Planning and Zoning

PEC believes in smart growth planning and decision-making that enhances communities, reduces vehicle miles traveled, and protects natural, cultural and historic resources.

PEC Presentation on Data Centers & Virginia’s Clean Energy Future

PEC Presentation on Data Centers & Virginia’s Clean Energy Future

On June 10, 2023, The Piedmont Environmental Council hosted our annual meeting in Loudoun County and featured a workshop on data centers and Virginia’s clean energy future. The presentation, given by PEC’s Senior Energy and Climate Policy Analyst Ashish Kapoor and Director of Land Use Julie Bolthouse, is available to view and download below.

Madison County Land Use Update

Madison County Land Use Update

2023 has already been a busy year for the Madison County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, and I am writing to share some recent highlights with you. First, a committee of residents and representatives from the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors has been meeting since November to review Madison County’s Comprehensive Plan… 

PEC supports legal challenge to Orange County Wilderness Crossing rezoning

PEC supports legal challenge to Orange County Wilderness Crossing rezoning

On May 24, 2023, the American Battlefield Trust, Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, Inc., Friends of Wilderness Battlefield, Inc., and a number of Orange County and Spotsylvania County residents filed a legal challenge to the recent approval by the Orange County Board of Supervisors of the rezoning of 2,600 acres in the county, known as Wilderness Crossing, at the gateway to the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. The lawsuit cites several violations of state constitutional and statutory law and county zoning ordinance, including procedural errors, lack of required submittals and findings, and failure to comply with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, among other errors.

Resources from Our Creating Walkable Piedmont Communities Workshop

Resources from Our Creating Walkable Piedmont Communities Workshop

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Creating Walkable Piedmont Communities workshop on March 31! This half-day workshop focused on giving your town or village the tools, resources, and contacts you need to implement pedestrian, streetscape, trail and traffic calming projects. It was also an opportunity to network with other local leaders interested in making their Piedmont communities more vibrant and walkable.