Environmental & Cultural Resources

Natural Resources Review

Plans Review

Development plan reviews are conducted for general environmental issues on "by right" property subdivisions and for land use applications that are specifically considered by the Board of Supervisors. The focus of environmental reviews includes:

Analysis of archaeological resources
Encouragement of green building design
Forest preservation and reforestation
Habitat protection for wetlands and other areas that support endangered and threatened species
Proper measures to minimize ambient noise generated by road traffic for new developments
Protection of landscapes with steep slopes and sensitive mountainsides
Qualitative analysis of proposed stormwater treatment measures

Case-by-Case Focus

The case-by-case focus on these environmental issues has cultivated constructive dialogues and outreach with other government agencies, commissions, non-profit organizations, and businesses involved with these issues.

Regular Meetings

County staff meet regularly with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to compare wetland permit application requests with county land development applications to ensure consistency. Efforts have succeeded with a large increase in approved wetland and stream mitigation banks located within Loudoun County to compensate for habitat lost elsewhere in the county due to development.

Regional Representation

County staff represent Loudoun County when regional agencies such as the Northern Virginia Regional Commission or Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments undertake environmental initiatives, such as low-impact development (LID) and green building. Staff assists local heritage preservation groups with archaeological resource "road shows" that connect the public to the Loudoun's heritage.