The Comprehensive Transportation Funding and Reform act of 2007, which institutes the most momentous changes to Virginia land use law in a generation, is slowly grinding its way through the system. Currently, local government officials are trying to figure out what it all means.
Bob Burke attended a recent daylong summit, co-sponsored by the Virginia Municipal League, the Virginia Association of Counties and other organizations, dedicated to sorting through the dteails and answering questions. His observation: No one seems terribly enthralled with the legislation, which will preoccupy local officials for years to come. But no one is predicting death, doom and destruction either. For the most part, people are still trying to get answers.
One preoccupation: impact fees. When can you impose them, how do you calculate them, and what can you spend the money on?
Another question: What role are “New Urbanism” design principles supposed to play in newly created Urban Development Areas? The legislation is exceedingly vague.
Burke has the story here: “Don’t Panic.”