A land-use proposal that Gov. Tim Kaine announced Thursday would spell out local governments’ authority to reject new developments if the area roads cannot handle more traffic, a plan that could resolve a long-running disagreement between jurisdictions and some General Assembly members.
Local officials argue they are powerless to stop growth, especially in regions already beset by frequent traffic jams, because they don’t have the authority to stop rezoning requests based on transportation concerns. Kaine, an attorney, said his legislation would clear up any confusion.
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“It’s basic common sense to me that someone should not expect to have their rezoning request granted when the road system is not sufficient to support new development in that area,” Kaine said during a speech to government and business leaders in Herndon. “This is a disputed legal point where there is a lot of murkiness. It is time to make sure local governments have the clear legal authority they need.”
The governor said he would also be introducing legislation that would tighten criteria for accepting developer-built subdivision streets into the state’s system and limit intersections or entrances that can be added to major arteries.
The escalating argument between some state legislators and local officials threatens chances the General Assembly will approve any new transportation funding this year. Republican legislators angered localities last week when they unveiled bills that would give more responsibility for local roads to the counties, saying supervisors have approved too much development. The GOP lawmakers think the jurisdictions already have the authority to deny rezoning requests, but don’t use that power and instead blame the General Assembly for not raising enough transportation revenue.
“We need more roads in Fairfax, but where are we going to put them?” said Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, R-Vienna. “They have built all over the county. The Board of Supervisors approves a lot of development and then points the finger at Richmond and says we are not doing enough for transportation.”
