Rappahannock seeks special exception for electrical substation approvals

The Rappahannock County Planning Commission has approved an update to the county code to require a special exception for new or expanded electrical substations; the proposal will be considered by the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors at a public hearing on Monday, Mar. 2.

• Main announcement: The ordinance change will require utilities to obtain a special exception (use permit) and undergo a public hearing before expanding the Sperryville substation or building a new substation in Rappahannock; the Planning Commission approved the update on Feb. 18 and the Board will consider it on Mar. 2.
• Background/details: The change aligns Rappahannock with Culpeper and Fauquier counties, enables the county to limit zoning, require additional screening or reduced equipment height, and account for noise impacts; PEC supports the ordinance and residents are asked to send letters of support to the Board before Monday, Mar. 2. The ordinance change will not directly affect the proposed Page-Sperryville transmission line project because the Sperryville substation’s footprint will not be increased.