Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Change Highlights - Chapter 6: Natural and Environmental Resources

Chapter 6 of the new Zoning Ordinance includes regulations for use permissions and development standards in three sections: (1) River and Stream Corridor Resources (RSCR); (2) Steep Slope Areas; and (3) Natural and Environmental Resources (NER). The new ordinance continues to build on existing regulations by ensuring the protection of natural resources, river and stream health and wildlife habitats through the establishment of environmental standards.   

The new Zoning Ordinance incorporates the following:  

• The RSCR in the news ordinance replaces the Scenic Creek Valley Buffer in the previous Zoning Ordinance and applies to areas within the county that are contiguous to a stream, creek or river, as well as source water such as a spring.   
  • The RSCR, which consists of the Floodplain Overlay District (FOD), steep slope areas, and a RSCR Buffer Area, includes additional environmental protections for river and stream corridor resources by increasing the buffers for Loudoun County’s rivers and streams over existing regulations.   
  • Loudoun County’s major waterways, such as the Potomac River, Goose and Catoctin Creeks and Bull Run, will all be protected by a 300-foot RSCR Buffer Area.  
  • All other rivers and streams will all be protected by a 100-foot RSCR Buffer Area. The buffers range from 100 to 250 feet in the previous ordinance.  
  • The increased buffer area will help maintain a healthy river and stream corridor ecosystem that promotes desired water quality standards, prevents soil erosion and flooding and supports biological diversity.  
• The Steep Slope regulations limit land disturbance on naturally occurring steep slopes; they are designed to prevent erosion and surface runoff while preserving the visual qualities of Loudoun’s mountain terrain.  
• New regulations for natural and environmental resources specify uses, activities and development standards that protect natural heritage, wildlife and habitat and water resources by lessening the impact of land disturbance and the built environment.  

The environmental enhancements in the new Zoning Ordinance are intended to promote overall river and stream health through streambank/streambed stability, temperature moderation, nutrient removal, sediment removal, flood control and sustained aquatic habitat and food resources. These new standards will strengthen regulations that: 

• Protect and improve stream quality and watershed health by decreasing the amount of stormwater runoff and pollutants from reaching local waters. 
• Protect and enhance impaired streams and their tributaries to improve water quality and provide ecological benefits while also providing opportunities for passive recreation. 
• Protect rivers and public drinking water reservoirs to ensure a clean, safe, and adequate supply of drinking water.  
• Provide flexibility regarding determining the width of the RSCR. 

Review additional details in the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance.

Last updated 12/18/2023