Loudoun County has changed a lot since the current 1993 Zoning Ordinance was approved and revised. The completion of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan was the first step in initiating a major update in county policy. This was followed by the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite (ZOR) process, which concluded in December of 2023 with the adoption of a new Zoning Ordinance for Loudoun County. As with the Comprehensive Plan process, Loudoun Wildlife collaborated with nonprofit partners of the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition to provide public input throughout this process.

The ZOR was a lengthy process. Loudoun Wildlife stayed involved and engaged in submitting comments in favor of including wildlife protections at each stage. Many beneficial additions and alterations were made throughout the process, including provisions for native plants and open space. Many of our biggest concerns that have yet to be addressed are being tackled in future amendments. We will continue to stay involved as this process progresses to ensure that our outstanding concerns are addressed.

Future Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendments that will require member advocacy efforts are: Data Center Environmental Sustainability Policies and/or Standards, Rural Uses/ Western Loudoun, Floodplain Overlay District Updates, Use Restrictions in the Mountainside Overlay District and Small Area Plans for Lucketts. The Department of Planning and Zoning Work Plan sets the priorities for these projects. We will be continuing our efforts to advocate that the most pertinent issues for wildlife are addressed as a priority.

Loudoun Wildlife wishes to thank everyone who submitted public comments on behalf of protecting wildlife and those that showed up to the public hearings to voice support for wildlife-friendly zoning. Finally, our sincerest gratitude to our Conservation Advocacy volunteers that helped to review draft text throughout the process.

For more information on the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite and upcoming amendments:

• Current Advocacy Campaigns page
• Visit Loudoun Coalition’s Zoning Committee webpage to view the new Zoning Ordinance.
• View Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s past recommendations.

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