Amherst County considers overlay district for railway trail [Video]

Amherst County officials may consider an overlay zoning district for the portion of the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail on Virginia 151 in the county’s northern area that borders Nelson County.

Tyler Creasy, director of community development, gave a presentation to the Amherst County Board of Supervisors on the potential zoning measure. The board at its 2023 retreat session directed county staff to look into an overlay district for Roses Mill Trail, a section of the railway trail system.

The potential overlay district can extend the entire length of the trail within the county and staff recommends a 400-foot overlay from county property onto adjoining properties, Creasy said.

“Staff believes that is a feasible setback for trying to keep this trail scenic in its nature,” Creasy said.

The measure could also restrict structures from being built within the designated overlay district, similar to the Virginia 130 overlay that has setbacks …