufacturing                        Brake Shoes                               83

                 Farm Fresh                                     Groceries                                 68

                 Lowery's Restaurant                            Food Service                              85
                 Southside Bank                                 Banking                                   60

                 Tappahannock Manor                             Retirement Home                           88
                 Riverside Tappahannock                         Hospital                                  195
                 Shoney's                                       Food Service                              40

                 McDonald's                                     Food Service                              40

                 Food Lion                                      Groceries                                 42

                 Roses                                          Retail                                    90

                 Southtech, Inc.                                Sub-assembly parts for                    350
                                                                copieers & printers
                 Bank of Essex                                  Banking                                   40
                 Wal-Mart                                       Retail                                    160









               Essex County                                        11-63                                  Comprhensive Plan
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              Commuting patterns serve as a useful means of determining the extent of dependency on
              other jurisdictions for employed persons" income. The following figures represent an
              estimation of the number of commuters in Essex County based on the civilian labor force
              data from the 1980 Census. The determination was made by subtracting covered
              employment and self-employed from the civilian labor force figure. The resulting figure
              represents people who travel outside their jurisdiction for employment.



                                                      TABLE 11-35
                                           ESSEX COUNTY COMMUTERS


              Civilian            Covered             Self                                Commuters as
              Labor Force         Em]21o=ent          Eml2lg=d          Commuters         %Labor Force

                3,997               2,480                361                1,156             28.9%


              Source: 1980 Census




                                                   PLACE OF WORK


              In County            Outside County            Outside State                Not Reported

                2,277                      980                    65                          485


              At this time there is a lack of specific information regarding the number of commuters and
              their points of origin who travel into the County for employment. The figures above
              indicate that a significant number of County residents do travel to points outside Essex
              County for employment, although the number of commuters is a much lower percentage
              than those of neighboring counties. In the past, Essex County and the Town of
              Tappahannock have been a center of trade for several of the surrounding rural counties.
              The employment and commuting figures tend to support the assumption that this trend
              will probably continue for some time.


              @ummary

              Essex County and the Town of Tappahannock continue to serve as a regional trade center.
              Due to its geographic location and the development that has occurred over the last two
              decades, this should remain true for some time to come.

              The economic outlook for Essex County is good over the next few years. The number of
              local jobs has shown a steady increase in proportion to the population. Growth should


              Essex County                                 11-64                            Comprhensive Plan
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             continue in retail trade, finance, insurance, real estate, service industries, lumber and wood
             products. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries have demonstrated a decrease, and although
             they are still only a small portion of the total local employment, they are important to the
             local economy and should be encouraged.
                                               Change in Employm'ent
                                 1950                                        1980



                             25%
                            Services
                           Trade &        22%                        54%             22%
                         Government
                                      Manufacturing                Services      Manufacturing
                                                                    Trade &
                           33%             20%                    Government           16%
                         Agriculture     All Other                                  All Other
                        & Fisheries






                                                                                      8%
                                                                                   Agriculture
                                                                                   & Fisheries

             Planning Management Associates prepared an Industrial Development Program for Essex
             County in FY 81-82. To illustrate the change in employment patterns in the County from
             1950 to 1980, they include the figure above with the following statement:
             "Today, manufacturing, trade, and services, the trademarks of an urban economy,
             dominate the County's economy. jobs in trades and services comprise over half of all
             County employment while manufacturing jobs account for another one-forth of the local
             employment. Agricultural employment, which engaged 33 percent of the labor force 30
             years ago, now employs less than 10 percent."
             Local employment has shown a steady increase in comparison to the population and this
             trend is expected to continue.
             Given the Town's role as a County seat and the County/ Town location with a service area
             population in 1990 of over 88,000 residents the County employment picture should remain
             a healthy one. Continued retail and services job growth should be expected given these
             characteristics. The new Wal-Mart alone will provide 160 new retail industry jobs.
             County efforts however, may be required to maintain the balanced job base evident in the
             past. (See Table 11-33) Manufacturing employment will not as naturally occur with
             residential growth as retail and services employment. Continued efforts to attract industry
             to support the objective of maintaining diversity in the job base will likely be required.



             Essex County                                 11-65                            Comprhensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                 November 1991








                                    P A RT 111.
                                    X J..v



                    PLAN GOALS & OBJECTIVES
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                                   PLAN GOALS AND OBJE                    CTIVES

             The purpose of the following section is to establish direction and guidelines for future
             growth and development in Essex County. In order to achieve this purpose, county
             citizens have established the goals and objectives set forth in this section.

             A gaal is a general statement of some desirable future situation or condition toward which
             to strive. An objective is a more specific action to be undertaken in order to help achieve
             a goal.
             A 12olicy is an official course of action, established through the political process, which is
             intended to serve as an official guide for any public or private decision affecting growth
             and development in the County. It is the responsibility of the governing body to establish
             policies and make policy decisions toward meeting the goals and objectives of this
             comprehensive plan.
             The goals and objectives which follow should be read with several points in mind. First,
             the word "County" refers to the citizens, their elected and appointed representatives and
             government officials, and local government agencies and offices. Second, the goals and
             objectives are not regulatory statements or requirements, but rather expressions of what
             County citizens wish to achieve in the coming years. Third, the word "shall" as used in
             the goals and objectives is mandatory only in the sense that County citizens require that
             efforts be made to achieve the goals and objectives. Fourth, the goals and objectives are
             not absolute, that is, it is not essential that all the goals and objectives be achieved within
             a set period of time. They need only be achieved if feasible. Finally, these goals and
             objectives must be considered flexible and adjusted should market conditions or forces
             not anticipated be brought to bear and require adjustment in their application.
             With the foregoing considerations in mind, the following goals and objectives are hereby
             established for Essex County. They will serve as a guide for all future growth and
             development and for any individual, corporation, or agency operating in the County.

             The overriding goal of the Essex County Comprehensive Plan is to:
             Continue protecting the rural nature of the county through careful management of the
             natural resources and control of future development, at the same time allowing for
             moderate growth in the economic base and job supply.

             In support of this overriding goal several Goals and Objectives have been developed to
             correspond to various aspects or components of the Comprehensive Plan. The following
             pages identify specific plan goals and objectives for a wide variety of aspects of County
             life and serve to guide the preparation of future plan elements in Part IV as well as decisions
             to be made over time concerning development and provision of services necessary to
             support it.





             Essex County                                                                  Comprehensive Plan
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           @Growth]Wanagement & Land Use

           Goal:

           Guide future development into an efficient and serviceable form which is protective of
           the County's predominantly rural character.

           Objectives:

                  9 Direct the majority of future County development to areas already or
                    proposed to be served with adequate public facilities such as sewer,
                    water, roads, schools, etc.
                  0 Limit future suburban sprawl in rural and agricultural areas where
                    adequate public facilities do not e.-dst or where their provision would
                    not be cost-efficient.
                  0 Conserve farmland, forested areas, open space, and rural character.
                  0 Discourage growth in areas with significant natural development
                    constraints such as environmentally sensitive areas and natural
                    resource areas.
                  9 Discourage strip development (Commercial and Residential) along
                    County roads and highways for both traffic safety and aesthetic
                    reasons.
                  0 Plan for adequate public facilities to be in place or proposed prior to
                    development approval, regardless of where the development is located.
                  0 Provide land areas for balanced future commercial and industrial
                    development in locations which are compatible with eNisting and
                    planned residential development.
                  * Require that future growth pay a "fair-share" of the associated costs
                    for additional public facilities and services for which new
                    development generates demand. Public Services necessitated by new
                    development and designed primarily for the benefit of new
                    development shall be provided by the developer.
                  * Improve the quality of future development and redevelopment
                    through improved site planning and design standards.
                  * Coordinate County growth management plans with plans and policies
                    of the incorporated Town of Tappahannock, and adjacent Counties.
                  * Preserve the unique character of the County's many e)dsting rural
                    villages and crossroad settlements.









           Essex County                         111-2                      Comprehensive Plan
           Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                    November 1991





           Irran sportation

           Goal:

           Provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the
           County.

           Objectives:

                   * Plan roadway development to support and enhance the
                     Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Plan.
                   0 Cooperate with and actively provide input to the State Department of
                     Transportation in developing highway plans for the benefit of the
                     County.
                   0 Maintain and improve e-3dsting transportation facilities efficiently to
                     meet increased demand.
                   0 Support the Town of TappahannocWs proposal to establish a Route
                     17/360 corridor Bypass.
                   0 Require development to pay its "fair share" of the costs associated
                     with the resulting increased demand on transportation facilities.
                   0 Develop a circulation system that encourages the separation of
                     through traffic from local traffic.
                   e Require that subdivision roads be planned, constructed, and
                     maintained according to County and State Department of
                     Transportation standards.
                   * Encourage limited access management along principal corridors;
                     discourage strip development on secondary roads.
                   * Preserve and enhance opportunities for greater industrial use of the
                     County's airport facilities and improvement of airport facilities to
                     support economic development objectives.


           [Connnunity Fafflities & Services

           Goal:

           To provide a system of community facilities, public services, and utilities that is
           consistent with citizens' needs and well-being and that encourages a form of
           development consistent with the Land Use Plan.

           Objectives:

                     Maintain and improve public services and facilities to meet the needs
                     of citizens of the County. These services and facilities include



           Essex County                            IH-3                        Comprehensive Plan
           Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                        November 1991






                     schools, health facilities, solid waste collection, emergency medical
                     and rescue services, police and fire protection services and public
                     library facilities.
                   ï¿½ Encourage development of Parks and Recreation facilities to serve the
                     needs of County residents. Explore opportunities to provide greater
                     public access to the river and creeks.
                   ï¿½ Encourage adaptive   .and shared use/reuse of community facilities by
                     two or more government agencies and by public and private sectors.
                   ï¿½ Review the performance and effectiveness of existing services and
                     public facilities and proceed with changes or expansion as necessary.
                   ï¿½ Coordinate efforts with the Town of Tappahannock to meet the Sewer
                     and Water facility development and improvement needs of the Town
                     and surrounding County areas.
                   ï¿½ Develop needed facilities in a cost-effective manner, such as giving
                     priority to expanding facilities rather than creating new facilities
                     whenever possible.
                   ï¿½ Ensure that the costs of additional public facilities and services
                     required by new development is equitably bome by those benefiting.
                   ï¿½ Direct growth into efficient and serviceable form to permit creation of
                     efficient public facility or utility service areas and to minimize the tax
                     burden on local residents and businesses.
                   ï¿½ Develop a Capital Improvement Program and annual Capital Budget
                     to satisfy projected facilities and service needs and to permit
                     acquisition of sites of proper size and location for facilities in advance
                     of development.
                   0 Encourage recycling and reuse of refuse.


           Natural Resources & Environmental Quality

           Goal:

           Protect and Enhance the natural resources and environmental quality of the County
           through measures which protect the County's natural resources and environmentally
           sensitive lands and waters.

           Objectives:
                   * Protect and improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its
                     tributaries through the establishment of Resource Protection and
                     Resource Management areas in compliance with the Chesapeake Bay
                     Preservation Act.
                   * Protect and conserve groundwater resources within the County.



           Essex County                             111-4                        Comprehensive Plan
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                   0 Protect important tidal and non-tidal wetland resources within the
                     county.
                   0 Conserve forest resources within the County while supporting the
                     timber hax-vesting industry as an important component of the County
                     economy.
                   0 Protect the important natural function of floodplains within the
                     County by limiting disturbance caused by development activity.
                   0 Preserve County shorelines by protecting against shoreline erosion.
                   0 Minimize runoff and sedimentation associated with agricultural and
                     development activities, particularly in areas with steep slopes.
                   0 Protect important plant and wildlife habitats within the County.
                   a Coordinate environmental quality protection efforts with future
                     opportunities to establish public parks, natural recreation areas, and
                     open spaces.
                   * Improve environmental quality on a site-by-site basis through the
                     establishment of performance standards for environmentally sensitive
                     development.



           @conomic Development

           Goal:
           Diversify and expand the County's economic base to provide a broad range of business
           development and employment opportunities within the framework of the County's
           overall growth management and land use goals and objectives.

           Objectives:
                   ï¿½ Strengthen local business/industry retention efforts and assist
                     existing businesses and industries to expand within Essex County.
                   ï¿½ Preserve the tradition of agricultural, forestry, fishing and shell fish
                     industries as important components of County rural character and
                     for the jobs they provide.
                   ï¿½ Attract new and relocating businesses and industries to Essex
                     County which complement the County and its existing economic
                     base and provide high qualityjobs for residents..
                   ï¿½ Continue encouraging efficient and attractive commercial
                     development to strengthen the County's economic base, and provide
                     both jobs and services for County residents.
                   ï¿½ Provide an ample supply of appropriately zoned land areas suitable
                     for future industrial and commercial growth.



           Essex County                                                          Comprehensive Plan
           Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                         November 1991






                   9 Work closely with the Town of Tappahannock in attracting quality
                     commercial and industrial business which support the Town's role as
                     a recognized center for business and industry in the County and
                     Region.
                   0 Assign priority to the adequate provision of infrastructure to areas
                     designated for future industrial and commercial development (i.e.
                     roads, water, and sewer systems).
                   9 Ensure that future commercial/industrial development is located,
                     designed, and built so as to be compatible with, and minimize impact
                     on, surrounding residential development and the rural character of
                     the County.
                   o Ensure that future commercial/industrial development is located,
                     designed, built, and operated so as not to degrade the County's
                     natural environment.
                   o Promote additional tourism/travel industry related development
                     which complements the rural, scenic, and historic qualities of the
                     County.


           "ousing & Community Development

           Goal:

           Provide residential areas that offer a variety of housing densities, types, sizes, costs, and
           locations to accommodate existing and future needs of County residents of all ages,
           incomes and family sizes.

           Objectives:

                   0 Encourage Planned Unit Development form rather than lot-by-lot
                     subdivisions to provide functional and balanced structure for
                     development and a viable tax base.
                   0 Improve housing opportunities for lower income segments of the
                     population.
                   0 Seek Federal support to provide assistance to upgrade existing
                     housing that is deficient in plumbing and sanitation facilities.
                   0 Direct mobile home development to approved parks and subdivisions.
                   0 Seek Federal support to rehabilitate or remove substandard housing.
                   o Protect residential neighborhoods from incompatible activities and
                     land uses.
                   o Preserve historic and/or architecturally significant buildings, homes,
                     and properties.
                   o Locate higher density residential development in proximity to the


           Essex County                            IH-6                        Comprehensive Plan
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                       availability of employment, commercial services, public utilities and
                       facilities, and transportation routes.
                       Foster land use patterns that reduce per unit land costs and
                       encourage flexibility in housing types.


             Parks, Recreation & Open Space

             Goal:
             Develop and implement a comprehensive recreational program to ensure adequate
             open space, park and recreational areas and facilities to serve the leisure time needs of
             present and future citizens.

             Objectives:
                    0  Coordinate expansion of recreational facilities with the C     ounty Land
                       Use Plan such that facilities and residential development coincide.
                    *  Plan community facilities with the capability of adaptive and shared
                       use/reuse (e.g., convertible schools, school libraries and County
                       branch libraries, and multi-use public auditoriums) by two or more
                       government agencies and by public and private sectors. Recreation
                       centers should be planned in new school construction.
                    e  Provide adequate waterfront access to meet the recreation needs of
                       current and future County residents;
                    0  Develop needed facilities in a cost effective manner such as giving
                       priority to expanding facilities at e,?dsting locations rather than
                       creating new facilities and/or new locations.
                    *  Ensure that the costs of additional public recreational facilities and
                       programs prompted by new development are equitably borne by those
                       benefitting.
                    0  Coordinate natural resource protection efforts with future
                       opportunities for County park, open space and recreational land uses.
                    e  Seek Federal and State assistance to secure both community park
                       sites and facilities at a scale necessary to meet present and future
                       County resident needs.


             @Kural Character & Agricultural Preservation

             Goal:
             Protect the land resources necessary to support the County's agricultural and timber
             harvesting industries and maintain and enhance its rural character.


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           Objectives:
                  0  Limit future development in rural areas of the County where public
                     facilities and services are not in place and direct the majority of
                     future growth to those areas of the County where services and
                     facilities are either already adequate or could be constructed
                     efficiently.
                  0  Limit consumption of land for residential development in agricultural
                     areas using density limitations and clustering techniques.
                  *  Maintain the eyisting character of rural villages and crossroad
                     settlements.
                  0  Preserve the County land base of productive agricultural soils in
                     rural areas for fanning.
                  o  Manage and maintain forestland resources in the County.
                  0  Minimize the conflicts which can occur between farm activities and
                     residential development. Establish provisions in the Zoning
                     Ordinance which support the farmers "right to farm" in the
                     Agricultural Preservation and Country-side plan districts.
                  0  Provide opportunities for agricultural support services /businesses in
                     rural areas in order to foster continued fanning operations.
                  0  Encourage the implementation of soil conservation and water quality
                     management plans on all farms in the County.
                  0  Support economic development programs which facilitate
                     diversification of the Agricultural economy and products, enhance
                     farm product marketing or in other ways assist farmers to maintain
                     an economically viable industry.


           Oistoric & Cultural Preservation

           Goal:

           Preserve and enhance the County's rich cultural and historic heritage.

           Objectives:
                  ï¿½  Cooperate with historical societies in preserving and utilizing historic
                     buildings or areas in the County.
                  ï¿½  Maintain and enhance mechanisms for preservation of significant
                     and important historic sites, properties and structures.
                  ï¿½  Provide opportunities for public and County resident interaction with
                     historic and cultural influences to enhance their appreciation of
                     these qualities of County life.



           Essex County                            111-8                       Comprehensive Plan
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           Vntergovemmental Cooperation and Continuing Planning Process

           Goal:

           Encourage citizen participation in County planning efforts and coordinate planning
           efforts with the Town of Tappahannock, adjacent Counties and the Middle Peninsula
           Planning District Commission.

           Objectives:
                  ï¿½ Support and participate in regional planning initiatives which benefit
                    the County and facilitate achievement of County Goals and
                    Objectives.
                  * Work more closely with the Town in planning for development
                    adjacent to Tappahannock.
                  ï¿½ Encourage public participation in planning and decision-making
                    processes to assure resident values and interests are reflected in
                    public policy. Utilize citizen surveys as part of the periodic
                    Comprehensive Plan review process.

































