Chapter 4: Growth Management and Land
The County is noted for its rural character and natural beauty, its winding rivers and scenic mountains, and its sense of community. Land Use and Development Warren County Introduction Warren County is characterized by the central Town of Front Royal and a number of compact rural settlements scattered in a landscape of farmlands, woodlands, rivers, and mountains. The County is noted for its rural character and natural beauty, its winding rivers and scenic mountains, and its sense of community. The increased population growth spreading out from the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area has brought changes, welcomed by many, lamented by others, and recognized by all. The new growth also has brought increased traffic, declines in the natural environment, increasing demands on limited services, and declining agricultural, open, and forestal lands. 2013 Comprehensive Plan Growth Management and Land Use Introduction Presently Warren County contains seven main land use categories: National Park, 14,090 acres; National Forest, 6,197 acres; State Park, 1,627 acres; agricultural, 88,331 acres; residential, 11,721 acres; commercial, 846 acres; industrial, 1,753 acres; and rural villages, approximately 110 acres. These figures are, however, somewhat deceiving since many existing uses within zoning categories do not conform to their description. For instance, much of the County's residential development is on two-acre lots zoned as agricultural land (Map 4.1 Generalized Existing Current Land Use). New growth management strategies should clarify the zoning categories to prevent incompatible overlaps and to define those areas suitable for specific types of development. Growth management shall be a coordinated effort by County government to achieve a more efficient pattern for future development, in accordance with a community comprehensive land use plan.
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