Amendments to Zoning Ordinance Regarding Natural Resources Inventory Requirements

A recent meeting document James City County - Agenda Packet - 2026-05-14 indicates a future potential acquisition The Board of Supervisors has adopted an Initiating Resolution to consider amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance regarding submittal requirements for Natural Resources Inventory. The proposed amendments would allow an exception to the requirement to submit a natural resources inventory where significant or potential habitat is known or identified on site, and the applicant voluntarily preserves and maintains the habitat in perpetuity in accordance with Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) recommendations and with approval from the Director of Planning. This will require updates to application review processes, monitoring, and enforcement, and may create opportunities for consulting services in environmental planning, conservation easements, and compliance monitoring.