           Essex County                          111-9                      Comprehensive Plan
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I
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                             FUTURE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS


             @ntroduction

             On the surface, concerns about growth might be called into question in a County which
             appeared to lose population in the past decade. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the
             County population declined from 8,864 residents in 1980 to 8,689 in 1990. However,
             during the same period the number of occupied homes or housing units increased from
             3,040 in 1980 to 3,258 in 1990. The decline in population by approximately 200 residents
             in inverse proportion to growth in occupied homes by roughly 200 households is a function
             of decreasing household size in the County. Demand for public services, sewer and water
             facilities, and transportation improvements are more a function of the number and
             distribution of households than population. Therefore in Essex County, there is certainly
             a basis for some concern about financing the improvements and services needed to
             respond to growth through a corresponding growth in County revenues. That concern
             is primarily related to the fear that current residents will have to pay for growth. Based
             on the issues identified by the Planning Commission, there is some indication that future
             growth in Essex County could exceed the County's and State's ability to provide certain
             services. These include, most notably, transportation system improvements (particularly
             a Tappahannock Bypass ) and sewer and water facilities. In both cases the fate's of the
             County and Town are intertwined. Given the modest growth projected for the County,
             these costs should be manageable. However, proactive measures to assure their
             manageability are in order.

             Clearly, there is a real need to coordinate land use decisions in order to efficiently extend
             sewer service. Thus, coordinating land use planning with transportation improvements
             and sewer and water service extension is a primary objective of the plan. Also of concern
             is the provision of sewer service outside the current town service area in a manner that is
             manageable and mutually acceptable to both the County and Town. Improving public
             recreation facilities rank high among County residents based on a 1989/90 survey of their
             interests. Lastly, the desire to preserve the County's traditional industries (i.e. agriculture)
             and rural character is a closely related issue. All three of these needs require a means of
             directing the location of future growth and development within Essex County.

             The cost of providing services is important, but is only a part of the problem. The
             provision of sewer services has been a traditional method of controlling growth, which
             requires a commitment to providing these services. A second related issue is the need not
             only to expand services to keep pace with the new development, but also to upgrade the
             level of service. For example, Essex County, like most rural counties, has relied on
             volunteer fire and ambulance services and State and Federal funding for water, sewer, and
             school facilities. As a rural county grows, it eventually reaches the point where a different
             and higher level of service is often demanded by the new residents, as well as a more
             responsive funding mechanism. All of these development related costs must be paid for,
             and the question of who pays is an issue upon which most citizens and elected officials
             have focused their attention. This is particularly true as Federal & State funding support



             EssexCounty                                   IV-1                             Comprehensive Plan
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               is increasingly unreliable given their financial condition.


               Populafion Trends & Projections

               What are the dimensions of growth faced by Essex County Residents? In this section, we
               have outlined the basic assumptions about the growth that the Essex County
               Comprehensive Plan must accommodate. The amount, distribution, and timing of
               population growth and development will influence many decisions to be made concerning
               implementation of the plan.
               The 1980 and 1990 Census comparison indicates Essex witnessed a modest decline in
               population during the 10 year period. At the same time, a corresponding increase of about
               200 households occurred.

               A review of Building Permits for residential construction during the same 10 year period
               indicates that 732 permits for new homes were issued during the decade. Almost one-half
               of these permits were for mobile homes. 60% of all permits issued were issued in the period
               1986 to 1990 indicating somewhat greater development activity in the second half of the
               decade.

               Table IV -1 shows the building permit Activity for the decade by type of construction. It
               is difficult to ascertain the actual distribution of development in the County in the past 10
               years. Although 1990 Census results are not yet available to confirm it, it is likely the
               Central Magisterial District received the largest percentage of new construction given the
               availability of sewer and water facilities, the role of the Town as a regional center of
               Commerce and the fact that the District has historically been home to just over one-half of
               the total population and households in the County. Table IV - 2 reflects their distribution
               in 1980.


                                                             TABLE IV - I

                                          Building Permits, Essex County 1981 - 1990

                                    1981    1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990


                       MH            24      32       30      32      23       30      40       47      34      47


                       CR            24      28       35      30      35       37      36       50      54      64


               MH - Mobile Home
               CR - Conventional Residences


               Source: Review of Essex County & Town of Tappahannock Permits
                           County Staff & Redman/Johnston Associates, February, 1991




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                                                               TABLEIV-2



                                  HOUSING DISTRIBUTION BY MAGISTERIAL DISTRICTS



                                                             Total           Total              Occupied Units
                                           Total           Housing           Year-Rd.
                                          Persons            Units           Units       Owner         Renter           Total


                Essex County                  8864            4082           3453           2381            569           3040

                Central District              4530            1913           1775           1191            431           1622

                Occupacia Dist.               2219             774           732             552            131           683

                Rappahannock
                Dist.                         2115            1395           946             638            97            735


                Source:          1980 Census of Housing; General Housing Characteristics, Vol. Part 48, Virginia.



                Using past trends to project future population and therefore demand for services has
                limitations, particularly if only the recent 10 year trend is utilized as in the case of Essex
                County, it would result in continued future losses in population. Any projections will be
                tempered by County and Town Policies and market trends and conditions.
                In reality, no single projection is safe when peering 20 years into the future. As a result,
                two alternative growth scenarios which might evolve in Essex County are considered. The
                first trends scenario is one in which Essex County's population grows at about the same
                level as it has during the period 1960 to 1990. Using this expanded historical period as a
                basis for projections eliminates what may be an aberration in the loss of population
                evidenced in the last ten (10) years. Such a growth pattern would respond to a longer term
                trend. (See Table IV - 3)

                Table IV - 4 also reflects a continued trends scenario but limits the basis for projection to
                the trends evident from 1970 to 1990, as a somewhat shorter and more recent period.
                The result of both scenarios are illustrated in Table IV - 3 & 4 reflect a range of population
                increase of between 1,066 and 1,562 new residents by the year 2010. The following kinds
                of factors will influence which of the two growth trends materialize:

                        ï¿½ The degree to which employment opportunities in Essex County
                            increase over time
                        ï¿½   Whether or not construction of a Route 17/360 bypass or truck route
                            altemate occurs within the planning period
                        ï¿½   The manner in which planned expansion of sewer and water facilities



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                        in the Town and surrounding County service area occurs over time
                    *   The degree to which commercial services and growth (e.g. Wal-Mart)
                        occurs over time
                    0   The influence of regional transportation improvements (Washington
                        Bypass or 1-95 corridor modifications) and the manner in which they
                        influence regional traffic and growth patterns.



                                                    TABLE IV - 3

                                           Projected Population Growth

                                       Based on Trend Growth (1960 to 1990)

                                   1970         Im            im            2000           2M
                    6530           7099         8864          8661          9194           9727



                                                    TABLE IV - 4

                                           Projected Population Growth
                                       Based on Trend Growth (1970,to 1990)

                           1970          1980          1990           2000          2010

                           7099          8864          8661           9442          10223


             For comparison the most recent population projections published by other sources were
             prepared in 1986 and 1990 by the Virginia Department of Planning & Budget and
             University of Virginia, Center for Public Service respectively. The former agency projected
             a year 2000 population for the County of 9,700 residents. The Center for Public Service
             projects 9,400 residents for the year 2000. While projections for both agencies are higher
             than the 9,194 projected in Table IV - 3, both were prepared assuming a 1990 population
             of over 9,000 residents before the recent preliminary census results became available.
             Therefore, based on comparisons of available projections performed by various agencies
             in the past, tempered by the recent census, the projections identified in Table IV - 4 would
             appear to be adequate for purposes of evaluating the general level of growth which could
             be expected within the planning period. Moreover, selecting the somewhat higher
             projection is advisable to assure the County is prepared to provide for the possible higher
             rate of growth and the services which may be prompted by a greater growth rate. Such
             an approach is consistent with the adage "better safe than sorry".


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            Oousehold Projections & Trends
            There are many ways to look at the implications of population growth and residential
              pansion in Essex County. Focus on households and projections for future households
            are considered equally important to population projections for several reasons.
            ex


            A household in essence, is the basic urban services-demanding unit in a county. Increased
            water and sewer loads, expanded school requirements, and ballooning highway travel
            volumes can all be traced to households. Households can be converted to household
            population by means of average household size. That factor declined substantially in
            Essex County through the period 1960 to 1980. Finally, households are the visible evidence
            of population growth and change in the County from the perspective of existing residents.
            Table IV - 5 identifies household projections for Essex County.
            The projections reflect a conversion of the population projections identified in Table IV -
            4 to households recognizing the County and National trends toward decreasing household
            size. The result of a decreasing household size is more homes to accom miodate a given
            population in the future than is manifest today. Projections indicate that the County
            should plan for an increase of 1008 households over the 20 year   planning period.



                                                  TABLEIV-5

                                      Essex County Household Projections
                                                1970         1980       1990      2000       2010
            Population                          7099         8864       9442      8661       10233
            Average household size              3.4          2.9        2.7       2.5        2.4
            Number of Households                2081         3032       3251      3776       4259



            @and Consumption Implications
            Another characteristic of growth is its   form. Varying forms of growth yield either
             prawling or condensed development. Table IV - 6, indicates the land needed to satisfy
            the projected population and households under several lot-size scenarios. Converting
            s

            households to acres of development begins to create an image of what the growth might
            look like on the landscape. If all the new growth were channeled into three acre lots, it
            would consume over 3,000 acres of County land area. Obviously, this will not be the case
            since some development will be of a higher density, such as that found around
            Tappahannock. The consumption of land is an important consideration in establishing
            the appropriate mix of land use controls to manage the form of growth in the County.


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                                                    TABLEIV-6

                                       Land Consumption Options to Satisfy
                                           Projected Population Growth
                                                         2010


             Additional
             Year Round
             Housing Units                                            Acres of Land Needed With
             1008              0.5 ac lots          1 ac lots             2 ac lots        3 ac lots

                                  504                 1008                 2016              3024



             Puture Land Use Issues
             The population projections show that the County can expect an increase in population of
             1562, or an 18 percent increase by the year 2010.
             Traditional planning theory suggests that development should occur around towns or
             development centers with sewer service. This is a theory that makes sense and, if
             accomplished, assures a serviceable development pattern. However, this theory may only
             partially work in Essex County. If, as we suspect, growth trends by Magisterial District
             continue, a substantial portion (roughly 50 percent) of the County's future growth will
             want to locate in the rural part of the County where no sewer service or sewer expansions
             are now planned. These areas tend to be more difficult to accommodate with most County
             services.
             Past development in the County has undoubtedly been driven by the Town's role as a
             regional commercial and business center as well as the County's riverfront and rural
             qualities which attract new residents from more urban areas who seek a rural lifestyle or
             second home. If this growth is to be accommodated without major investment in sewer
             service facilities, the result could well be the form of suburban or rural sprawl now evident
             in some areas of the County. The current zoning would only add more impetus to the
             tendency for development to sprawl, in that a couple of acres in the Country is often market
             responsive since it is exactly what the former suburban resident from the Richmond or
             Washington D.C. Metropolitan Areas moving to Essex County desires. As was once said,
             "when everyone moves to the country, it is no longer country." Large lot zoning may
             result in a form of rural estate development that encourages higher-value housing and
             thus ensure that the assessed value of homes covers public costs; however, the resulting
             pattern of development runs counter to many of the objectives of the County, namely
             retaining the rural character of the County and preserving agriculture. Attempting to
             accommodate this growth along highway and road corridors, as is commonly done, will
             mean that the highway corridors can become continuous strips of housing and commercial


             Essex County                                 IV-6                           Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                November 1991






             development. This result also would run counter to the goal of preserving the "rural"
             character of Essex County.



             rommercial Opportunities and Issues
             It is clear that Tappahannock is an active trade center for a region today of some 90,000
             residents in an eight county area. The factor which reinforces this position is its "'cross
             roads" location. Tappahannock is regarded as a regional center of commerce. It's
             potential size as a trade center is influenced by the size of, and the number of people within
             its trade area, the amount of competition from other trade centers and the share of it"s own
             trade area market local establishments capture.
             Growth potential appears particularly strong, both for the expansion of existing business
             and for establishment of possible new outlets for retail uses, food related businesses,
             automobile sales-service as well as growth in building supply businesses in support of
             regional construction activity.
             Presently, the opportunity for growth appears bright and as long as new basic jobs come
             to the area, the County and Town will remain in a potential growth situation. The factor
             that could cause growth to level off is competition from other trade centers which might
             serve the area. Both the Fredericksburg and Gloucester areas have location potentials to
             compete in Tappahannock's trading area. A potential hazard exists in the possibility of
             over-responding to short-term trends and building a larger trading center than the region
             can support. However, there is a little evidence that such a point has been reached at this
             time.
             Another area that may present a more modest opportunity than retail trade is wholesale
             trade. Data presented earlier indicates that wholesale trade is not a strong component of
             the local economy. It is not unusual in a region for wholesale trade to lag behind retail,
             the main reason being that the trade areas for wholesaling is larger than for retailing. There
             is a likelihood that much of Essex County's wholesale needs are being met by the larger
             nearby metropolitan areas. Because of its central location and its fairly large (and growing)
             trade area, there is a potential market for growth in wholesale trade.


             IServices
             For the past several decades, growth in most urban areas has been accompanied by growth
             in both public and private service and trade employment. Generally, service employment
             has grown faster than the economy as a whole for the nation and this is also true in Essex
             County. Much of this increase is accounted for in the two medical service facilities which
             were established within recent years. These trends are projected at a slower growth rate
             than in the last five years although service employment is still projected to account for
             nearly one out of every three jobs by 1990. This growth is likely to be distributed among

             EssexCounty                                   IV-7                            Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                  November 1991






               expanding medical facilities, additional public and semi-public services and other services
               related to serving growth and tourism.
               One prospective opportunity for growth in services is in the area of commercial
               entertainment services. This potential might be reflected in the establishment of any of
               several commercial entertainment establishments such as; a bowling alley, a skating rink
               or a motion picture theater. Services generate the same issues as trade with respect to
               utilizing commercial land, in most cases, and the types of parking and traffic needs that
               are generated.


               Manufacturing and Industry
               The manufacturing potential of the area is demonstrated by the rise of several major
               industrial employers since the early 1960's, dealing in national markets. These industries
               came during a period when another strong employment group, lumber manufacturing,
               all but disappeared from the local economy because of automation. This illustrates the
               importance of diversified basic employment sector to a community in smoothing out the
               severe impact of a decline, or temporary disruption in a specific industry or industry
               group. Because the community had the foresight to develop the Industrial Park which is
               the focus of most of the present industrial employment, the present employment base is
               fairly secure. Land is still available in the Park which provides potential for growth, and
               additional land in the County will help to attract growth in this segment. Alternate sites
               for consideration may be necessary to provide flexibility in location needs of potential
               industries.
               In promoting additional industrial growth, the objective should be to maintain and
               enhance as much diversity in the industry base as possible.


               Oevelopment Pressures                                                                                77::]
               One result of economic growth is often residential population growth. Essex County has
               not experienced the same level of residential growth that the County economy has
               witnessed. At the present time it is likely the County has been absorbing a labor force that
               was already in the area. Certainly a large number of persons commute to Essex and
               Tappahannock from other nearby counties.
               Eventually, albeit perhaps beyond the next 10 years, the growth of an employment center
               can be expected to attract more families who will desire to move to the area in and around
               Tappahannock. This will put pressure on both the private and public sectors and raise
               questions of "how to deal with such growth". At such time as such pressures become
               evident, the County and Town may need to reconsider elements of this Comprehensive
               Plan and redirect policies accordingly.



               Essex County                                         IV-8                                  Comprehensive Plan
               Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                                November 1991






            Oevelopment of Community Services
            Growth will place demands on the County and Town governments for more community
            services, such as: water, sewer, sanitation services, traffic control, recreation and
            educational facilities. This pressure in turn will increase the cost of operating the local
            government and raise issues of how to finance additional costs. Because Tappahannock
            is the focus for most of the growth in Essex County, these pressures will be particularly
            strong within and near the incorporated Town limits. A strong partnership between Town
            & County governments will be essential to satisfy the demand for cost-effective services.


            Other Planning Considerations
            Because of its extensive shoreline along the Rappahannock River, Essex County could
            expect to have a potential market for an increase in the number of recreational and
            retirement homes, which many other Eastern Virginia communities have been
            experiencing in recent years. Recreational and retirement homes are not necessarily a
            problem but most of the concerns of urban residential development are associated with
            them - provision of basic facilities and services. Still another element of development
            concerns what happens to farm lands in the path of growth. Pressures for land conversion
            and resulting rise in land prices often make it more economical for farms to be developed
            than farmed. Some communities faced with this situation desire to protect prime
            agricultural land through land use regulations and other appropriate policies and
            incentives.
            A final development issue to consider is the trend toward highway strip development.
            With Route 17 and 360 both serving as tourist routes and the pressures for expanding
            commercial facilities, there is likely to be continual pressure on these roads for commercial
            use. Development policies should be established for these routes and included in the local
            comprehensive plans and regulatory documents. Zoning and subdivision regulations are
            the basic regulations through which this issue can be addressed.               The corridor
            enhancement district proposed in this plan forn the basis for such regulatory reform.













            Essex County                                 Iv-9                            Comprehensive Plan
            Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                 November 1991







                                      GROWTH MANAGEMENT
                                 AND LAND USE PLAN ELEMENT


            The Land Use Plan Element is the most important element of the Essex County
            Comprehensive Development Plan in that it establishes the relationship between the
            County' s existing pattern of development and the location, distribution and scale of future
            development. As such, it also influences the location and timing of public facilities and
            transportation system improvements. The enhancement of specific County qualities,
            preservation of rural character, and protection of natural resources is achieved by all
            elements of the Comprehensive Plan with the land use element serving as the cornerstone.
            Moreover, the cost-effective provision of roads, water and sewer facilities and other public
            services cannot be assured without a clear means of managing growth by directing it to
            specific areas where development infrastructure already exists and away from rural areas
            of the County where it does not exist. The land use plan provides that means.

            The land use element of the County Comprehensive Plan is where the various planning
            goals and objectives and chapters on specific topics must be integrated into a
            comprehensive whole. The way in which land use districts are mapped, their
            infrastructure requirements, the objectives established for resource protection, definition
            of community character, provision of public facilities and transportation improvements
            must all be integrated into the Comprehensive Plan through the land use plan. In short,
            more than any other single plan element, the land use plan captures a future vision of
            Essex County's development pattern. Finally, the land use plan is a fundamental extension
            of County Growth Management philosophy and illustrates the spatial land development
            implications of Growth Management policy.



