James City County BOS Approves Community Character Corridor for Forge Road Area
In a unanimous decision on October 8, the James City County Board of Supervisors took a significant step toward preserving the scenic beauty of northern James City County. The board established a new community character corridor along Forge Road, introducing restrictions on development to maintain the area’s rural charm.
Despite opposition from some landowners who expressed concerns about property rights, the board implemented new rules limiting home construction within 400 feet of key roadways. These measures are part of an “overlay district,” which applies to parcels at least 40 acres in size located outside the county’s primary service area. The district spans Forge Road, North Riverside Drive, and Diascund Road, extending from Forge Road to the CSX railroad right-of-way.
Before the board’s approval, the county’s planning commission had recommended rejecting the proposal by a 7-0 vote, citing concerns about the ordinance’s potential impact on property owners. Planning commissioner Scott Maye emphasized that the restrictions could prevent landowners from adding structures like sheds, farm stalls, or extensions to their existing properties.
However, Supervisor Michael Hipple clarified that the new setback rules apply only to the construction of new homes or land divisions intended to create multiple homes. He argued the ordinance is essential to preserving the rural feel of the Forge Road corridor, preventing it from becoming overdeveloped like other parts of the county or nearby Newport News.
“That’s one of the prettiest roads in James City County,” Hipple remarked. “If we don’t do something and try to save this beautiful road, I don’t think we’ve done our job.”
The new regulations align with the county’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan, which prioritizes the preservation of rural character. Under the ordinance, the required setbacks are proportional to the size of the property. Parcels over 500 feet in depth now have a setback requirement of 400 feet, while parcels between 300 and 500 feet must adhere to a 200-foot setback.
Despite the board’s support, the proposal was met with resistance from the Davey Resource Group Inc., owner of 210 acres on Diascund Road. In a letter to the planning department, the group criticized the ordinance, arguing that it imposes excessive restrictions on landowners in western James City County.
“The current zoning, along with the recent one-lot-per-20-acres rule, already limits development opportunities,” the group stated. “Adding more restrictions would unfairly reduce the value and future potential of these properties.”
The board’s decision highlights the challenge of balancing development with preservation. As James City County continues to grow, efforts like these seek to protect the scenic and rural character that makes areas like Forge Road unique.