For many years, Fluvanna County was one of the fastest growing counties in Virginia (per capita). During that time, most of that growth occurred in one neighborhood, Lake Monticello. Now, new construction growth at Lake Monticello has slowed due to the community getting closer and closer to build-out. Fluvanna has been trying to prepare for growth to move to other neighborhoods, many of which are brand-new. One way the county has decided to direct and restrict growth is through new planning and zoning regulations. One such regulation creates what are known as "cluster subdivisions."

The purpose of cluster subdivisions is to allow for growth while still maintaining open space. Under the regulations, a new subdivision in Fluvanna County must remain at least 75% open space. This means that if a subdivision is a total of 100 acres, the homes in that subdivision must all be located on 25 acres, and the rest must remain undeveloped. This regulation is even more restrictive than a recently passed state-wide law regarding growth planning in the Commonwealth.

Since the passage of the cluster subdivision regulations, there has been much discussion in Fluvanna as to how this will affect growth in the county, and the physical appearance of the county. Until very recently, there has been no way to answer that question, as there haven't been any cluster subdivisions built. Such is the case no more.

Enter Sycamore Square. Sycamore Square is a new-construction subdivision being developed in Fluvanna County right now. It has been easy for me to watch its progression, since it is located directly behind our office. Sycamore Square is remarkable for at least 2 major reasons reasons:

1) This is the first major cluster subdivision in the county. It consists of just over 100 building lots. Most of these are +/- .5 acres in size. The open space required by law is going to be used for walking trails, picnic areas, and other common areas. Being a cluster subdivision, the community will be planned in a way that is currently not found in Fluvanna. The community will have curbs, and it will have public water and sewer. Most subdivisions in Fluvanna are quite rural, and do not have these features.

2) The homes in Sycamore Square are being built by four different builders. Three of these builders have never built in Fluvanna in any significant way. Ryan Homes, Craig Builders, and R.D. Wade Homes have built all over the Charlottesville area, but building an entire subdivision in Fluvanna will be a first for all of them. The fourth builder, Southern Development, began building homes in Fluvanna a little over a year ago. All of these builders are known throughout the Charlottesville area for their construction. Having attended informational sessions with all of the builders, they seem very excited about this opportunity to build in Fluvanna.

For some people, the news of a new subdivision is no news at all. In Fluvanna, however, the development of Sycamore Square is something that will be watched very closely by not only the real estate community, but also the community at large. As of right now, most of the roads have been cut, and curbs have been started, and all of the builders have begun work on their first homes. I will try to keep everyone updated as more begins to develop at Sycamore Square.

For more information, visit my site at www.RealEstateZebra.com