            Oackground

            The majority of development within Essex County has occurred in the Central Magisterial
            District. Development has also occurred along the Rappahannock River shorefront south
            of Tappahannock. With some exceptions, suburbanization has taken the form of strip
            development in a scattered pattern along roadways throughout the remainder of the
            County.

            The distribution and location of growth in recent years has not always assured efficient
            delivery of public services as its pattern in rural areas of the County has been widely
            dispersed. Moreover, the limited sewage treatment capacity in the County accelerates
            pressures for conversion of rural farmland to development in areas heretofore not subject
            to the pressures with which they may face in the future. Present land use controls in the
            face of these forces may prove inadequate to achieve a "planned"' pattern of land use
            consistent with County growth management objectives. Continuation of this trend can
            dearly create widespread rather than contained public service delivery demands over time
            and prompt a widespread and inefficient use of public dollars to meet increasing demands
            if unchecked. Therefore, the Land Use Plan derives from the fundamental need to foster



            Essex County                               IV-10                           Comprehensive Plan
            Redman /Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                              November 1991






                a more land efficient and serviceable development pattern in the future. It serves as the
                foundation upon which the -contained growth" policy adopted by the County is to be
                constructed.

                The two guiding objectives of the Essex County Land Use Plan are the preservation of the
                County's rural character and protection of its natural resources. These two objectives work
                well with the objectives of preserving agricultural land use and directing future growth
                to areas presently serviced or planned to be served with public sewer and water. These
                two objectives are of paramount importance since a failure to achieve these will result in
                a perceived failure of the entire plan even if other objectives, such as those relating to
                transportation and capital facilities planning, are successfully accomplished.

                The existing Land Use pattern and geographic distribution of land uses are important
                fundamental determinants of the County's character and quality of life for its residents.
                Past settlement patterns have established the basic framework for future development. In
                order that the future use of land respond appropriately to the land use goal and objectives
                (Part H of this document), County policies will need to be continually re-evaluated.
                Policy Considerat ons

                Growth management is related to all other planning issues in the County and in particular
                the Land Use Plan. The location, costs and qualities of development are the major areas
                of concern, in Essex County. Although each may be discussed separately, a high degree
                of interrelationship exists.

                A specific program for the installation of necessary public facilities in advance of need will
                control the rate and location of new growth. Growth management goals and objectives
                must also recognize other planning issues.

                Clearly, natural resources, rural conversation, and agricultural preservation objectives
                must be reflected in locational policies.

                For the most part, the rate and location of growth is tied to the ability to provide public
                services to new developments. This ability is highly dependent on the cost impacts of
                proposed developments on the existing service network. Current residents should not be
                expected to subsidize the provision of services to new residents or the profits of the project
                developer.
                The following Growth Management Policies are intended to facilitate County efforts to
                accomplish Land Use Planning objectives:
                            Provide for an efficient and effective growth management framework
                            which targets population growth at the rate of 8 percent to 10 percent
                            per decade, and controls the type, location, and costs of growth in
                            accordance with the Land Use Plan.
                            Provide adequate land area for the approximately 1008 new dwelling
                            units projected to occupy locations in the County by the years 1990
                            and 2010.



                Essex County                                        IV-11                                  Comprehensive Plan
                Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                                November 1991






                     ï¿½ Anticipate an Essex County population between 9700 and 10,300
                       residents by the year 20 10.
                     ï¿½ Adopt and implement regulations that require that the public costs of
                       adequately servicing proposed developments be clearly defined and
                       that require that the ftmds for servicing and maintaining these
                       developments are provided without significant additional financial
                       burden on current residents or public agencies.
             The amount, distribution and timing of population growth will determine the costs of
             providing the facilities needed to support population increases, and also determine
             non-residential growth (commercial and industrial). The County's population is expected
             to increase by approximately 1500 persons by the year 2010. Sixty to seventy-five percent
             of this projected growth is expected to occur in the Central Magisterial District in service
             areas near Tappahannock.
             Based upon a declining average household size over the next 20 years, by the year 2010
             there will be approximately 1,008 additional households in the County. Future housing
             units will be proportionally distributed in the same manner as future population growth.
             The land area required to satisfy projected housing demand at lower densities is
             substantially greater than at higher densities. Therefore, providing areas for development
             at higher densities reduces the rate of conversion of farmland and preserves rural character
             in many County areas. This approach concurrently permits protection of natural resources
             and establishes more serviceable development form.             Selective concentration of
             development is needed to facilitate established planning goals and objectives.
             The following Land Use Planning policies are intended to limit urban sprawl and
             concentrate most of the County's growth in clearly identified development areas:
                     9 Adopt and implement a land use plan map which limits growth to
                       desired locations and at desired intensities.
                     0 Coordinate the use of the land use plan map, the zoning map, the
                       capital improvements plan, and the master water and sewer plan
                       with one another in terms of districts, locations, and planned
                       expansions to assure growth management efforts are cohesive.
                     0 Revise the County's zoning structure to provide for distinct and
                       varied development options including cluster development provision
                       in rural and agricultural districts to implement identified land use
                       objectives.
                     o Use land use controls and ordinances to implement standards for
                       development which improve its qualities regardless of the district in
                       which development occur.
                     0 Protect residential zones from incompatible activities and land uses
                       in order to ensure comfortable and safe living environments.






             Essex County                                IV-12                           Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                November 1991






                           THE LAND USE PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION
                                                          STRATEGIES


               The Essex County Land Use Plan will set the stage for guiding or managing the direction
               of future development in the County. As such, it establishes the skeletal framework for
               all plan elements. The basic intent of the conceptual land use plan and map is that the
               County channel most of its population into and around the areas delineated as a
               development services district surrounding the Town of Tappahannock and that
               development in other County areas be limited to a somewhat greater extent to minimize
               the impact of service delivery cost in more remote County areas.

               The various County land use districts will serve as a basis for County structuring of zoning
               classifications with the intent and purpose for each district to be achieved or accomplished
               through land use controls and performance standards appropriately framed consistent
               with each districts purpose.

               The County future land use concept plan is presented on the Land Use Plan Map (MAP
               IV-1) and is shown in terms of general areas or districts. Each has been derived from the
               objectives and are in consonance with the general theme and philosophy of "contained
               growth". They have directly shaped the development of the recommended Land Use
               Concept Plan Map. These concepts are represented as the Planning Districts listed below:

                       0   Town

                       0   County Development Service District
                       0   Deferred Development Service District
                       o   Business and Employment District

                           Rural Service Centers

                           Rural Residential District

                           Countryside District
                           Agricultural Preservation District
                           Highway Corridor Enhancement District
                           Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas
               These districts are described in terms of their respective roles in directing County growth
               in the remaining sections of this Plan element. Illustrated on the Land Use Plan Map are
               districts derived from a combination of a number of determinants including: existing land
               use patterns; projected growth and development trends; the natural capacity and
               suitability of the land to support development; the availability or proposed availability
               and adequacy of development infrastructure (roads, sewer and water); and the Goals and
               Objectives established in Part III of this document. Each district description outlines the
               general type, intensity and character of development that should be encouraged within
               the district. The Land Use Plan Map shows the general location of different districts



               EssexCounty                                        IV-13                                Comprehensive Plan
               Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                             November 1991






























































                                                                                                                                                                                             IN.




























            Scale    i inch   2.37 Miles     12, 500 Feet


            0                   3     4
                                               Mile


            0               12.500.         25. 000
                                               Feet





                                        Rechran/johnston Associates, Ltd.
                                       Planning, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture





            throughout the County. The Land Use Plan also establishes the framework and basis for
            a further refined classification of land into districts for zoning purposes pursuant to
            adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. In addition to serving as a general guide for
            implementing land use policy, the Land Use Plan also should serve as a guide to County
            decision makers regarding community facilities (primarily water and sewer) and
            transportation (roads) planning.


            [rown
            The Town of Tappahannock is the cornerstone for the County's Comprehensive Plan. The
            town serves to anchor County identity and to provide the central focus for activity in
            County life. As the major settlement in the County, it also represents the major investment
            in infrastructure to support growth. The fate of County and Town are mutually
            intertwined. The quality and character that development and time bring to one will clearly
            influence the other. Therefore, the County Comprehensive Plan acknowledges the Town
            of Tappahannock as the underpinning for the Land Use Plan framework. Guiding growth
            to near town areas where facilities can be most logically extended permits protection or
            rural character and reduced demand for County services in more outlying rural areas.


            @County Development Service District
            The County Development Service District generally corresponds to locations where
            growth can be most cost effectively supported within the planning period. The
            Development Service District contains roughly 2900 acres and surrounds the existing
            principal center of population, services and employment within Essex County. The vast
            majority of commercial and industrial development as well as somewhere between forty
            and sixty percent of the County's residential development is projected to occur in areas
            designated as the Development Service District over the next twenty years. How
            development is managed in this district will be dependent on botMhe County and Town"s
            relationship as they will guide growth in the area based on mutual decisions. It will be
            important for the County and Town to mutually determine how growth objectives may
            best be accommodated while protecting the qualities of rural character both currently
            enjoy.
            Town infill development and redevelopment will occur over time and the Town will be
            challenged to provide services to existing residents while protecting the character of
            existing town neighborhoods. However, the major development of the County will occur
            in the Development Service District underscoring the need for more detailed planning for
            growth in this area. In fact, this Comprehensive Plan update recommends that a fiscal
            study be undertaken to determine how the County and Town will be properly positioned
            to manage growth within the district. Evaluation of fiscal impact on both communities
            and how service delivery costs might most equitably be borne to support realization of


            Essex County                                IV-15                          Comprehensive Plan
            Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                               November 1991






             the plan will be critical.

             The Development Service District comprises the most suitable areas for new population
             growth. Growth in these areas will prevent the outward sprawl of residential
             development into rural County areas, and keep the new population dose to the existing
             centers where residents can be economically provided with utilities, services, and
             employment. In addition, the impact upon the County road system will be minimized
             since families will have the opportunity to be located physically dose to the jobs and
             services which they require. Likewise, economic objective identified in Part HI of this Plan
             emphasizes the importance of near Town areas in the County's economy.

             Tappahannock should remain the center of major Countywide governmental
             administrative functions and services, and other institutional uses serving a Countywide
             population. The land areas shown as Development Service District share several common
             attributes. Each appears to be, to some extent, subject to greater development pressure
             than many other County areas. Each either has in place or provides opportunity to put in
             place the kind of services required by development. These services include an existing or
             planned transportation system that can accommodate the movement of people and goods
             and sewer and water facilities that can service development at greater residential densities
             or can service industrial and commercial uses. Each of these areas is in some way already
             characterized by development activity which suggests that efforts to preserve farm land
             or to establish significant resources protection programs would be less effective in these
             areas than if established in other County areas. The major advantage of the development
             district concept is to map in advance those areas where the County and Town will plan to
             provide infrastructure and will work with the development interests of the County to be
             sure it is put in place. However, this in no way implies that the costs of development will
             be solely borne by the County taxpayer. In providing opportunities for development in
             these areas, the County can thereby better achieve its resource protection and its
             agricultural preservation objectives by reducing pressures for development in areas
             dominated by farming activity or natural resources.

             Growth in the Development Service District can be more effectively managed in that these
             areas are adjacent to areas currently served by sewer and water facilities. The challenge
             is to ensure that the conversion of land from rural to suburban development in these areas
             does not exceed the capacity of public services and facilities. Likewise, the plan must
             provide protection for natural resources such as Hoskins Creek and elements of rural
             character that are considered desirable in these areas.

             To improve the visual and functional qualities of development within the Development
             Service District, the County will need to evaluate and revise its land use ordinances to
             establish performance standards for landscaping, control of access, lot coverage, and
             buffering from adjacent transportation corridors. Future commercial and industrial forms
             of development within the development district on sites not presently zoned for such uses
             should be carefully evaluated to assure site characteristics permit these objectives to be
             achieved. The past linear form of commercial development, particularly along the Route
             17/360 corridor, has not always enhanced the visual quality of development and has
             reduced the ability of  major roads to serve through-traffic. Future areas within the


             Essex County                               IV-16                           Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                               November 1991





             Development Service District which may be designated for commercial or industrial
             development should be large in size (e.g. 10 to 15 acres) and should be located at
             intersections providing site frontage on at least two streets with adequate depth to provide
             space for service roads. Such sites can use the access provided by these streets and are
             adequate in size to house several uses with shared access, thereby minimizing outlets to
             the major road system. Their larger size permits sufficient land to accommodate
             landscaping between use and highways to enhance development visual qualities.
             Clustering of residential development should be encouraged within the development
             district to maintain open space. Such development, even when exclusively residential in
             nature, should be buffered and separated by landscaping from major routes or adjacent
             incompatible land uses.
             All portions of the Development Service District (DSD) are immediately adjacent to
             Tappahannock@s corporate limits and include areas at Bray's Fork, areas east of Bray's
             Fork, toward the Rappahannock River and areas west of Bray's Fork along the 360 corridor.


             Oeferred Development Service District
             The Deferred Development Service District is basically intended to facilitate future
             development beyond a 10 year time horizon. It is designated in the plan to protect its
             qualities so that it will be ready for a planned pattern of "town-scale" development in
             serviceable form. If designated rural residential or prematurely developed at non sewer
             and water densities, the Deferred Development District would essentially freeze future
             opportunities for growth in "serviceable"' form as the Town Core expands. Some 4300
             acres are designated as Deferred Development Service District.
             Since the purpose of this district is the same as the Development Service District (DSD),
             much of the description of the DSD is equally applicable to this district. The chief
             distinctions between the two districts are their location relative to the town and anticipated
             time frames for development.



             Ousiness and Employment District
             The Business and Employment District is noteworthy in that it reserves specific areas of
             land near the County's existing airport and major industry settlement for future growth
             of the same kind. Roughly four hundred acres, of which some three hundred appear
             suitable for development, are identified for business and employment park development.
             The area obviously includes the present airport. Should the airport be relocated in the
             future, it will need to be linked carefully to the Business and Employment District to assure
             a strong highway connection between the two is provided.
             While the Plan Map specifically reserves this near airport area for future business and
             industry development, it by no means is intended to be the only location for such uses.


             Essex County                                 IV-17                            Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                  November 1991





             Specific industry land area requirements and site suitability factors may not always permit
             their location in this district. Therefore portions of the Development Service District,
             particularly along route 360 west of Bray's Fork may represent alternate sites for business
             and industry use. Business and industrial uses should be served with sewer and water
             facilities and situated with direct access to either arterial or major collector routes.
             Industrial development within the district or in the Brays Fork area near Route 360 affords
             such access and both areas are generally removed from residential development. To
             encourage development of industry to high standards, "business park" development form
             should be encouraged. This permits the co-location of businesses in an attractive
             campus-like setting while minimizing individual industry points of access to the highway
             system. When industrial development occurs in an area on a fragmented basis, uniform
             standards should be established to assure all uses when cumulatively located present a
             cohesive park-like image and character.
             Regardless, in addition to the designated area on the Land Use Plan Map, the
             Business /Employment District can be located as a floating zone district within the
             Development District and areas adjacent to major routes if the criteria described above are
             met. A business park district which is approved as a floating zone should be developed
             in accordance with a comprehensive site plan. Implementation of the site plan assures
             compatibility of industrial operations with surrounding areas. A park-like atmosphere is
             created which provides an attractive buffer between industrial uses and other neighboring
             land uses.



             @Rural SeMce Centers
             Several rural service centers including most of which are located along the Route 17 and
             360 corridors provide opportunities for provision of services necessary to support rural
             development in some County areas. Designated as rural service centers, they are intended
             to accommodate limited commercial use and provide basic levels of support services to
             residents who may be located in a one to six mile area or radius.
             These rural service centers or villages perform a number of functions in the growth
             management program.          These include servicing as centers for rural residential
             development and providing for commercial services for rural areas of the County and the
             traveling public. The ability of these centers to accommodate some portion of the future
             growth of the County is a function of their location and the existing scale of development
             and range of services provided to surrounding rural areas. Characteristics common to
             most of these rural service centers are the existence of post offices and country stores, gas
             stations, or churches, providing each with its own sense of identity.
             The concept of the rural service center is included in the land use plan in order to recognize
             and provide for the special needs of these County unincorporated centers. These centers
             are often very different in character.
             These rural service centers serve a multitude of functions in Essex County. They range in


             EssexCounty                                  IV-18                           Comprehensive Plan
             Redman /Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                November 1991






                scale from fork in the road where a general store and beauty parlor are located, to a rapidly
                expanding community that is beginning to emerge as a service center of larger scope. Their
                distribution throughout the County is shown on the Plan Land Use Map. Many have
                historic qualities or structures which suggest future development near them should be
                limited in scale or, if unchecked, could overwhelm or disrupt their more rural character.
                All of the rural service centers do, however, share much in con-anon, and collectively they
                play and important part in Essex County life. In general, these Centers tend to be
                somewhat residential in character, or offer some employment through limited commercial
                services as well as public or institutional uses. In general, they presently function as rural
                service centers and the County should preserve and enhance their present character in
                order that they may continue to act as rural service areas and to serve their traditional roles
                in the County life.
                Generally, these areas shown as Rural Service Centers should:

                        o remain small in population size
                        o   remain small in physical area
                        0   be allowed to continue to provide limited, highly localized commercial
                            services (such as a gas station or general store, etc.)
                        *   be allowed to serve as home for community facilities and services
                            when needed
                        o   be allowed to continue to provide limited employment opportunity.
                        o   have a population density of one dwelling unit per acre, which is
                            greater than the surrounding more rural areas.
                Areas directly adjacent to existing uses in each village could provide for their continued
                development consistent with the degree and scale of the individual village centers. To this
                end, architectural themes should be framed for each rural service center with development
                in its confines subject to architectural review for compatibility with the particular centers
                image.
                The need for central water and sewer is not anticipated in the rural service centers villages.
                However, in centers where land application of waste water is a feasible treatment
                technology (i.e. soils are potentially suitable), these systems can allow greater clustering
                of residences and opportunities for commercial use.
                The following settlements have been designated rural service centers in the Land Use Plan:

                            Hustle

                            Champlain

                            Caret

                            Dunnsville

                            Center Cross


                EssexCounty                                         IV-19                                 Comprehensive Plan
                Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                               November 1991








                       Miller's Tavem
             In the future it is possible that additional rural service center sites might be identified.
             However, their future designation should be a function of their need to serve as service
             centers in the context of their existing distribution in the County. These new centers would
             be limited to providing the most basic retail services for the convenience of the rural
             population.



             gural Residential District
             The Rural Residential District identifies areas which have manifested rural residential
             development character or qualities as a result of past construction in the County.      This
             district includes some 44,000 acres on 28.5 % of the County's land area. The Rappahannock
             River front both north and south of the Town as well as areas west of the Town near Kino
             are so designated. These areas are intended to absorb between fifteen and twenty-five
             percent of County growth over the twenty year planning period at a low density, rural
             residential scale. Densities for residential use in this district will be approximately 1
             dwelling unit per acre depending on existing settlement patterns and past zoning
             treatment for lands in the district. Commercial services and employment opportunities
             in the town or the adjacent Development Service District are intended to provide the
             shopping and employment opportunities that residents in the Rural Residential district
             will require.


