There are proposed changes to county zoning ordinances under discussions, and you may be wondering 
exactly what this mean for Smith Mountain Lake.
The area around the lake is currently zoned A-1, which is for agriculture. The new changes would change the zoning to SA-1, which stands for suburban agriculture. This means that businesses such as slaughterhouses, landing strips, sawmills and primitive campgrounds would no longer be allowed. Mobile homes and parks will still be allowed, as there is a state law which says that any property zoned for agriculture must allow for these exceptions. The businesses which already exist will be allowed to remain, but if those businesses close, similar business will not be allowed to open there.
There are also proposed changes to residential zoning. Some subdivisions are currently zoned A-1; these would be changed to SR-1 and SR-2. Current R-1 properties would be changed to SR-1 and SR-2 as well.
Neil Holthouser, Franklin County director of planning and community development, spoke with residents at a town hall meeting last week about these changes, and how they would affect the area around the lake. As there has been some confusion in the past over what the current ordinances mean, hopes are that the new ordinances will allow the Smith Mountain Lake area to grow – with a more clearly defined idea of what the restrictions mean.
To find out about Smith Mountain Lake’s growth, and what a great place it is to own a 'year round or vacation home, call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert, for all of your real estate needs.
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