Accomack County Board sends proposal to reduce minimum lot sizes to Planning Commission

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to approve a resolution directing the Planning Commission to consider reducing minimum lot sizes for residential housing construction in Residential and Agriculture districts.

The proposed change aims to reduce bulk regulations and allow townhouses as a permitted use on lots with access to public, municipal, or shared water and sewage systems. Public utilities make smaller lot sizes feasible, as setbacks and separation distances for wells, septic tanks, and drainfields are no longer required.

Proportionally smaller lots would feature shallower setbacks. By reducing minimum lot sizes, the cost of land can be lowered, increasing affordability and accessibility. This change would also support the development of smaller, entry-level housing units, making them more suitable for the local workforce.

Smaller lots encourage more efficient land use by increasing density in areas near public utilities, while steering development away from agricultural zones that typically lack shared utilities.

The proposal has been referred to the Planning Commission, which will review the details and provide recommendations to the Board of Supervisors before a final vote is taken.