             @Countryside District
             The Countryside District is the largest in physical land area (67,500 acres or 42% of County
             land area) and is intended to limit development to a level which should never be expected
             to require substantial support services from the County. One acre lots will be permitted
             in the Countryside District in the zoning ordinance, but the number of lots will be limited
             to one per each 5 acres owned to assure the maximum level of development is somewhat
             limited but equitably distributed among land owners in the district.


             lAgricultural Preservation District
             The Agricultural Preservation District is established at the northern end of the County
             straddling both sides of the Route 17 Corridor and essentially serves as a gateway to the
             County from the north. The district currently is dominated by agricultural use and is
             remote in its location from existing County.services. To minimize future impacts on the
             County for costs of services, and to maintain the agricultural land base necessary to
             support a continued viable agricultural economy this district substantially limits
             residential development.


              ssex County                                IV-20                           Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                November 1991






             Within the district for the first twenty acres owned and for all parcels under twenty acres
             in size, a property owner would be permitted one house for each five acres owned. Beyond
             the first twenty acres owned the property owner would be entitled to an additional one
             house for each twenty acres in the parcel. By way of example, a property owner with one
             hundred acres would be permitted eight lots. Four homes for the first twenty acres (1 per
             5) and four homes for the additional eighty acres owned (1 per 20). The district includes
             41,500 acres (26% of County land area) and as such is roughly the same size as the Rural
             Residential District.
             When comparing the Rural Residential, Countryside, and Agricultural Preservation
             Districts, one should note that the minimum lot size permitted for homes in any of the
             three districts is the same, one acre. However, the number of lots permitted declines
             somewhat in the Countryside District to one house per 5 acres and somewhat more in the
             Agricultural Preservation District at 1 house per 20. In effect, the property owner in any
             of the three districts can develop the same product, a one acre lot.
             The only distinction between the districts is the number of lots permitted within each.
             Such an approach presumes to be reasonably equitable in that it permits any land owner
             the opportunity to sell a few one acre lots, yet protects the County from large scale
             development in areas where it is not prepared to provide services to support it. Moreover
             the result provides opportunity for clustering development particularly in the
             Countryside and Agricultural Preservation Districts and virtually assure large masses of
             open space are maintained over time. These open spaces will serve to maintain farmland
             in farm use or preserve sensitive lands and wooded areas to yield natural resource
             protection benefits over time.


             Oighway Corridor Enhancement District
             The purpose of the Highway Corridor Enhancement District is to protect and improve
             the quality of visual appearances along these linear corridors and to provide guidelines
             to ensure that buffering, landscaping, lighting, signage, and proposed structures are
             internally consistent and of a quality which contributes to County character. The Highway
             Corridor District when implemented through zoning will provide for special access and
             buffering, and setback requirements along the County's major highways.
             The Highway Corridor Enhancement District is an area within which certain specific
             public policies relating to development review would be administered by the County
             through overlayzone regulations in the Zoning Ordinance. Views afforded to drivers and
             passengers, whether residents, workers or visitors, traversing the major transportation
             routes of Essex County provide a lasting visual and, therefore mental, impression of the
             County's character. Although the visual experience probably forms only a small part of
             a person's overall experience in the County, it, nevertheless, is of special public concern
             and requires public attention if the County's image is to be a positive one now and in the
             future.



             Essex County                               IV-21                           Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                               November 1991






             Not all development in Essex County requires the same level of public scrutiny. The most
             critical visual areas lie along the major transportation routes since they are shared by all
             residents and tourists. Hence, corridors of 500 feet from either side of the right-of-way of
             the major transportation route rights-of-way are identified for specific regulatory
             implications.
             The visual character today along these corridors is diverse, ranging from areas primarily
             rural, natural, and scenic to areas with disorganized and cluttered roadside development.
             The intent of the policies for the Highway Corridor Enhancement District is not to preclude
             the diversity that already exists; but, rather to encourage and better articulate the variety
             of visual experiences along the current highways as well as along the corridor of the
             proposed future routes for the County's major roads (e.g. Tappahannock
             Bypass/ Parkway).
             Future development of lands within the Corridor shall be subject to the particular zoning
             district in which they occur, as well as the following policies that are specific to the overlay
             corridor. These policies are not intended to restrict or prevent the construc tion of buildings
             within each Corridor, nor to require the removal of existing structures. The Corridor
             Enhancement policies are not simply setback requirements, although certain minimum
             setbacks will be required to protect highway rights-of-way and maintain sight clearances
             for traffic safety.
             The Route 17, 17/360, and Route 360 corridors and lands within 500 feet from their
             respective rights-of-way are designated as Corridor Enhancement Districts on the Land
             Use Plan Map. Other routes may be established in the future as determined appropriate.
             Policies specific to the Highway Corridors include:
                     *  Increased buffering requirements to screen unattractive buildings
                        from view which provide for a mix of canopy, understory tree and
                        shrub level plantings.
                     *  Special standards for signage height, design, size, materials, and
                        lights to maintain and enhance visual qualities.
                     9  Landscaping to be used to soften lighting and signage impacts and to
                        be located in groupings to identify entrances to sites.
                     o  Special consideration of new development within this district
                        including assessment of visual impact of development, assessing
                        pre-development visual conditions and how the proposed
                        development will affect them.
                     *  The review of projects in the Highway Corridor will acknowledge the
                        e-3dsting rural service centers as integral to the unique visual
                        character of the corridor.
                     0  Service roads be required when appropriate as a tool to achieve
                        access control within the Highway Corridor Enhancement District.




             EssexCounty                                   IV-22                            Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                   November 1991






            Planned Residential or Planned Unit Developments

            Planned Residential or Planned Unit Developments, although not shown on the Land Use
            Concept Plan Map, are established to provide for areas within the Development Service
            District where higher density or more intense development can be accommodated.
            Planned Unit and Planned Residential Developments will be established as floating zone
            districts, which can be "brought to land" only in those areas which meet the standards
            framed in County ordinance consistent with the concept outlined herein.
            Rather than mapping each of their future locations in advance, Planned Residential or
            Planned Unit Developments will be designated in accordance with performance standards
            to be structured in the County Zoning Ordinance. These developments Will be limited to
            locations within the Development Service District where public benefits, in the form of
            highway improvements, provision of affordable housing, provision of parks, provision
            for sites appropriate for construction of needed community facilities, are provided as part
            of the development approval process in exchange for higher densities. Threshold size and
            location requirements for their designation would also be framed in County ordinances
            to guide decisions concerning their location.
            While used as a tool to permit higher density residential development in portion of the
            development district, this concept does not encourage densities that are higher than would
            be consistent with the surrounding, established neighborhoods or adjacent town
            developed lands. Moreover, development approval and designation of the district should
            not proceed absent substantial public benefits and demonstrated consistency with Plan
            objectives.
            Furthermore, Planned Residential or Planned Unit Development densities for new sites
            adjacent or near to established neighborhoods would be required to buffer the edges to
            minimize impact to established neighborhoods. This approach acknowledges existing
            development patterns and recognizes historic development conditions. In short, higher
            residential densities or mixed use will be permitted only in such areas of the development
            district where infrastructure in the form of sewer, water and transportation systems would
            not be adversely impacted or could be accommodated within a defined geographic cell.


            @Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas                                                 7771
            The objectives indicate that special emphasis should be placed on the preservation of
            sensitive resources. These resources are often located at or near waterfront areas of Essex
            County. Without a firm commitment to preserve the natural beauty and environment
            resources in these areas, the County could find this natural asset spoiled by intensive
            residential development. Such a commitment is further prompted by the shared objectives
            of the County and State of Virginia Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act in improved water
            quality of County tributaries to the Bay.
            In keeping with these objectives:


            EssexCounty                                IV-23                           Comprehensive Plan
            Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                               November 1991






                   1.  A high degree of restriction should be placed upon the use of all waterfront land
                       that lies outside the Development Services Districts and Town and Rural Service
                       Centers.

                   2.  These restrictions should take the form of low residential densities, and high levels
                       of protection of sensitive resources and in keeping with the Chesapeake Bay
                       Preservation Acts requirements.
                   3.  Strict Resource Protection Performance Standards for development in the areas
                       designated should be established in Zoning, and Land Subdivision and Resource
                       Protection Areas and Resource Management Areas (Both subparts of the
                       Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas of the County) and Site Plan requirements and
                       regulations.
                   4.  Strong emphasis should be given to the provision of public assess to the waterfront
                       including the establishment of Natural Parks.
               Although not shown on the Land Use Plan Map, both Resource Protection Areas and
               Resource Management Areas are considered Land Use Districts. Their location and extent
               are generally represented on Map H-4 contained in Part II of this document, based on
               mapping efforts conducted by the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission in
               1990/91. Larger scale maps which identify their location with greater precision are
               available for review through the office of the County Administrator. Greater discussion
               of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and its implications for future County planning
               efforts is located in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Program Plan element. Protection
               standards for resources in these areas will be implemented through overlay district
               provisions in the County Zoning Ordinance, and through County subdivision and Erosion
               and Sediment Control Ordinances.



               @and Use Plan Summary

               The County is not expected to witness substantial growth in the next ten to twenty year
               period. Therefore the Plan does not seek to dramatically limit any one particular property
               owner's development options, but instead at the downside permits virtually any property
               owner to develop one acre lots. However, at the simplest level it recognizes that the
               number of those lots and the scattered format that they take can prompt service delivery
               costs that will not be desired by the County. Therefore it seeks to locate development in
               "'serviceable form" in the Development Service Districts over the near term five to ten and
               long term ten to twenty year planning period. Furthermore, the plan seeks to limit the
               degree of development that occurs in other districts consistent with objectives to protect
               natural resources, rural character, and minimize service delivery costs.






               Essex County                                        IV-24                                 Comprehensive Plan
               Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                              November 1991








                                       Estimated Land Area by Planning District



                      DISTRICT                                     ACRES                % of TOTAL
              Development Service District                           2,922                   1.8%
              Deferred Development Service District                  4,375                   2.7%
              Business & Employment                                    337                   0.2%

              Rural Service Centers                                       0                     0

              Rural Residential District                            44,264                   28.5%

              Countryside District                                  64,754                   39.8%
              Agricultural Preservation                             41,588                   26.0%
              Tappahannock Limits                                    1,760                   1.1%

                                                                  160,000+                   100%




























              EssexCounty                                   IV-25                            Comprehensive Plan
              Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                   November 1991







                                       TRANSPORTATION PLAN


             Essex County has a transportation system typical of rural counties. This system depends
             heavily on automobile use and has significant morning and afternoon traffic peaks. Car
             poolin& van pooling. and transit use are less that the national averages. Transit service in
             the region is limited to Greyhound bus service.
             Though the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has primary responsibility for
             the highway system, Essex County is a strong partner in transportation planning. This
             occurs because of its role in identifying highway improvement needs and its policies and
             regulations which guide land use and development in the County. Essex County's
             transportation system for the year 2010 requires special consideration near Tappahannock
             areas designated as future development service districts. Given average daily traffic
             volume increases by almost 50% in the period 1981-89, and the designation of this area as
             appropriate for future development, the need for Town by-pass/parkway will increase
             over time. From the analysis and the discussion of growth management three important
             transportation planning directions seem apparent:
                1 - The capacity of the major arterials; is key to growth management of the County and
                    should be carefully conserved. This implies strict access control and residential and
                    nonresidential design standards that emphasize internalization of circulation
                    systems.
                2.  Within the designated growth areas, pre-planned expansion of the highway system
                    is required to ensure that the function and viability of the growth centers do not
                    impact negatively on the quality of life, supporting the need for a Tappahannock
                    by-pass.
                3.  Increasingly, the private sector will have to be part of the solution of transportation
                    issues, including financing and other transportation systems modifications.
             Beyond a strict capacity-based approach to highway systems evaluation, consideration of
             the impact of roads and traffic on community character also needs to be considered. This
             is particularly true in the rural areas where development historically has been heavily
             highway oriented. Stripping the rural roads of the County with residential and
             nonresidential development will undoubtedly result in a loss of the rural character that
             the County wants to retain.
             This element of the Comprehensive Plan sets the framework for addressing transportation
             considerations discussed above. The goals and objectives statement (Part IH) provides the
             general guidance for developing more specific policies and implementation tools.
             Background for transportation planning is provided through an assessment of existing
             transportation network identified in Part II of this Plan.





             Essex County                                 IV-26                           Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/johnstonAssodates, Ltd.                                                   November 1991






             runctional Classification of Highways

             The skeletal framework of the County's highway system are the arterial and collector
             highways shown on Map IV-2. The map also reveals that the majority of the highway
             system is composed of local roads and secondary highways primarily functioning to
             provide access to individual properties. Based on the Functional Classification of
             Highways described above, the following characterizes the basic highway network in the
             County.
             Principal Arterial: Carries a high volume of traffic for intra-state, inter-county and
             inter-city travel. Traffic on this type of road normally has the right-of-way except in areas
             of high hazard, then controls are used. These routes in Essex County include:

                     0 U.S. Route 17

                     9 U.S. Route 360
             Major Collector. Serves intra-county and inter-community travel, but at a lower volume,
             and usually connects to an arterial to provide access to the surrounding land. Access is
             not directly from this road but from a sub-road connected to the collector. Major collectors
             may also serve community shopping areas, schools, parks and cluster developments.
             Those routes in Essex County include:
                        Route 648 from Nfiller's Tavern to the Rappahannock River
                        Route 620 from the King and Queen line to Dunbrooke
                     0  Route 609 from Route 684 to Dunnsville

                     o  Route 611 from Dunnsville to the River

                        Route 619 from Indian Neck to Route 360
                        Route 618 from Kino to Tappahannock
                        Route 627 from Tappahannock to Beazley

                        Route 629 fr  om Routes 627 to 624
             In Essex County these routes will continue to carry a great deal of farm and logging
             equipment. Most of the major collectors are either planned for improvements or
             improvements are already under way in order to best accommodate the traffic volume.
             Many have been improved in recent years.










             Essex County                                IV-27                            Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                 November 1991



















            0



            0
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            W
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            0
                                                000d
                                                                                                                                     FUNCTIONAL ROADWM

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                                                                                                                                             MAP IV-2-,






             rrraffic Volumes, Trends and Recommended Improvements
             Average daily traffic volumes (ADT) on roadway segments, available from VDOT (1989),
             are identified in Table IV - 7, Average Daily Traffic Volumes. Total average daily traffic
             (ADT) on U.S. Route 17 at Bray's Fork exceeded 17,000 vehicles per day in 1989. This
             represents a 49% increase in traffic volume at this location within the 8 year period.
             Non-dualized portions of the route south of Bray's Fork require dualization given current
             and projected traffic volumes. The State's Primary System Construction program (1989
             through 1994) indicates these parallel lanes including 4 lane bridging over Piscataway
             Creek are slated for upgrade presently although progress appears to be behind scheduling
             anticipated at that time.
             Traffic projections made by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) indicate
             that the average daily traffic on Rt. 17 through Town will increase from its current level
             of 22,000 vehicles per day to 30,500 vehicles per day by 2010, assuming no other alternative
             route is built. Volumes of this degree indicate a need for additional lane capacity on the
             Town's major transportation artery and/or underscore the need for a town by-pass or
             alternate parkway within the planning period. Clearly the Town needs to make judicious
             use of the existing highway system to ensure that the capacity is not prematurely depleted
             as a result of poor access control, particularly along the major arterial corridors.
             In summary, the Tappahannock by-pass is considered to be the major highway system
             improvement needed within the twenty year planning period. Major collector road
             improvements made in recent years already planned for improvement provide the County
             with a reasonably sound secondary road system.                Continued coordination of
             improvements with the Virginia Department of Transportation will be required on an
             annual basis to continually assess needs and priorities as they shift, based on future
             development patterns.



















             Essex County                                IV-29                           Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                November 1991



























       FL


                                                                                                     TABLE IV     7

                                                           . .........
                                                                                                                                        .......... ..
                                                                                          c:D i
                            ......               . . . . . . . ..........
                                                                                  'A
                           ................

                             Route No.                                                                                                                                        1981-1989
                                                                                                          1971              1976             1981              1989            % Change


                             17             Rt. 634, Caret           TaPpahannock                         4665              6275              5990             8255               3 7*A

                             17 & 360       Tappahannock             8ray's Fork                          8290              11620            11530             17190              49%

                             17             Bray's Fork              Rt. 684, Center Cross                3465              4555              4835             7180               48%

                             360            Rt. 624, W.  Warsaw      Tappahannock                         5035              6975              7010             9310               33%

                             360            Bray's Fork              Rt. 620, Mitter's Tavern             3720              4090              5065             6900               35%











           0
        zlt


        6.








             Mass Transit
             As noted in Part ]El of the Plan, little potential currently exists for providing a cost-effective
             County transit system due to the very low levels of ridership which could be expected
             from a rural, scattered population. Nevertheless, the County should continually reassess
             potential to assist the transportation of disadvantaged residents of the County, should
             federal or state funding supports for such programs become available to institute limited
             transit program.

             Airport Facilities
             Current airport facilities are virtually precluded from expansion given the location of
             surrounding development.
             The Tappahannock/ Essex County Airport Authority is presently conducting a study to
             assess optional locations for a new County airport facility. This would be the first step in
             the process of determining if Essex County needs a new airport.
             Should the Authority's study proceed to the next step which would be an economic study
             of a new airport facility, the County would need to become involved in the process.
             Future industrial and commercial locations would be somewhat dependent on a future
             airport facility location.

