Planning commission delays vote on prime soils ordinance
Planning commission delays vote on prime soils ordinance Loudoun Times-Mirror
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Zoning Ordinance Amendment in Loudoun County
Introduction
The document in question is a draft amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance that aims to impose stricter regulations on “cluster subdivisions” in rural areas of Loudoun County. The purpose of this amendment is to protect “prime agricultural soils,” which are soils that have the best characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 15: Life on Land
Proposed Changes
- The amendment would impose stricter regulations on “cluster subdivisions” in rural areas of Loudoun County.
- The aim is to protect “prime agricultural soils” that are essential for food production.
- The amendment seeks to preserve as much as possible the best soil for growing crops and grazing livestock intact in western Loudoun County.
Impact on Agriculture and Livestock
The proposed amendment would have a significant impact on agriculture and livestock in Loudoun County. By preserving prime agricultural soils, it would ensure the availability of land for food production, feed for livestock, and other agricultural activities. This aligns with SDG 2: Zero Hunger, as it promotes sustainable agriculture and ensures food security.
Public Hearing and Feedback
A public hearing was held on July 13, where stakeholders had the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed amendment. Chuck Kuhn, of JK Land Holdings, and Eliza Greenman, of HogTree, were among those who addressed the Loudoun County Planning Commission. Their input and concerns were taken into consideration during the decision-making process.
Conclusion
The draft amendment to Loudoun County’s zoning ordinance aims to protect prime agricultural soils by imposing stricter regulations on cluster subdivisions in rural areas. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Life on Land. By preserving prime agricultural soils, Loudoun County can ensure sustainable food production and contribute to a more sustainable future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
- SDG 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
- SDG 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions the draft amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance that aims to protect “prime agricultural soils.” This indicates a focus on preserving and improving land and soil quality, which is relevant to SDG 2.4 and SDG 15.3. Additionally, the stricter regulation on “cluster subdivisions” in rural areas of the county suggests efforts towards sustainable urbanization and human settlement planning, which aligns with SDG 11.3.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | Preservation of prime agricultural soils through stricter regulation on cluster subdivisions in rural areas. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries. | Implementation of stricter regulation on cluster subdivisions in rural areas to protect prime agricultural soils. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. | Preservation of prime agricultural soils through stricter regulation on cluster subdivisions in rural areas. |
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Source: loudountimes.com
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