4900 Mechunk Rd, Keswick, VA 22947

Rural Areas District

This district hereafter referred to as RA is hereby created and may hereafter be established by amendment of the zoning map for the following purposes: Preservation of agricultural and forestal lands and activities; Water supply protection; Limited service delivery to the rural areas; and Conservation of natural, scenic, and historic resources. Residential development not related to bona fide agricultural/forestal use shall be encouraged to locate in the urban area, communities and villages as designated in the comprehensive plan where services and utilities are available and where such development will not conflict with the agricultural/forestal or other rural objective. Where development does occur, rural residents should expect to receive a lower level of service delivery than will be provided to residential developments in designated growth areas. In relation to residential development, agricultural/forestal activities shall be regulated only to the extent necessary to protect public health and safety.; In regard to agricultural preservation, this district is intended to preserve the county's active farms and best agricultural and forestal lands by providing lot areas designed to insure the continued availability of such lands for preferential land use tax assessment in order to enhance the economy, and maintain employment and lifestyle opportunities. In addition, the continuation and establishment of agriculture and agriculturally-related uses will be encouraged, and landowners will be encouraged to employ Virginia State Water Control Board best management practices.