             Implementation
             The Transportation Plan identifies both needs and planned improvements in order to
             create a transportation network that is consistent with the objectives and implementation
             of the Land Use Plan. The two major planned improvements for the planning period are
             the Tappahannock Bypass and relocated airport facilities.
             The transportation plan cannot succeed without proper support and leadership from
             County government. The following implementation strategies establish the policy
             framework from which the County will create and maintain a functioning transportation
             system within the context of planned growth in the County.
             Capital Programming - Capital programming has been recognized as a proactive way
             of avoiding some of the past transportation capacity problems. To ensure that
             opportunities for pre-planned expansion are not missed, the County will require the
             annual revision of the County's Capital Improvements Program to be coordinated with
             the Comprehensive Plan and any recommended amendments resulting from the annual
             review of the Plan and planning process. The County will need to monitor changing
             growth and development trends in the County and to advise the State Highway
             Administration accordingly. The annual process involving the County and VDOT will
             evaluate the relationship between the State's available resources and the demands upon
             the County's primary and secondary road systems created by proposed land uses and land
             use trends.



             Essex County                                   IV-31                             Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                     November 1991






             The County should begin platting rights-of-ways for new roads and streets when the land
             use patterns allow. This will permit the coordinated completion of road improvements
             if undertaken by different entities such as private developers., Attention to this effort
             should be focused on the areas designated Development Service District in the Land Use
             Plan where development impacts as roads systems are most likely to occur thru the
             planning period.

             Maintain Coordination of the Land Use/Transportation Planning Process - Continuing
             emphasis should be placed on coordination between the County, VDOT, and M[PPDC
             staffs on matters related to planning and programming improvements and transportation
             systems management. There are several steps that can be taken to improve the current
             transportation planning process: the State and County should work very closely together
             to evaluate the transportation system implications of the County's new growth plans;
             elected officials should be major participants in this process; and coordinated State and
             County transportation management policy should evaluate the need to expand upon the
             current level of commuter ridesharing in order to reduce single-occupant vehicles.

             Quality of Service/Adequate Public Facilities Standards - The County's Level of Service
             (LOS) policies establish a recognizable basis for evaluating alternative plans and/or
             policies. LOS policies provide the basis and criteria on which to evaluate alternatives and
             to determine capital requirements. With establishment of LOS policies, the County makes
             a clear statement to developers and reflects the public's expectations about the quality of
             highway service it expects to achieve or maintain as growth occurs. With level of service
             established, the County then has a policy based, quantified capacity measure from which
             to assess the traffic impacts of new developments. Whether or not a particular
             development will generate traffic that will exceed the capacity of the road can be
             determined from analysis, and the question of road impacts is then no longer subjective.

             Traffic Impact Analysis - As part of the Zoning process and implementation of the LOS
             Policy, the County in conjunction with the state should require a traffic impact analysis of
             all major new projects. This analysis will be used to determine if post-development traffic
             levels and patterns will be consistent with the County's Transportation Plan and highway
             policies and will minimize potential safety and congestion problems. At a minimum, the
             traffic analyses should include a description of past and present roadway conditions,
             existing roadway capacity, traffic accidents, existing and projected traffic volumes (ADT
             and peak a.m. and p.m. traffic), existing and projected levels of service, and existing and
             proposed sight lines based on facts and reasonable generation factors for the site and the
             immediately affected road networks and intersections. Where the County has short-term
             planned improvements scheduled, it may permit the development may include such
             improvements in the traffic impact analysis. The County should adopt precise standards
             for the preparation of these analyses.

             Access Management - An access management program should be created, initiated, and
             supported by appropriate ordinances to ensure that access is not unnecessarily violated
             along key road links or near major intersections, particularly along the designated
             Highway Corridor Districts.




             Essex County                               IV-32                          Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                              November 1991






             The following techniques should be considered in managing access to principal corridor
             roadways.
                     ï¿½  Limit the number of conflict points by installing physical barriers,
                        modifying driveways, and installing signals at driveways, etc.
                     ï¿½  Separate basic conflict areas, by regulating the minimum spacing of
                        driveways, by spacing driveways optimally in the permit
                        authorization stage, by consolidating access for adjacent properties,
                        by denying access to small frontage parcels, and by requiring access
                        via collector streets, i.e. service roads, etc.
                        Minimize the need to decelerate in traffic by geometrically designing
                        access points.
                        Remove turning volumes or queues from sections of the through
                        lanes by pavement marking alterations, geometric design
                        modifications, right-of-way acquisition (including acquisition for such
                        techniques as constructing a service road or bypass road), or
                        requiring adequate internal site circulation.
                        Adopt guidelines for access type and minimum spacing of
                        intersections.
             Zoning and Subdivision provisions should require that development project design
             minimize left turn movements or conflicts both on the site and in the street.
             Driveways should be designed to achieve clear sight lines based on design speeds as
             adopted by VDOT. Site access and circulation should conform to the following standards:
                     ï¿½  Where reasonable access is available, the vehicular access to the site
                        should be arranged to avoid traffic use of local residential streets
                        situated in or bordered by residential districts.
                     ï¿½  The road giving access to the site should have sufficient traffic
                        carrying capacity and be suitably improved to accommodate the
                        amount and type of traffic generted by the proposed development.
                     *  Where necessary to safeguard against hazards to traffic and
                        pedestrians and/or to avoid traffic congestion, the County should
                        require that provisions are made for turning lanes, traffic directional
                        islands, frontage /service roads, driveways, and traffic controls within
                        the road.
                     ï¿½  Access driveways should be designed with sufficient capacity to avoid
                        queuing of entering vehicles on any road or street.
             Commercial and Industrial Parks - Linear development should be discouraged and
             interior uses encouraged when developing in planned parks where access control is
             efficient and where interior roads, rather than arterial or collector roads provide access to
             each use. This land use technique will discourage shallow strip development. Much
             deeper commercial zoning permits affect site design and maximizes the use of each access
             point. Just as shopping centers, office parks, and industrial parks function on the basis of


             Essex County                                 IV@33                           Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                 November 1991






             a known location, so can general commercial uses. When between two to five commercial
             uses can use a single access, substantial improvement to the flow of traffic can result.
             Highway Corridor Overlay Zoning - Overlay zoning brings to the area additional
             requirements and standards above those of the underlying zone. Special transportation
             related improvements in the Highway Corridor District shown on the Land Use Concept
             Plan should include access controls and transportation impact analysis for high-volume
             uses.
             Integration of Land Uses - Integrating housing into overall design of large scale
             employment centers will help reduce the need to travel. Homes built within or
             immediately adjacent to the workplace not only reduce vehicles miles of travel, but also
             present opportunities for workers to walk or bike to work. Flexibility in zoning will be
             provided to permit such large scale mixed-use development through floating zones. To
             minimize noontime travel, the types of uses that should be permitted in a mixed-use
             project include retail and customer service activities, eateries, convenience retail, financial
             services, gas stations, photocopy centers and consumer merchandise.
             Proffers - In terms of highways, the County will indicate the need for dedication of
             rights-of-ways for new roads, for road extensions, and to widen existing highways through
             the Transportation Plan and Capital Improvements Program.
             Fiscal Impact Analysis - The development of a per-unit fiscal impact of residential and
             commercial development would provide a rational basis on which to except proffers from
             developers. It is intended that the fiscal impacts be calculated for roads. Though impact
             fees are not expressly authorized for Essex County, a detailed impact analysis will establish
             the basis for such fees if the County is in the future permitted to levy them by the State
             legislature. State enabling legislation does allow for the voluntary funding of off-site road
             improvements and reimbursements of advances by the governing body (Section 15.1-466
             E of the Code of Virginia). The standards for determining the reimbursement in State law
             are basically the same as those that govern the development of impact fees. The fiscal
             impact analysis should be used as a basis for proffering under this statute. An Impact Fee
             system, requiring developers to pay for areawide transportation improvements based on
             the estimated amount of traffic their project will generate, should be evaluated.
             Special Service or Taxing Districts - This approach should be used as a financing
             mechanism when service roads are needed to control access along a highway corridor or
             to facilitate future road improvements in the Development Service District.
             Development of Local Circulation Plans - Developing traffic circulation plans for the
             Development Service District is needed to provide adequate traffic facilities and access
             control on a smaller scale.
             Transportation Management Strategies - The County should encourage innovative
             mechanisms, including private cooperation, and financial support by developers and the
             business community which could be incorporated into financing policies. Transportation
             Management Activities (TMXs) have traditionally been a coalition of employers who


             Essex County                                 IV-34                            Comprehensive Plan
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            engage in a wide range of activities including the promotion of ridesharing, the purchasing
            of vans for vanpools, the financing of areawide street improvements such as signal
            upgrades, and even the planning for long-range transportation projects such as County
            Airport facilities.

            Summary
            Essex County's transportation needs within the next 20 years include a Route 17
            bypass/parkway alternate route in the area near Tappahannock. An alternative airport
            facility location should also be selected after continued evaluation over the next five years.
            Ongoing primary and secondary road improvement needs should continually be
            evaluated and scheduled in conjunction with the State Department of Transportation.
            Finally, implementation techniques referenced earlier in this plan element should be
            considered for use when possible or appropriate to facilitate the conservation of highway
            capacity through development design, and to plan adequate highway improvements in
            advance of development, particularly within the Development Service District where
            greatest transportation impacts can be expected to occur.



























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                          COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLAN ELEMENT

            Ensuring that the provisions of community services and facilities is phased with the
            demand or County needs is important to management of future County financial
            resources. Community facilities and public services are those minimum facilities and
            services the County provides for the common good. Generally, public facilities include
            land, buildings, equipment, and whole systems of activities provided by the County on
            behalf of the public. The quality of public facilities contributes to the quality of life in the
            County. Some facilities, such as clean drinking water and adequate sewerage disposal are
            necessities; others, such as parks, are highly desirable for quality of life enrichment.
            Although the majority of the public facilities and services enjoyed by Essex County citizens
            are centrally located within the Town of Tappahannock, and in many cases shared with
            Town citizens, their future depend upon adequate planning by the County and are
            therefore vital to the Essex County Comprehensive Plan.
            Unfortunately, the best projections do not always permit adequate forecasting as a basis
            for programming community facilities. By way of example, Essex County acquired 700
            acres for long term landfill use but in recent years prompted by new state leachate control
            requirement must abandon its use due to costs to fully line the facility and treat residue
            waste. The County expects presently by 1994 to become a participant in a regional landfill
            facility managed through the Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority. In short,
            regulatory changes prompted major redirection by the County which could not have been
            anticipated. The lesson learned is that community facilities planning efforts will need to
            be continually re-evaluated during the planning period within the dynamic real estate
            market financial conditions, and regulatory climate with which Essex County will be faced.
            With this context in mind, however, several community facility improvement needs can
            be anticipated during the 20 year planning period.
            This section of the plan will focus on identifying the issues and needs for selected services
            in the context of expected growth.


            IS ewer Facilities
            The provision of sewerage and sewage disposal facilities is one of the most powerful
            growth management tools available to County policy makers. This is especially true in
            Essex County, where so much of the desirable residential property is unsuitable for
            development on septic tank disposal systems. The County's ability to grow depends, to
            a large extent, upon its ability to provide economical sewer service. If sewer capacity
            cannot keep pace, growth will be restricted in the current sewer service areas and in the
            Designated Development Service District (See Land Use Plan Element), and pressure for
            development in the rural area will increase.
            The Town of Tappahanno&s Sewer Facilities would seem to provide a basis for an


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            expanded sewer service area to be jointly planned, operated and maintained by the County
            and Town to sewer the County Development Service District. Within the 20 year planning
            period some 75,000 gallons of capacity would be required to treat waste generated by
            expected Town and adjacent Development Service District residential growth.
            Commercial and Industrial growth are more difficult to forecast as flow generation rates
            are often industry specific.
            The County and Town should jointly undertake a Sewer facilities plan over the next few
            years to determine the feasibility of expansion of Town Sewer capacity and the best means
            of accomplishing such expansion. Such a study would evaluate the following:
                   0   Sewer treatment capacity issues and discharge permilt limitations
                   0   Condition of the eidsting collection system and needed upgrades
                   @   Forecast Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Waste treatment
                       requirements over the 20 year period
                   0   Forecast waste treatment needs beyond 20 years based on projected
                       build-out within both the Town and surrounding development service
                       district land areas
                   *   Assess cost implications to provide service including cost of
                       construction, operation, and maintenance of both treatment and
                       collection systems.
                   9   Ascertain how costs could most equitably be borne by the County,
                       Town, developers and future users or supported by Federal or State
                       grant or loan programs.
            Absent a concerted program of Sewer facility expansion within the County development
            service district, County land use objectives to contain growth in serviceable form will not
            be accomplished and pressure for conversion of farmland in outlying County areas will
            increase over time. Therefore the recommended Sewer study is considered priority.


            Water Facilities                                                                           I
            The Town of Tappahannock currently provides the only public water system in Essex
            County. Water supplies appear suitable to support individual domestic wells in rural
            portions of the County given the low rate of household growth projected for these areas.
            Public water supply system will be required however to support higher densities and
            non-residential uses expected to occur within the Development Service District. Again the
            Town system may provide a foundation to build on and expand service in to other district.
            Alternatively, the County may consider design of County operated facilities for water
            supply, storage and distribution in those areas.
            Both alternatives should be considered with an assessment made of which alterative might
            prove to be most feasible and cost effective. Clearly, many of these costs should be bome

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              by future developers but the orchestration of needed investment in water systems will
              remain a County and/or Town responsibility. For these reasons, a systematic study of
              alternative means of providing for expanded water system needs is recommended as part
              of this plan.


              Parks and Recreation Facilities
              As noted in Part II of this Plan, Essex residents have for some time expressed interest in
              expanded recreational facility offerings. A survey of County residents distributed as part
              of this planning process reinforced community interest in greater recreation offerings.
              Currently available park facilities include the County Park in Tappahannock, one public
              dock, and three locations providing limited access to the Rappahannock. The present
              County Park facility though small in size (under 2 acres) is unique for a County of less
              th@n 9,000 residents in providing a swimming pool. Activities at the park are well
              supported. These activities and others organized through the County include: Fun Day,
              splash parties, swimming lessons, water aerobics, special olympics, and special events.
              The County also organizes volleyball, little league basketball, aerobics, soccer, kite flying,
              and tennis. In spite of the success of these programs, existing facilities appear to be limited
              when judged against state standards for parkland.
              The Virginia Division of Parks and Recreation (VDPR) has established a hierarchy of park
              types and general standards for each park type. These standards, found on pages 63-77
              of the 1989 Virginia Outdoors Plan, give ranges for park size and service area and detail
              information regarding typical administrative responsibility, purpose, and character of the
              park type, general location recommendations, and facilities that should or could be in
              different types of parks.
              The VDPR`s established local recreation and park site standards (Table IV-8) call for at
              least 10 acres of recreation land for each 1,000 persons in a community, one-quarter of
              which should be for active recreation. This does not include large regional and State parks,
              golf courses and other special recreation areas, but does provide for all park needs at the
              neighborhood, community and district park scale. However, in counties such as Essex
              where the population density is not always great enough to feasibly meet the standards,
              more detailed geographic analysis would be required to better determine park needs. By
              first using the state park standards, the County can obtain general guidelines and can begin
              to prioritize or localize park needs. Parklands are generally operated by a government
              agency, but private neighborhood parks and playgrounds are becoming more common
              and can help meet the demands for those types of parks.






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                                                                                TABLEIV-8
                                                                          PARK STANDARDS
                                                                              ............................... ..............             .......................
                                                                            . ..................  1.
                                                                                                  ....... ..
                                                                            ............ .. .. .. .......
                                                                                                                           .....  ....... X.-
                                                                                                                           ..... .....
                                                                                   .... ......             ........ .
                                                            .. .... ... .
                                                                 SERVICE RADIUS                                     NUNINIUM                   ACRES

                        PARK TYPE                   URBAN/SUBURBAN                                                       SIZE                PER 1,000
                                                                                               RURAL                    (acres)

                      Neighborhood                                       0.5 mile              I - 1.5 miles                 5                      3

                      Playground or
                       Playlot                                           0.5 mile                                          0.25                     --

                      Community                                             I mile             3 - 7 miles                 20                       3

                      District                                            5 miles              10-15 miles                 50                       4

                      Regional                                           25 miles                 25 miles                 100

                      State                                                I hour                 50 miles                 400                      10

                      TOTAL                                                                                                                         20

                      * Variable

                      Note: Definitions of park types can be found in 'The 1989 Virginia Outdoors
                                 Plan.

                      Source: Virginia Division of Parks and Recreation, 1989






                    Utilizing these standards, the County should presently provide some 80 or 90 acres of
                    parkland for residents use and over the 20 year planning period would establish an
                    additional 10 acres.
                    Specific park improvements or facilities should relate to resident preferences or interests.
                    A thorough needs survey and analysis is recommended to determine localized community
                    need before attempting development of local parks or playgrounds. Centralized facilities
                    and activities which have served the county-at-large have been supported and should
                    continue. There are several areas of very popular activities which are not currently
                    available due to lack of or limitations of adequate facilities. These areas are tennis and
                    environmental activities. Due to the nature of these activities, prior to the creation of
                    facilities, study should be made to determine if an area greater than Essex County could
                    benefit from a facility and therefore cooperate in its creation.



                    Essex County                                                         IV-39                                           Comprehensive Plan
                    Redman /Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                                                          November 1991






            Only 32 acres of the County landfill site have been actively used for solid waste disposal
            leaving substantial land area (650 acres +) available for use of some portion for Park use.
            Its central location and size suggest its use n-dght be suitable for a district or regional park
            providing for both passive (nature trails, picnic facilities) and active (ballfields, tennis
            courts) facility improvements. The County may even consider transfer of portions of the
            property to the state for use as a state park facility.
            In assessing needs for recreational facilities as indicated earlier, the County should also
            investigate demand for waterfront park facility development to take greater advantage of
            one of the County's greatest resources, the Rappahannock river which is designated a state
            scenic river.
            The 1989 Virginia outdoors plan had the following to say concerning this topic:
                       Although Region 8 is rich in water resources, public access to them is
                       inadequate and needs to be substantially increased. In all instances
                       where public highway crossings are scheduled for renovation or
                       relocation, the potential for providing parking areas and boat access
                       facilities should be evaluated.

                       A Public Fishing Lake in Essex County is needed to meet the demand
                       for freshwater fishing in this region.

