1198 Gumtree Rd, Forest, VA 24551

Planned Commercial Development District

The intent of the planned commercial development (PCD) district is to promote the efficient use of commercial land by allowing a wide range of land uses of various densities and flexible application of development controls. The goals may be accomplished while also protecting surrounding property, the natural features, and scenic beauty of the land. The planned commercial development district is provided in recognition that many commercial, office and residential establishments seek to develop within unified areas, usually under single ownership or control. Because these concentrations of retail, service, and office establishments are generally stable and offer unified internal arrangement and development, potentially detrimental design effects can be recognized and addressed during the review of the development. For these reasons, the provisions for the PCD allow greater development latitude. Districts should be proposed and planned for areas that provide for adequate development and expansion space, controlled access points, landscaped parking areas, and public utilities. Development of the PCD will take place in general accordance with an approved master plan, which may allow for clustering of uses and densities in various areas of the site. Planned commercial development districts should be a visual asset to the community. Buildings within the district are to be architecturally similar in style and the relationship among individual establishments should be harmonious. The site should be well landscaped and parking and loading areas are to be screened.