Sustainable Development of Forestlands Project
Sustainable Forestlands Development Case Studies
NannyCatch Commons - Giles County, VA
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Original Project Summary
Description: This 60-acre clustered residential development with mature forest and rolling meadow is located near the New River and town of Eggleston. Proposed for subdivision are 1.5 acres for 5 single-family lots to create the feel of a rural English hamlet. The remaining 58.5 acres are designated as general commons with 45 acres of forested walking trails, 4.5 acres of open meadow, and a 9-acre pine plantation. Homes are accessed by a single 9-foot gravel lane with pullouts, shared driveways, and community parking areas. Currently, potable water for the site would require individual wells. Wastewater treatment would be in the form of a community septic system, however, the county has plans to extend municipal water to the area, with completion expected in 2007. Distance to the Prices Fork Road/US-460 interchange is approximately 17 miles.
The developers intended to design a community reminiscent of a rural hamlet in harmony with the site's existing natural resources by eliminating the need for forest clearing and arranging homes in a village cluster to create a sense of community. The forest will be managed for ecological health and recreation (walking and nature study), the white pine stand would be sustainably harvested for community income, and seasonal mowing of the pasture would retain views to Spruce Run Mountain. Housing styles are to be consistent with rural English cottage architecture with overtones of Virginia Colonial or American farmhouse features. Other proposed site amenities include a Common House for storage, workshop, meeting, and studio space; a natural resources plan including active forest management; and a community garden for ornamental, vegetable, and fruit production.
Guidelines: No trees cleared outside of the 1.5-acre area for clustered homes, shared drive, and community outbuildings; landscaping of private lots is to be consistent with the architectural style of the community; access to common areas and trail systems is restricted to pedestrian use except for trail maintenance and forest management; hunting, trapping, and the discharge of firearms is prohibited; and no disturbance or harassment of animals or birds which nest, den, or live in the common areas.
Special Note:
This higher density plan received a special variance from Giles County, which has a 1-acre minimum lot size with state supported roads and a 5-acre minimum lot size for private road access. This style of clustered development was a new concept for this predominantly rural county, but the project was approved because the developer had efficiently designed the community and because of the small scale of the overall development (5 homes). The designers of this project, a land use planner and an environmental engineer, worked with local planning officials to rewrite the county's zoning ordinance to include an option for higher density Planned Unit Developments (PUD).
The plan for NannyCatch Commons was submitted through all but the final approval process. Rezoning for the property was approved by the county, but the final plat was not recorded. When the property was sold in 2004, a small home and a storage/equipment shed existed on the property. The development plans were conveyed with the property, such that if the new owners decide to subdivide the property, they will be required to either record the existing approved plan or restart the process if requesting a different development structure.