                       Additional public water access areas for beach use need to be acquired
                       and developed wherever possible in the Tidewater Region.
            The following implementation recommendations list a variety of techniques that the
            County can use in order to achieve objectives regarding recreation and open space and
            which should be considered when undertaking future study of Park & Recreation facility
            needs:

                    9  Evaluation - The County should first evaluate the status of
                       recreational facilities and programs to determine if available facilities
                       and programs are meeting the communities' recreational interests
                       and if park designs and program creativeness provide challenge and
                       self-renewal to the user. This can be accomplished through a survey
                       of County citizens and facilities users which identifies specific types
                       of recreational facilities or offerings are of interest to them before
                       parkland is either acquired or planned for specific facilities.
                    0  Parks and Facilities Distribution - Available parks and park types
                       need to be distributed proportionally around the County such that
                       the needs are located where the users reside.
                    *  Environmental Awareness - Increase promotion and awareness of
                       the natural environment throughhature interpretation and nature
                       oriented facilities which can emphasize the importance of the
                       environment, show how man can coe2dst with nature, and educate
                       residents on how to protect and conserve natural resources.



            Essex County                                  IV-40                            Comprehensive Plan
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                   0 Special User Groups - The County should ensure the availability of a
                     variety of programs for people of all ages and for special user groups
                     such as the physically disabled.
                   e Creativity - The County should design creative programs and
                     facilities which provide challenge and self-renewal to the user.
                   * Technical Assistance - In order to maximize facilities' use, involve
                     individuals from special interest groups, such as a senior citizen or a
                     physically disabled person, who can provide technical assistance with
                     recreation program and facility planning.
                   - Consulting the Virginia Department of Conservation and
                     Recreation - Take advantage of recreation consultation and
                     workshops offered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation
                     to become better informed about how to streamline local
                     departmental operations and best methods of developing, operating,
                     and maintaining park and recreation programs.
                   0 Land Acquisition - In order to ensure that public recreational land is
                     available when needed, the County should acquire or manage lands
                     with significant conservation or recreation value before encroaching
                     development and rising land values precluding this possibility. n-lis
                     includes such methods as the County reaching an agreement with
                     utility companies in which the use of utility easements as potential
                     outdoor recreation and open space areas (e.g. hiking and equestrian
                     trails) is encouraged.
                   9 Federal and State Assistance - Seek Federal and State assistance
                     to secure both Community and Regional Park sites and facilities at a
                     scale necessary to meet the demands brought on by County growth.
                   - Virginia Outdoo  rs Fund - Apply for Virginia Outdoors Fund monies
                     to assist in acquiring and developing recreational lands.
                   0 Land Contracting - Explore land contracting options that allows the
                     County to purchase land today if necessary, but pay for it over a
                     protracted period of time. Annual payments, as opposed to a lump
                     sum payment, creates certain tax advantages for the seller while
                     eliminating the necessity of the County government needing to raise
                     the entire purchase price at one time.
                   * Alternate Density Zoning - Encourage developers to utilize
                     alternate density zoning by reducing lot size and/or consolidating lot
                     layout in order to provide compensating amount of open space within
                     the subdivision. Although no increase in the number of lots is
                     allowed, consolidation of layout can save the developer utility costs
                     and the County acquires significant open space at no cost.
                     Dedication or Payment-In-Lieu - To support County recreation
                     facility acquisition and improvement needs, require dedication of
                     public park space or payment-in-lieu of dedication by large-scale
                     developments.




           Essex County                            TV-41                       Comprehensive Plan
            Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                       November 1991






                 ï¿½  Neighborhood Parks - Within the Development Service District
                    encourage developers to design subdivisions whose central theme is
                    the neighborhood park that includes a playground apparatus, open
                    space and a hard-surface activity area.
                 *  Shared Use - Promote shared use of facilities by two or more
                    governmental agencies and by the public and private sectors to
                    maximize utilization of existing facilities and minimize costs of
                    building and/or maintaining duplicate facilities.
                 ï¿½  Local Participation - Identify and draw into recreational programs
                    individuals and groups with abilities in devising and leading unique
                    recreational opportunities for local citizens.
                 ï¿½  Land Use Assessment Law - Ensure citizen awareness of Land Use
                    Assessment Law which allows land to be taxed at a rate based on its
                    current use, i.e., open space, rather than its best or potential use.
                    This would encourage private property owners to preserve open space
                    as a visual amenity.
                 ï¿½  Residential Institutions - Require residential institutions, such as
                    nursing homes and mental institutions, to provide on-site passive
                    and active outdoor recreational facilities. It is important that a
                    variety of readily accessible resources and opportunities to enjoy the
                    outdoors be available to the residents as many of those individuals
                    may rarely, if ever, leave the facility where they reside.
                 ï¿½  Chesapeake Bay Youth Conservation Corps - Help maintain park
                    and open space lands that are in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
                    through employment of youths with funding in the form of grants
                    awarded by the Chesapeake Bay Youth Conservation corps. 7his
                    labor intensive program requires that 75% of all grant monies be
                    expended in wages.
                 ï¿½  Volunteer Program - Establish a volunteer program such that the
                    Parks Authority can have an increase in manpower at a minimum
                    cost, the community benefits from the citizen involvement, and the
                    volunteer can gain job experience as well as become aware of the
                    problems and rewards associated with community park and
                    recreation work.
                 ï¿½  User Fees - Expand on the system of user fees which generate
                    revenues to assist in supporting park maintenance, operational costs
                    and facility improvement needs. A study would be required to
                    determine which facilities and programs should charge a user fee and
                    how much that fee should be.
                 ï¿½  Tourism - Capitalize on tourism in the area through publication of
                    recreation site locations and activities, public waterfront access
                    locations, and programs and events to be held in the County.





           Essex County                          IV-42                      Comprehensive Plan
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            ISolid Waste
                       404 go


            As noted earlier use of the County landfill is expected to be curtailed by 1994 with an
            alternative solid waste program to be developed through the Regional Public Service
            Authority. The Town has recently provided land for County development of a transfer
            station/ recycling center. The County should work with the P.S.A. to determine the best
            means of restructuring the existing Solid Waste Program to assure Waste handling and
            transfer stations are located to meet the needs of County residents.
            Recycling efforts already underway should continue to be explored to extend the expected
            life of the future regional landfill, and reduce future waste handling costs.


            @aw Enforcement/Emergency Services
            Standards for law enforcement personnel requirements for Counties with a population
            under 10,000 indicate the number of personnel typically ranges from 1.5 to 3 employees
            per 1,000 population. The combined personnel of the Sheriff's department, town police
            department, together with four State Police assigned to the area indicate a total of
            approximately 21 personnel suggesting law enforcement resources are presently
            adequate. It is likely two additional officers will be required during the planning period.
            Currently, facilities and manpower resources supporting Fire and Rescue services also
            appear to be adequate at the present time with 54 volunteer firemen and 37 members
            within the rescue squad. Services are most adequate near the Town where facilities exist.
            If substantial growth occurs outside the Town and County development service district
            in future years, expansion of fire protection facilities may need to be provided in other
            County areas.
            r'ovemment Administrative Facilities and Library
            With renovation and reuse of the old elementary school in the 1980's, office and meeting
            space conditions of County government have been greatly improved. Likewise library
            facilities relocated to the former kindergarten building permitted their expansion in the
            early 80's. During the planning period the library collection should be expanded from
            17,000 volumes to keep pace with projected growth.
            Moreover, an additional 1,000 to 1,500 square feet of office space may be needed over the
            20 year period as office space for general goVernment facility use based on a review of
            standards typically applied for such facilities. A committee has recently been established
            to explore alternatives to improve County Government office space facilities which have
            proven inadequate in recent years. As options are explored to meet future administrative
            office needs, consideration should continually be given to how government functions have
            or will evolve. When possible, the County should attempt to house related functions
            together.


            Essex County                                IV-43                          Comprehensive Plan
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             Oisto ric and Cultural Resources
             Another area for future planning consideration which has not yetbeen dealt with is County
             historic sites. Although there are many homes and sites of historic significance, for
             purpose of this Comprehensive Plan, only those registered with the Virginia Historic
             Landmarks Conu-nission are recognized. These historic sites are located on Map IV-3-
             They include: Brooks Bank located east of Loretto; Vauters Church and Elmwood at
             Iraville; Glencairn near Chance; Glebe House of St. Anne"s Parish located east of
             Champlain; Blandfield, east of Caret; and Woodlawn on Route 360 between Pauls
             Crossroads and Nfillers Tavern.
             It is the recommendation of this plan, that until such time as development activity
             threatens the character of these sites, the County should not adopt specific historic site
             protection regulations. However, support should be given to efforts by the individual
             owners to preserve and enhance these sites as they are to the benefit of the County as a
             whole. Moreover, most of those sites are concentrated at the north end of the County which
             will be afforded some protection with creation of the Agricultural Preservation District
             (See Land Use Plan) through the low residential densities proposed for this new district.
























             Essex County                               IV-44                          Comprehensive Plan
             Redman /Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                             November 1991








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                                 NATURAL RESOURCES PROTECTION

                                                        AND

                              CHESAPEAKE BAY PRESERVATION AREA

                                                PLAN ELEMENT



             Discussion of how Essex County proposes to manage components of the County's natural
             environment, through the final plan element is dearly not of least import. The County's
             natural environment, it's wildlife, steep slopes, masses of forest cover, riverfront and
             tributaries all literally define the County. As such they reflect the character and culture of
             the County. Traditionally, farm and forestlands formed the basis for virtually the entire
             community economy. As such the need and interest in protection of this resource trust
             cannot be overstated.
             Protection of natural resources is protection of each of its components. The parts in turn
             protect the whole. As Aldo Leopold once said: "'The first rule of good tinkering is to be
             certain to keep all the pieces."'



             [rhe Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
             The Chesapeake Bay Preservation program launched by the state in 1988 establishes a
             baseline for protection of County resources whose disturbance or overutilization can and
             often have adversely impacted water quality in those Bay system tributaries that border
             and penetrate the County.
             In response to recent interstate regional agreements between Virginia, Maryland,
             Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania to clean-up the Chesapeake Bay, the State of Virginia
             has adopted the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act which mandates all Tidewater Virginia
             localities to establish program, plans, and ordinances to protect and improve Bay water
             quality. These "local programs" must be in conformance with the Chesapeake Bay
             Preservation Area Designation and Management Regulations adopted by the Virginia
             Legislature in September, 1989.











             Essex County                                IV-46                            Comprehensive Plan
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             Purpose of the Act
             The purpose of the regulations is to protect and improve the water quality of the
             Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, and other state waters by n-dnimizing the effects of human
             activity upon these waters and implementing the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, which
             provides for the definition and protection of certain lands called Chesapeake Bay
             Preservation Areas, which if improperly used or developed may result in substantial
             damage to water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
             The regulations establish the criteria that Essex County has used to determine the extent
             of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas within its jurisdiction. The regulations establish
             criteria for use by the County in granting, denying, or modifying requests to rezone,
             subdivide, or to use and develop land in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas. Regulations
             identify the requirements for changes which local government like Essex must incorporate
             into their comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and subdivision regulations to protect
             the quality of state waters pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.
             The purpose of the Essex County Chesapeake Bay Preservation Program Comprehensive
             Plan Element is to collect and analyze data, explore issues and alternatives, and develop
             policies and implementation strategies, providing a basis to take local action to protect
             and improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, and other state
             waters.


             Oata Collection and Analysis                                                           771
             The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Program for Essex County relies on the collection and
             analysis of water and land use data and characteristics. The information sources utilized
             for the adoption of the program are those which are the best in accuracy and currently
             available. Recognizing that in some areas data may be incomplete or on a reduced level
             of accuracy, the County, in conjunction with the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance
             Department (CBLAD) and the Nfiddle Peninsula Planning District Commission (UTPI)C),
             will strive to produce future inventories and studies to best reflect the current and
             changing characteristics of the lands and waters.
             The goal of the inventory of natural and manmade features is to identify the areas within
             the County which require and should be considered for preservation under the
             Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) regulations. These areas include: tidal
             wetlands, nontidal wetlands connected by surface flow and contiguous to tidal wetlands
             or tributary streams, tidal shores, floodplains, highly erodible soils, highly permeable soils,
             other nontidal wetlands, and other lands whose characteristics may have a significant
             impact on water quality protection.
             Essex contracted with the MTPDC to produce an inventory of the land categories identified
             above. The MPPDC utilized the following information sources in conjunction with an


             Essex County                                  W-47                            Comprehensive Plan
             Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.                                                  November 1991






             automated geographic information system to analyze, compile, and map the inventoried
             features:

                     ï¿½  United States Geological Survey - Digital Line Graph: includes tidal
                        wetlands, tributary streams, tidal shores, roadways, and county
                        boundaries.

                     ï¿½  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - National Wetlands Inventory:
                        includes tidal and nontidal wetland and classification of each.
                     ï¿½  Virginia Geographic Information System - Digital Information of the
                        U. S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Soil Survey
                        of Essex County, Virginia: includes soil characteristics necessary to
                        detennine permeability and erodibility of soils.
                     0  Federal Emergency Management Agency - Flood Insurance Rate Map.:
                        includes 100-year event floodplain for Essex.
             The MPPDC has published the Comprehensive Water Quality Management Plan for thg
             Middle Peninsula which provides analysis, and policy review concerning water quality
             issues in the region. Specifically, the two elements of the Management Plan provide
             information relevant to Middle Peninsula localities' on-site wastewater treatment, potable
             water supply, boating facilities, living resources, waterfront access, existing land use and
             water quality (including pollution sources), and a general description and economic
             analysis of the region.

             Other documents referenced directly or through familiarity include the CBLAD's Local
             Assistance Manual: the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS) Shoreline Situation
             Repo for Essex County; and other federal, state, and local studies.


             Aesource Protection Areas

             Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) perform natural pollution control functions. Biological
             activities and physical characteristics in these areas are especially effective in controlling
             runoff, trapping sediment, and recycling nutrients and pollutants. Components of RPAs
             are certain wetlands, tidal shorelines, and buffer areas.

             Wetlands benefit water quality by acting as a filter in trapping and holding nutrients,
             microbes, and other pollutants which come from upland runoff. Wetlands also act as a
             sponge by slowing down fast moving erosion water, absorbing the energy of it for flood
             control and storm damage protection, and acting as a buffer against coastal erosion from
             wave action.

             The tidal shoreline interface where water meets the land is the scene of dramatic changes
             caused by the natural forces of wind and water. Tidal shore stability is generally governed
             by three main determinants; the amount of beach material, the intensity of natural and
             human forces, and the stability of sea level. The occurrence of tidal shore erosions is



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            considered a natural process and becomes a serious problem only when human structures
            and activities unnaturally intrude into this process.
            Buffer areas are zones of undeveloped vegetated land that are managed to reduce the
            impact on water quality of land disturbing operations in adjacent areas. Vegetated buffer
            areas provide a wide variety of environmental benefits, including sediment control,
            nutrient assimilation, stream back stabilization, in-stream temperature maintenance, flood
            control and protection, groundwater recharge area protection, and runoff volume
            reduction.
            The components of the RPA are prescribed by Virginia statute, with the local option to
            include other lands which RPA designation is necessary to provide a high level of
            protection to the quality of state waters.
            Essex County has designated a RPA which consists of all tidal wetlands; nontidal wetlands,
            including impounded lakes and ponds connected by surface flow and contiguous to tidal
            wetlands or tributary streams; tidal shores; and an additional buffer area of 100 feet in
            width, except where reductions are allowed within its jurisdictional boundaries. The
            extent of the County RPA is shown on MAP H-4 (Part H of this Plan). The RPA serves the
            purpose of protecting environmentally sensitive land and water areas from the adverse
            effects of human activities to thus improve and protect the quality of water both locally
            and regionally.
            The intent of RPA designation is to limit land disturbance and development to only those
            activities classified as "'water dependent" or otherwise exempted in the County
            Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Overlay Zoning District. The integrity of the RPA and
            associated mechanisms with the CBPA Program will serve the goal of preserving those
            features most associated with the high standard in quality of life in Essex County, namely
            clean water and attractive landscapes for the beneficial use by both society and the natural
            ecosystem.
            The implementation of the RPA goals will be through an overlay district of the Essex
            County Zoning Ordinance. The zoning ordinance will include a general designation RPA
            map in addition to the performance criteria to be included on specific site plans. The
            subdivision, erosion and sedimentation control, and floodplain ordinances win also
            include provisions related to preserving water quality as related to CBPA. To truly
            provide for successful implementation, it is necessary to improve the capacity of both the
            county staff and general public through supporting educational opportunities related to
            Chesapeake Bay Program enforcement and management.


            @Resource Management Areas
            The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and Criteria Regulations establish the Resource
            Management Area (RMA) as the landward component of Chesapeake Bay Preservation
            Areas. Lands to be considered for designation as RMA include the following: nontidal


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            wetlands, floodplains, highly erodible soils, highly permeable soils, and other lands at
            local discretion.
            RMAs are important in terms of water quality primarily because if improperly used or
            developed, they could release significant amount of non-point source pollutants into the
            surface and ground water systems. The regulations do not limit the types of land use and
            development that may occur within the RMA. Instead, a variety of performance criteria
            will be applied to any use or development within RMAs to ensure that those land
            disturbances that do occur will minimize the adverse impact on water quality. The
            performance criteria apply to stormwater management, on-site sewage disposal, and land
            disturbance/ stabilization. -
            The designation of RMAs in Essex County has been based on the consideration of the
            sensitive land types listed above and described below.
            Floodplains are areas which are subject to predictably recurring overflows form nearby
            bodies of water, including streams, rivers, bays, and oceans. A floodplain acts as a natural
            reservoir for such an overflow by storing excess water and thus reducing the volume and
            speed of the flood water's effects downstream. The removal of natural vegetation through
            land development within a floodplain diminishes the natural flood control capacity of the
            area. The result can be an increase in non-point source pollution of the water body through
            severe soil erosion.
            Highly erodible soils, if improperly disturbed or exposed, can contribute to water quality
            degradation through sedimentation and siltation of water bodies. In addition, nutrients
            and toxics may be attached to soil particles which can be transported and released to the
            aquatic environment through erosion.
            Highly permeable soils transmit water at such a rate that there is a potential for surface
            pollutants such as nutrients and other chemicals and sewage wastes to infiltrate,
            undegraded, into the nearby surface water and groundwater systems. This possibility of
            the highly permeable soil becoming a "highway" for pollutants indicates the need for
            management of development in these areas.
            County designation of other lands to be included in the RMA classification is based on
            several factors, including the distribution of the other land types listed above, the
            hydrology of the locality, and the general characteristics of the landforms in the locality.
            The regulations of the CBPA also require the RMA to be contiguous to the RPA.
            Essex County has chosen to designate the entire County as a Resource Management Area
            (RMA). The extent and distribution of the land features considered as RMA components
            are such that few areas of the County are lacking in these features. It is also recognized
            that all lands within the County are contained with the Chesapeake Bay watershed and
            activities upon these lands can act to impact the water quality of the Bay. In order to
            maintain the goal of high water quality within the County and region, the policy of the
            County is to include all lands as RMAs when those lands are not designated as RPAs.



