The Town is in the process of reviewing and updating its Comprehensive Plan.  The Commonwealth of Virginia requires all of its jurisdictions to review their Comprehensive Plans every five years.  The Town expects this process to take about one year.

The Comprehensive Plan is a document created by each jurisdiction that is developed with the help of a committee along with public input and a recommendation from the Planning Commission to the legislative body, in this case the Town Council.  The document contains the Town’s vision, goals, objectives and policies regarding land use, natural and cultural resources protection, public facilities, transportation and other public infrastructure (sewer and water), economic development and housing.  The Comprehensive Plan reflects a long-range vision.  The policies of the Comprehensive Plan serve to guide the development process and do not constitute requirements as do zoning ordinance regulations, for example.

The Town Council has appointed a Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) to work with Town staff to review the current Comprehensive Plan and develop any amendments that are appropriate.  The CPAC consists of all the Planning Commissioners, the Mayor, a member of the Town Council and members who represent historical resources advocates, the Lovettsville Business Association, Town business people, along with residents from the newer and older neighborhoods in Town.  The CPAC will make its recommendations for amending the Plan after monthly meetings to review and discuss planning issues.  The recommendation will be the subject of public hearings before the Planning Commission.  When the Commission has discussed all the relevant issues, including public hearing testimony, it will make a recommendation for amending the Comprehensive Plan to the Town Council.

The CPAC typically meets on the 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00PM.  For months with 5 Wednesday, the schedule is adjusted to the 3rd and 5th Wednesdays.  The meetings are held at either the Library or Town Hall.  Please check the event calendar or call Town Hall to confirm the location.  All meetings are open to the public, however; to keep the committee on schedule public comment is reserved for special planned input meetings.  Written and verbal statements may be offered at any time.

Please contact Steve McGregor, the Town Planner if you have any questions about this process.