Planning commissions consider zoning changes across regions

In Columbia County, planners recommended approval of zoning changes and setback variances to expand Augusta Dental Arts, while Impact Community Church withdrew its rezoning request and plans to return with revised plans. Harrisonburg’s City Council asked its Planning Commission to consider zoning changes ahead of Virginia’s planned cannabis retail framework. In Emporia, commissioners are reviewing how medical facilities are defined in zoning rules, have taken no position on possible changes, and are seeking legal counsel and broader stakeholder input. Skagit County is revising its critical-areas ordinance after a state board found its rules for riparian buffers out of compliance with state law, with a deadline to make corrections by Jan. 19.