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            The implementation of the RMA goals will be accomplished by specific provisions in the
            County zoning, subdivision, erosion and sedimentation control, and floodplain
            ordinances. Implementation will also rely on an effort to improve the capacity of staff and
            general public through supporting educational opportunities related to managing and
            enforcing the Chesapeake Bay Program.


            [Development Suitability
            The lands and waters within Essex County are varied in characteristics and natural
            function. Features such as topography, hydrology, soil type, vegetation, and geographic
            location all serve to influence land development. With the advances in construction
            methods and materials and sewage disposal technology together with the increase in
            population and property values, land which once may have been considered
            undevelopable is being engaged for development pursuits.
            The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act has highlighted the concern for land disturbing
            activities which cause water quality degration through non-point source pollution. In
            addition, the use of methods of limiting or preventing non-point source pollution, such as
            Best Management Practices (BMP's), indicate that there are reasonable means to reasonable
            development. To further explore the compatibility of development to the land site, an
            additional step of analyzing the suitability and capacity of the site is needed.
            Perhaps the most obvious factor to consider when analyzing a site for development
            suitability is the characteristics of the soils present. Soils play the important role of
            determining weight loading capacities, on-site sewage treatment assimilation, erosion
            potential, and vegetation growth.
            An additional factor of importance is the location of "'poorly' or "marginally" developable
            soils in relationship to streams, water bodies, and wetlands. Development on such soils,
            in close proximity to designated RPAs, can produce negative impacts on water quality.
            A development suitability analysis can provide the necessary detailed information on both
            the most and least desirable portion of a parcel for development. With this information
            in hands, the County and the land developer can arrive at the development solution which
            presents the highest compatibility between the use and the environment.
            Consideration has been given to the extent of analysis needed to determine the suitability
            of a site for development. A detailed, site-specific soils survey would provide the
            information necessary to match the suitability with the uses proposed for the site. The
            topography and hydrology of the site should be of a detail such that overland sheet flows
            of stormwater can be predicted. A knowledge of the vegetation and wildlife habitat is
            important for a site as well as for the surrounding areas. The comprehensive analysis of
            all these features can lead to development sensitive to the natural resources of Essex
            County.



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             To preserve the development rights of land owners, options to mitigate impacts and utilize
             BMPs should be allowed. It is envisioned that the level of detail of the suitability analysis
             will provide the owner with the information to balance the management options presented
             by the site.
             Essex County has determined a comprehensive development suitability analysis to be
             necessary to the optimum function, design, and environmental preservation of land
             development sites. The comprehensive development suitability analysis should include
             a detailed inventory of soils with the capacities for on-site sewage treatment, erosion
             potential, and vegetation growth documented. Discussion of wildlife habitat and other
             significant environment should be included. Mitigating factors, such as the use of BMP"s
             should be included. This analysis should be conducted for all proposed development
             exceeding 10,000 square feet in land disturbance within Chesapeake Bay Preservation
             Areas.
             The requirement to conduct a comprehensive development suitability analysis will be
             implemented through the County's plan of development procedures, including zoning
             and subdivision ordinances.



             Orinking Water Management
             The Coastal Plain aquifers of Virginia provide the groundwater for domestic and industrial
             uses. An aquifer is layer of soil media, such as gravel, sand, shell, or rock, in which usable
             amounts of water can be found. The aquifers are separated from each other by confining
             layers of rock or clay which retard the vertical movement of water. The upper aquifers
             are used primarily for domestic purposes because of lower yields. These are the
             Yorktown-Eastover and the Columbia aquifers. High yield can be found in the artesian
             aquifers known as the Chickahominy-Piney Point and Aquia aquifers. Sufficient
             F oundwater quantities for subdivision, light industry, and agriculture uses can be tapped
             in these layers. The lower three aquifer layers, the Brightseat-Upper Potomac, Middle
             Potomac, and Lower Potomac, can supply large amount of water; however, the quality is
             impaired by high concentrations of minerals and chlorides. Based on the capacity of each
             of these aquifers, Essex shows a good potential for future development utilizing
             groundwater.
             The types of land uses and the practices in an areas can affect the quality of both surface
             and ground water supplies. Runoff from lands adjacent to surface water reservoirs can
             contain chemical and biological contaminants. Pollutants can originate from agricultural
             practices, residential lawn care, pesticides, petroleum spills, and failing septic systems.
             Groundwater can be contaminated by these sources by infiltration through the soil to the
             water table. Other groundwater contaminant sources include leaking underground
             petroleum storage tanks and improperlydesigned landfills. One significant pollutant of
             groundwater is nitrate. Nitrate can come from a variety of sources including fertilizers,
             animal wastes, and septic systems. - From the types and sources of contamination of


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             drinking water supplies, it is evident that responsibility lies among the many parties:
             residents, businesses, industries, farmers, and governments.

             A priority in the protection of groundwater is the understanding of the movement and
             recharge in the aquifer, the movement of pollutants, and the effect of high withdrawal
             rates. This can best be accomplished under the modelling studies conducted by the U.S.
             Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.). There should be attempts to secure adequate funds to
             cooperate with the U.S.G.S. in such a study effort in the Middle Peninsula region.

             Wellhead protection areas would be identified utilizing future studies by the U.S.G.S., a
             DRASTIC mapping project, or the presence of highly permeable soils in the vicinity of
             water wells.

             Once critical drinking water management areas are identified, an overlay zoning district
             or alternative measures could be designed to limit land use practices which could affect
             drinking water quality.



             @isheries Protection

             The living resources of Essex are directly related to and dependent upon the vast water
             systems within the ground and above the surface. The surface water holds a treasure of
             commercial fisheries as well as sport species. Those creatures not directly useful to
             humans are inseparably linked to those which are through food chains and chemical
             processes which drive the ecosystem. A disruption in this system can cause far-reaching
             effects, threatening the livelihood and health of those dependent upon these resources.
             Groundwater travels slowly through the unconsolidated soils of the region, making its
             way to the surface springs and wetlands. Along the way, contaminants from the land can
             be swept along the groundwater and find their way into the open water systems. Based
             on these observations, two things are evident. First, there are direct relationships and
             pathways between the uplands, wetlands, and water bodies as well as the inhabitants of
             each. A second fact is that a number of small, seemingly insignificant environmental
             degradations add and multiply in overall impact and damage.

             Since an entire watershed or creek can impact shellfish growing water quality due to
             non-point pollutants, the entire land area should be subject to reserve drainfield and
             five-year pump-out requirements for on-site sewage disposal systems. Aquaculture
             projects, including shellfish depuration facilities, should be considered 'Water Dependent
             Facilities" for purposes of compliance with local land use ordinances. Waters presently
             approved for the harvest of shellfish should be protected from degradation due to
             pollution from point and non-point sources by including surrounding lands in
             Chesapeake By Preservation Areas.

             Shore and water habitat are important both to wildlife and water quality. As land
             disturbance and sewage wastes increase with the development of residential and




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            commercial uses, the impacts on these habitats also increase. Two areas of particular
            concern are the loss of fishery habitat and the restriction of shellfish harvesting waters.
            The County Chesapeake Bay Preservation Program offers an opportunity to incorporate
            fisheries protection measures in local land use ordinances. the designation of Chesapeake
            Bay Preservation Areas will offer protection to wetlands and other shallow water habitat
            vital to fisheries. In addition, requiring reserve drainfield areas and five-year pump-outs
            for septic systems should reduce pollutants contributing to restrictions on shellfish
            harvest.
            The Essex County Zoning Ordinance will incorporate the performance criteria related to
            the CBPA, including those which aid in the protection of commercial and recreational
            fisheries. The studies of critical fisheries habitat related to expanding Preservation Areas
            or watershed planning will be pursued as part of assistance programs provided by the
            CBLAD.



            Waterfront Access and Boating Facilities

            The Rappahannock River, tidal waters, and flowing streams of the County are resources
            belonging to the citizens of Virginia. The use of these waters for recreation and commerce
            are traditional and acceptable as the economic base for the area. With the subdivision of
            large tracts of waterfront property into numerous smaller lots, each under private
            ownership, comes the competing interests of those owners seeking privacy and the upland
            residents and tourists seeking use of the waters. The increasing use of waterways leads
            to concern of environmental damage due to improper or reckless activities causing
            pollution or habitat destruction. This concern leads to the need of greater management
            capability over waterfront access and uses.
            There are two broad uses involved in the waterfront issue. First, the use of the waterfront
            for boating access, whether it be at a marina, a boat dock, ramp and pier, or car-top boat
            landing. Second is the utilization of the shoreline and near-shore areas for recreational
            activities such as swimming, bank fishing, nature studying, and picnicking. Either public
            or private facilities can provide these activities. Both boating and shore recreation are
            allowed exemption as "water dependent facilities" under the requirements of the CBPA,
            provided that non-water dependent components are located outside of the RPA.
            Boating access to the tidal waters of Essex County is provided at several public docks and
            ramps, several private marinas, and by individual or community piers.
            With the demand and subsequent subdivision of waterfront property comes the increase
            in piers and docks associated with waterfront housing construction. In some areas,
            individual private piers have proliferated. Some subdivision developments have
            provided a community docking facility to serve the needs of all residents including both
            waterfront and landlocked homeowners. This option eliminates the numerous private
            piers and consolidates all boating activity to one area and under a single management


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            structure; however, there may need to be limits and controls on the size and operation of
            such a facility.
            Waterfront recreation areas are also provided through public and private avenues. Public
            beaches and parks are options for recreation and nature study. Private recreation areas
            can also be found in some residential developments, usually in conjunction with a
            community boating facility. The management of waterfront access options and
            opportunities concerns the competing interests and costs of public facilities and private
            facilities and the protection of the environment. Public and private access to the water and
            shoreline areas are important to the economy and environment of Essex County.
            Essex County has determined that boating facilities should be located only where: there
            is sufficient water depth, without frequent dredging; there are not public or private
            shellfishing grounds which would be impacted; there is adequate tidal flushing; there are
            suitable soils for sanitary facilities or connection to a municipal sewer system; there is
            limited harm to fish and wildlife habitat; and there are compatible existing land andwater
            uses nearby.
            Existing marinas and boat repair facilities should adopt operational procedures consistent
            with BM[Ps. When existing marinas remodel or expand their facilities, structural BM[Ps
            should also be constructed. For proposed boating facilities, BMPs should be required as
            a condition of development.
            The County supports the use of community boating facilities within major residential
            waterfront subdivisions as a preferred alternative to the use of individual waterfront lot
            piers. By the development of community boating facilities, maintenance and control can
            be assured by utilizing a homeowner's association (HOAs). The HOA should be
            responsible for assuring that only members or bona fide guests be allowed to use the slips
            or mooring at such a facility. In no case should overnight occupancy of boats be allowed
            unless the facility maintains adequate provisions for toilets, showers, and holding tank
            pump-out.
            The County should study the needs for waterfront public access in conjunction with state,
            federal, regional, and private agencies. The Planning District Commission should be
            encouraged to assist local efforts in planning water access, open space, and park facilities
            which will benefit education and habitat vital to water quality. In addition, when regional
            projects such as a regional airport, park, or solid waste landfill are being planned, there
            should be an open space/ recreation/ natural habitat component included in the
            development.



            @xisting Pollution Sources
            Pollution discharges can be defined as either point or non-point in their origin. Point
            source inputs represent discharges from discrete and identifiable points, i.e., discharge
            pipes, and play a major role in determining the quality of surface waters. Such sources


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             include both municipal and industrial dischargers which may contain an array of toxic
             and nutrient material. Often these discharges tend to vary in chemical and physical
             composition as well as fluctuate in their concentrations. The resulting impact to surface
             water could easily set up menu of scenarios depending on receiving water conditions. The
             other major category of physical, chemical, and biological factors impacting surface water
             quality is known as non-point sources. This category is by far the most significant in terms
             of its impact to surface water quality in the Nfiddle Peninsula Planning District. Basically,
             non-point sources encompass all those inputs to surface water which cannot be identified
             as having originated from a discrete discharge point. Nationwide, non-point source
             pollutants are responsible for 73% of the oxygen demand, 84% of the nutrients, 98% of the
             bacteria counts, and 99% of suspended solids.
             The Virginia Water Control Board (VWCB) regulates existing point source pollution
             dischargers. Essex has little role in the enforcement of existing permit conditions however,
             compliance is tied to land use ordinance approvals.
             The County Chesapeake Bay Preservation Program, Erosion and Sedimentation Control
             Ordinance, and participation in the activities of the local Soil and Water Conservation
             District are means of local management of non-point source pollution.
             A periodic review of the effectiveness of these local ordinances can determine where
             changes or amendments may be needed to achieve the goals of reducing non-point source
             pollution. To that end, the County should review all land use ordinances at least every
             five years to determine the best means to effective management of point and non-point
             source pollution sources. The County will also seek assistance from the Chesapeake Bay
             Local Assistance Board (CBLAD), VWCB, Division of Soil and Water Conservation,
             MPPDC, and other state and federal agencies to produce an inventory of land uses at such
             a degree of accuracy so as to provide management and modelling parameters necessary
             for effective control of pollution sources in the future.


             gedevelopment of Intensely Developed Areas
             The designation of Intensely Developed Areas (IDAs) is intended to address the unique
             land use patterns and water quality impacts of heavily urbanized areas. Such areas
             although not presently identified in Essex County are characterized by industrial,
             commercial, residential, and institutional uses which are spatially concentrated, heavily
A            trafficked, and largely devoid of natural vegetation. Development within these areas is
             usually confined to either redevelopment of previously developed sites or construction
             on small, vacant, or "infill"' parcels. The concentration of intensive uses and prevalence
             of impervious surfaces in these areas contribute a variety of non-point source pollutants,
             such as hydrocarbons and heavy metals, to surface waters.
             The goal of designating IDAs is to focus development in areas where it is already
             concentrated and supported by existing infrastructure, while improving water quality. In
             recognition of the fact that the IDA is largely devoid of natural vegetation, activities within

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             the IDA may be exempt from having to establish or maintain the full buffer areas within
             RPAs.
             The CBPA regulations provide that IDAs may be designated in "areas of existing
             development and infill sites where little of the natural environment remains..."' and
             "-provided at least one of the following conditions exists:
                A. Development has severely altered the natural state of the area such that it has more
                   than 50% impervious surface;
                B. Public sewer and water is constructed and currently serves the area. This condition
                   does not include areas planned for public sewer and water;
                C. Housing density is equal to or greater than four dwelling units per acre."
             The designation of IDAs is intended to allow reasonable development where development
             already exists or surrounds a site, while at the same time providing at least a 10% reduction
             in stormwater runoff transported pollutants. This reduction can be achieved through a
             variety of means, including: creation of vegetated buffer area to the greatest extent
             possible, reduction of impervious areas, and use of water quality BMPs-
             The identification of areas which qualify for IDA designation in Essex County has revealed
             insignificant land area to justify the delineation as part of the local Chesapeake Bay
             Preservation Program. Individual hardship cases can be handled through the present
             exception and variance procedures outlined in the County Zoning Ordinance.
             Though not identifying areas for IDA designation at the present time, the County reserves
             the option to make such designation in the future should the need arise and conditions of
             an area justify such designation consistent with the intent of the Chesapeake Bay
             Preservation Act. Should such designations be made in the future, the implementation of
             the IDA development and redevelopment standards will be accomplished through the
             application of the zoning, subdivision, and erosion and sedimentation control ordinances
             and the plan of development procedures of the County.


             @ocal Program Development
             The performance criteria for land use and development established in the County
             Chesapeake Bay Preservation areas overlay zone district are currently being reviewed by
             the State prior to County adoption. They are hereby referenced as part of Essex County's
             Comprehensive Plan. In addition to designation of County Chesapeake Bay Preservation
             Areas, the County will incorporate resource protection criteria into its subdivision
             regulations, and erosion and sediment control ordinance. The County will also establish
             a plan of development review and approval process for building permit issuance for
             development within designated Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas. The County will
             also establish administrative and enforcement procedures as part of its overall Local
             Program for Chesapeake Bay Preservation.

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           @mplementation
           The following is a list of specific measures the County should undertake to achieve its
           environmental quality goals and objectives set forth in Part III of this Plan:
                 9 The County should adopt a Local Program for Chesapeake Bay
                    Preservation which contains the program elements and performance
                    criteria for land use and development as outlined in this chapter.
                 * The County should limit future development in this Plan*'s
                    Agricultural Preservation District to low intensity residential uses,
                    passive park and recreation uses, and water dependent uses.
                 a  The County should continue to require evidence of all federaL state
                    and local environmental and health permits as a condition of
                    development approval.
                 e  The County should prohibit development within floodways and
                    floodplains which limits natural water storage capacity. Use of
                    floodway fringe areas for recreational, other non-structural uses and
                    open space should be encouraged.
                 0  Performance standards and controls are recommended to permit
                    development design fle.@dbility and to adapt to variable site
                    characteristics. New environmentally sensitive development
                    regulations are needed which recognize and protect natural site
                    functions. Environmentally sensitive features such as wetlands and
                    wildlife habitats should be explicitly protected and buffered from
                    development activities.
                 0  Open space requirement should be put into effect. The extent to
                    which a site can be covered by impervious surfaces should be limited.
                    Requirements should specify minimum areas that must remain
                    undisturbed and available for stormwater infiltration and site
                    vegetation.
                 0  No net change in runoff should be allowed at development sites.
                    Drainage techniques normally channel stormwater runoff away from
                    the structure and off the site. The volume and velocity of stormwater
                    runoff leaving a developed site should be no greater than
                    predevelopment levels, primarily for adjacent property protection and
                    non-source point pollution control.
                 0  Natural vegetation and trees should be preserved during
                    development. Site clear-cutting for development purposes should be
                    expressly prohibited. Mature trees should be protected. If tree
                    removal is unavoidable, replacement standards should be
                    established. Where vegetation is removed, temporary grass seeding
                    should be required for erosion control is the site remains untreated
                    for more than two months.




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                            There should be zoning incentives to promote cluster development.
                            Cluster development makes wise use of land resources and is
                            environmentally sensitive. The County development ordinances
                            should be updated to provide greater incentives for clustering.
                            Slope regulations should be enacted. A steeply sloped site cannot
                            support the same development density as a flat site without severe
                            disturbance. Permitted density should be used only on portions of a
                            site not characterized by steep slopes. Grading activities should be
                            limited in proportion to slope vulnerability.
                        ï¿½   Agricultural and forestry (silvicultural) activities should be subject to
                            the institution of recognized best management practices for soil and
                            water conservation.
                        0   The   majority of future County development should be directed to
                            designated Development Service Districts where public sewer services
                            are in place or planned. The future use of on-site sewage treatment
                            systems should be limited to those areas where public sewage
                            systems are unavailable. Larger concentration of individual on-site
                            sewage treatment facilities in rural and environmentally sensitive
                            areas should be discouraged through density controls, particularly in
                            areas with soil constraints for septic systems.
                        ï¿½   The County should coordinate with state and federal agencies and
                            non-profit conservancy organizations to protect environmentally
                            sensitive lands through acquisition and/or protective easement
                            programs.



                @ummary
                This chapter discusses the characteristics of environmentally sensitive County lands and
                waters. It describes some of the important reasons for protecting the various natural
                features which comprise and contribute to the quality of the Essex environment.
                Recommended actions are stated which should achieve County goals and objectives.
                Particular focus is accorded to Comprehensive Plan requirements of the recently enacted
                Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and Regulations.
                All County residents play an important role in the balance of Essex County's
                environmental system. As the County grows, susceptibility to system imbalance and
                environmental damage increases. Limits exist to the amount of growth and development
                that Essex County can absorb without threatening environmental quality and resource
                supplies. According to the concept of "carrying capacity", Essex County is equipped with
                a finite supply of natural resources which can support a limited number of people. If its
                carrying capacity is exceeded, serious environmental degradation can occur, and solutions
                may be costly. Essex County will probably not reach its threshold for many years, but the
                influence of present activities on the County's ability to grow and improve must be
                recognized.



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             The environmental attributes of Essex County strongly influence quality of life. The
             condition of the environment must be evaluated in terms of the potential impact upon the
             daily activities and the standard of living of the community. Environmental resources
             should be protected on behalf of the economic well-being of the general public with regard
             to both individual property interests and collective taxpayer investments. The quality of
             Essex's environment is one of the factors which makes the County such a desirable place
             to live and work. The intent of County environmental protection measures is not to stop
             development, but rather to ensure the compatibility of development with the continued
             productivity and value of environmentally sensitive land and water areas.












































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                                                      APPENDIX A



                                   State of Virginia Statutoi:y Authority for this Plan
              The preparation,     adoption, and implementation of a local comprehensive plan are
              governed by the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended. Relevant portions of the Code
              follow:

                          Title 15.1
                          Chapter 11
                          Article 4

              The Comprehensive Plan
              ï¿½15.1-446-1. Comprehensive plan to be prepared and adopted; scope and purpose.-The
              local commission shall prepare and recommend a comprehensive plan for the physical
              development of the territory within its jurisdiction.
              Every governingbody in this State shall adopt a comprehensive plan forthe territory under
              this jurisdiction by July one, nineteen hundred eighty.
              In the preparation of a comprehensive plan the commission shall make careful and
              comprehensive surveys and studies of the existing conditions and trends of growth, and
              of the probable future requirements of its territory and inhabitants. The comprehensive
              plan shall be made with the purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted
              and harmonious development of the area which will, in accordance with present and
              probable future needs and resources best promote the health, safety, morals, order,
              convenience, prosperity and general welfare of the inhabitants.
              The comprehensive plan shall be general in nature, in that it shall designate the general or
              approximate location, character, and extent of each feature shown on the plan, and shall
              indicate where existing lands or facilities are proposed to be extended, widened, removed,
              relocated, vacated, narrowed, abandoned, or changed in use as the case may be.
              Such plan, with the accompanying maps, plats, charts, and descriptive matter, shall show
              the commission's long-range recommendations for the general development of the
              territory covered by the plan. It may include, but need not be limited to:
                  1.  The designation of areas for various types of public and private development and
                      use, such as different kinds of residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural,
                      conservation, recreation, public service, flood plain and drainage, and other areas;
                  2.  The designation     of a system of transportation facilities such as street, roads,
                      highways, parkways, railways, bridges, viaducts, waterways, airports, ports,
                      terminals, and other like facilities.




              Essex County                                                                              Appendix A






                3. The designation of a system of community service facilities such as parks, forests,
                   schools, playgrounds, public buildings and institutions, hospitals, community
                   centers, waterworks, sewage disposal or waste disposal areas, and the like; and
                4. The designation of historical areas and areas for urban renewal or other treatment.
            ï¿½15,1-447. Surveys and studies to be made in preparation of plan; implementation of
            plan.-
                1. In the preparation of a comprehensive plan, the local commission shall survey and
                   study such matters as the following:
                   a.  Use of land, characteristics and conditions of existing development, trends of
                       growth or changes, natural resources, population factors, employment and
                       economic factors, existing public facilities, drainage , flood control and flood
                       damage prevention measures, transportation facilities, and any other matters
                       relating to the subject matter and general purposes of the comprehensive plan.
                   b.  Probable future population and economic growth of the community, and
                       requirements therefor.
                2. The comprehensive plan shall recommend methods of implementation. Unless
                   otherwise required by this chapter these may include but need not be limited to:

                   a. An official map;

                   b. A capital improvements program;

                   c. A subdivision ordinance; and

                   d. A zoning ordinance and zoning districts map.
            ï¿½15.1-4.54. Plan to be reviewed at least once every five years.-At least once every five
            years, the comprehensive plan shall be reviewed by the local commission to determine
            whether it is advisable to amend the plan.
            ï¿½15.1-455. Inclusion of incorporated town in county plan; inclusion of adjacent
            unincorporated territory in municipal plan.-Any county plan may include planning of
            incorporated towns to the extent to which, in the county local commission's judgement,
            provided, however, that the plan shall not be considered as a comprehensive plan for any
            incorporated town unless recommended by the town commission, if any, and adopted by
            the governing body of the town.
            Any municipal plan may include the planning of adjacent unincorporated territory to the
            extent to which, in the municipal local commission's judgement, it is related to the
            planning of the incorporated territory of the municipality; provided, however, that the
            plan shall not be considered as a comprehensive plan for such unincorporated territory
            unless recommended by the county local commission, if any, and approved and adopted
            by the governing body of the county.


            EssexCounty                                  2                                   Appendix A






             ï¿½15.1-456.    Legal status of plan.-Whenever the local commission shall have
             recommended a comprehensive plan or part thereof for the county or municipality and
             such plan shall have been approved and adopted by the governing body, it shall control
             the general or approximate location, character and extent of each feature shown on the
             plan. Thereafter no street, park or other public area, public building or public structure,
             public utility facility or public service corporation facility other than railroad facility,
             whether publicly or privately owned, shall be constructed, established or authorized,
             unless and until the general location or approximated location, character, and extent
             thereof has been submitted to and approved by the local commission as being substantially
             in accord with the adopted comprehensive plan or part thereof. In connection with any
             such determination the commission may, and at the direction of the governing body shall,
             hold a public hearing, after notice as required by ï¿½15.1-431.
             The commission shall communicate its findings to the governing body, indicating its
             approval or disapproval with written reasons therefor. The governing body may overrule
             the action of the commission by a vote of a majority of the membership therefore. Failure
             of the commission to act within sixty days of such submission, unless such time shall be
             extended by the governing body, shall be deemed approval.
             In the case of approval [sic) the owner or owners or their agents may appeal the decision
             of the local commission to the governing body within ten days after the decision of the
             commission. The appeal shall be by written petition to the governing body setting forth
             the reasons for the appeal. A majority vote of the governing body shall overrule the
             commission.
             Widening, narrowing, extension, enlargement, vacation or       change of use of streets, or
             public areas shall likewise be submitted for approval, but paving, but paving, repair,
             reconstruction, improvement, drainage or similar work and normal service extensions of
             public utilities or public serve corporations shall not require approval unless involving a
             change of location or extent of a street or public area.
             ï¿½.1-457. Duties of State agencies.-Every department, board, bureau, commission, or
             other agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, which is responsible for the construction,
             operation, or maintenance of any public facility within the territory to be included within
             a comprehensive plan or any part thereof, or which is responsible for acquiring land for
             any public purpose, ore disposing of such land, shall, upon the request of the local
             commission having authority to prepare such plan, furnish reasonable information
             requested relative to the plans of such agency which may affect the comprehensive plan;
             and every such agency shall collaborate and cooperate with such commission, when
             requested, in the preparation of the comprehensive plan to the end that the plan will
             coordinate the interests and responsibilities of all concerned. Nothing herein shall be
             deemed, however, to abridge the authority of any such State agency regarding the facilities
             now or hereafter coming under its jurisdiction.






             Essex County                                  3                                    Appendix A



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                             Essex County Comprehensive Plan

                       Preliminary Survey Form--October 30, 1989


           Dear Neighbor:
                The Essex County Planning Commission   is currently working   on
           an updated Comprehensive Plan in cooperation with the Middle
           Peninsula Planning District Commission. The Comprehensive Plan is
           a vital document which helps to define the characteristics of our
           community in the short- and long-term future. Public input is a
           very important aspect of the Comprehensive Plan because it allows
           for the 'representation of the concerns of local residents.
           Therefore, just a few minutes of your time in answering these few
           simple questions would greatly improve the quality of our
           Comprehensive Plan, Please understand that you have been selected
           from a random sample,       and all your answers will remain
           confidential.


                Thank you.

            1. Do you consider the current level    of economic and  population
                growth in the county to be:
                Economic:                           Population:
              19 A. Fast                            A.  Fast
                B. Approriate                       B.  Appropriate
                C. slow                             C   S low
                D. Don't Know                       D.  Don't Know    

            2. Is it your perception that the transportation routes in the
                county are-.;
               A  Adequate                                                                  B  Inadquate
                             
                
          


            3. Do you feel that the level and quality of public recreational
                facilities are:

                A. Very Appropriate
                B. Appropriate                    
                C. Need Improvement                          
                                           
            
             10 D. Don't Know
 










                                                       -2-


              4.   Do  you   feel that     the number     of industries'in the county are:

                   A. Too      Many
                   B. Appropriate
                   C. Too Few
               &-.D. Don-t Know

              5. Do you      consider    that the     current location of industrial
                   development is:
              116A. Appropriate
                   B. Inapprop
                   C. Don I t Know
                                    riate



              6. Do.you consider         that the current location of subdivision
                   residential development is:-
              106A. Appropriate
               :20 B. Inappropriate
               :Z7_C. Donl@- Know

              7. Do you feel that the mini           .mum  required size of residential
                   lots should be:


                   A.    1/2 acre
                   B.    1 acre
                   C.    1 1/2'acres
                   D.    2 acres
                (,P E.   over 2 acres
                   F.-   Don"t-Know

              8. Is     it your opinion that mobile            homes  should:

                   A.    Be allowed anywhere in the coun
                                                                    t                                    MANS
               /I rt B.  Be allowed only in mobile           home
                C1 C.    Be diisallowed everywhere in the            county
                C1 D.    Don't Know.


              9. Do    you feel that crime rates            in   the county are:,

                   A.    Too High
                   B.    High
                (ol C.   About Average
                   D@    Low
                   E.    Very Low
                  ifF.   Don't Know









           10. What is your    perception of  the environmental conditions in
                 the coq.nty?

                 Water:                                 Land:
                 A   Very Good                          A.IlVery Good
                     or Excellent                           or Excellent
             C76, B.* Good*Xt4RWW1jV-           fiftj"MB.C?FGoo
             I r7 C. Inadequate.         AMM I          C-IqInadequate
                 D.  Very Inadequate     III         @ D \5-Very Inadequate
                 E.  Don't Know          'aff-1111.     E: FDon't Know
                                        RftAU,97t
           11. Do you feel that employment conditions for county        residents
                 wi+-hin the county.are:

                 A.  Very Good
                 B.  Good
               r75-c. Average
             15b D.  Bad
                 E.  Very   Bad
                5-F. Don't Know.

           12.   How do you rate  the county's school    system?

                 A.  'Excellent
                 B.  Needs No Improvement
        LPO oft$ C.' Average
                     Needs S'
              fAS D.         ome Improvement
            j*6 E.   Needs Much Improvement
                 F.  Don't Know


           13.   Do you think  that general public services provided by the
                 county are:
                 A. Adequate    A@_f   B. Inadequate           C. Don't Know
                                                                   2-1




                              ON
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            A. Length of residence in County:
                    1 to 5 years        5 to 15 years        15 years & above

                        5                   34                     100

            B.          Work inside County                 Work outside County

                              69


            C.  Age:
                  18  to-35 years      35 to 51 years      50 to 65 years     65 & over
                        11                   38                  35              55


            D. Sex:

                               Male               Female

                                107                  35


            E. Race:

                 White        Hispanic       Black        other

                  119           0             21            1


            F. Income:

            A.      $0 - $10,000 - -        16

            B.      $10,000 - $20,000       24

            C.      $20,000 - $30,000       27

            D.      $30,000 - $40,000       22

            E.      $40,000 - $50,000   -  -11

            F.      $5 0 , 0 0 0$ 6 0 0 00- -10

            G.      $60,000   & above   -  -20


            G. Number of residents in household:

                             1 to 3                      4 to 6

                                                           31



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                            Essex County Comprehensive Plan

                      Preliminary Survey Form--October 30,   1989


          Dear Neighbor:
               The Essex County Planning Commission is currently working on
          an updated Comprehensive Plan in cooperation with the Middle
          Peninsula Planning District Commission. The Comprehensive Plan is
          a vital document which helps to define the characteristics of our
          community in the short- and long-term future. Public input is a
          very important Aspect of the Comprehensive Plan because it allows
          for the representation of the concerns of local residents.
          Therefore, just a few minutes of your time in answering these few
          simple questions would greatly improve the quality of our
          Comprehensive Plan, Please understand that you have been selected
          from a random sample,       and all your answers will remain
          confidential.


               Thank you.
                                                   A
           1. Do you consider the current level of economic and population
               growth in the county to be:

               Economic:                           Population:
             19 A. Fast                            A Fast
             B. Appropriate
                                    
                                                   B. Appropriate
               C. Slow                             c  s low       
               D. Don   t Know                     D.  Don I t Know
           
           2. ,Is it your perception that the transportation routes in the
               county are:
               A, Adequate
               B. Inadequate
                             
               C. Don't Know


           3. Do you feel   that the level and quality  of public recreational
               facilities  are:

               A. Very Appropriate
                                                     
               B. Appropriate                     
               C. Need Improvement
               D. Don't Know
 









             4. Do    you feel that the number of industries'in the county are:

                   A.    Too Many
                   B.    Appropriate
                   C.    Top Few
                   D.    Don't Know


             5. Do     you consider that the current location of industrial
                   development is:
             jjjl@'A. Appropriate
              70 B. Inappropria
              /-2-C. Don't Know          te

             6. Do'you consider that the current location of subdivision
                   residential development is:*
             106 A.      Appropriate         jhf@LWA@JW
              :20 B.     Inappropriate
              :Izc-      Donlt Know            WWI%
                 4x7
             7. Do     you feel that the         minimum required size of residential
                   lots should be:
             -65A.       1/2 acre
                   B.    1 acre
                   C.    1 1/2'acres                     lilt
                   D.    2 acres
                   E.    over 2 acres
                   F.!   Don"t-Know


             8. Is     it your opinion that mobile              homes should:

                   A.    Be allowed anywhere in 'the            count
                         Be allowed only in mobile home
              17rf B.                                                                                       ADM"
               C1 C.     Be disallowed everywhere in             the county
                C1 D.    Don't Know                                                           lilt


             9. Do     you feel that crime r          ates   41 nthe   county are:.
                   A.    Too High                PO
              2,11 B.    High
               (b9 C.    About Average
              @@o D.     Low
                   E.    very Low
                                                   M, rlu


                                                                      C








                 +F.     Don't Know












                                                          -3-


              10. What is your perception of the environ=ental conditions in
                     the county?

                     Water:                                            Land:
                     A .   Very Good                                   A.11@ery Good
                           or Excellent                                      or Excellent
                     B.-   Gooo                              OjjtmPqgcoo
                I r7 C.    Inadequate                ALViK I           C.IqInadecluate
                     D.    Very Inadequate           III               D..,5-Very Inadequate
                     E.    Don't Know                X-1111.           E     Don   t Kno4

              11. Do      you feel that employment conditions for county                     residents
                     within the county.are:

                     A.    Very Good
                     B.    Good
                  r7SC.    Average
                   0 D.    Bad
                  _@5 E.   Very Bad
                   ,jCrF.  Don't Know

              12. How      do you rate the county's school system?

                     A.    Excellent
                     -B.   Needs No Improvement
          L@6 -ftS C.      Average.
           !@3 fA 5 D.     Needs Some Improvement
                     E.    Needs Much Improvement
                     F.    Don't Know


              13.    Do you think that general public services provided                        by the
                     county are:
                     A. Adequate j2L7' B. Inadequate @ff                         C. Don "t     Know
                                                                                      2-1
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             A.- Length of residence in County:

                     1 to 5 years          5 to 15 years          15 years & above

                         5                      34                       100

             B.          Work inside County                     Work,outside County

                                69                                      48


             C.  Age:
                    13 to-35 years        35 to 50 years        50 to 65 yea         65 & over

                         11                      38                    35               55


             D.  @ex:


                                 Male                 Female

                                   107                   35


             E.  Race:

                  White         Hispanic        Black          other

                    119            0              21             1


             F*  Income:

             A.      $0 -  $10,000  - - - - -   16

             B.      $10,000 - $20,000     - - 24

             C.      $20,000 - $30,000     - - 27

             D.      $30,000 - $40,000     - - 22

             E.      $40,000 - $50,000     - - 11

             F.      $50,000   -..$60,000  - - 10

             G.      $60,000 - & above     - - 20


             G. Number of residents in household:

                               1 to 3                         4 to 6


                                '1107
                                                                31





























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                                                                      GAYLORDINO. 2333                        i"RIN'TED IN [email protected]









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