Public Notice

​"COUNTY ORDINANCES"

https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/leecountyva/latest/overview  

NOTICE OF SITTING DATES

OF LEE COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION

TO HEAR REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENT COMPLAINTS

 

The Lee County Board of Equalization will sit at the place and on the dates listed below for the purpose of equalizing real estate assessments in Lee County, to hear complaints of inequalities wherein the property owners allege a lack of uniformity in assessment, or errors in acreage in such real estate assessments.  The board shall also hear complaints that real property is assessed at more than fair market value.  To meet with the Board of Equalization, you must schedule an appointment by calling the Lee County Administrator’s Office at (276) 346-7714.  You must call to schedule your appointment no later than June 6, 2025.

 

The Board of Equalization will meet in Room 208 (Conference Room) on the second floor of the Lee County Courthouse in Jonesville, Virginia between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on each of the following dates:

 

                    May 27, 28, 29, 30, 2025

                   June 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 2025

 

Please be prepared to provide the following information to schedule your appointment

 

     - Taxpayer name as listed on tax ticket or reassessment notice

     - Number of parcels you wish to discuss with the Board

     - Tax map or account number of each parcel   

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

The Lee County Board of Supervisors and Lee County Public Service Authority will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Town of Pennington Gap Town Hall,  528 Industrial Drive, Pennington Gap, VA to solicit public input on local community development and housing needs in relation to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for projects in the County. Information on the amount of funding available, the requirements on benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, eligible activities, and plans to minimize displacement and provide displacement assistance, as necessary, will be available. Citizens will also be given an opportunity to comment on Lee County’s past use of CDBG funds. All interested citizens are urged to attend. For additional information, contact Thomas Lawson, LENOWISCO Planning District Commission, at (276) 431-2206.

 

Complaints and grievances can be submitted in writing to the Lee County Administrator at the Lee County Courthouse, at P.O. Box 367, Jonesville, VA 23263, or by phone at (276) 346-7714 until the date of the hearing.  Citizens needing special assistance or having questions regarding access, please call (276) 346-7714.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

The Lee County Board of Supervisors and Lee County Public Service Authority will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Town of Pennington Gap Town Hall,  528 Industrial Drive, Pennington Gap, VA to solicit public input on local community development and housing needs in relation to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for projects in the County. Information on the amount of funding available, the requirements on benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, eligible activities, and plans to minimize displacement and provide displacement assistance, as necessary, will be available. Citizens will also be given an opportunity to comment on Lee County’s past use of CDBG funds. All interested citizens are urged to attend. For additional information, contact Thomas Lawson, LENOWISCO Planning District Commission, at (276) 431-2206.

 

Complaints and grievances can be submitted in writing to the Lee County Administrator at the Lee County Courthouse, at P.O. Box 367, Jonesville, VA 23263, or by phone at (276) 346-7714 until the date of the hearing.  Citizens needing special assistance or having questions regarding access, please call (276) 346-7714.

COMBINED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

 

May 12, 2025

 

FROM:            Robby Wright

                        County Administrator

                        Lee County

Lee County Courthouse,

Room 111

P.O. Box 367

Jonesville, VA.24263

276.346.7714

 

These Notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Lee County.

 

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

 

On or about June 2, 2025, Lee County will submit a request to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the release of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and/or Appalachian Regional Development funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (PL 93-383), to undertake a project known as the Flower Gap – Fairview Waterline Extension Project, involving the installation of approximately 18,000 LF of 6-inch waterline, 1,000 LF of 2-inch waterline, 1,600 LF of ¾-inch water service line, and all applicable appurtenances to serve a projected 16 connections.

 

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

 

Lee County has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the Lee County Public Service Authority located at 397 Park Street, Jonesville, VA 24263 and/or the Lee County Courthouse located at 33640 Main Street, Jonesville, VA 24263 and and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to the Lee County Administrator at the above address. All comments received by May 30, 2025, will be considered by Lee County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Commentors should specify which part of this Notice they are addressing.

 

 

RELEASE OF FUNDS

 

Lee County certifies to DHCD that Robby Wright in his capacity as County Administrator consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. DHCD’S approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Lee County to use Program funds.

 

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

 

DHCD will consider objections to its release of funds and Lee County’s certification received by June 17, 2025 or a period of fifteen days from its receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer or other officer of Lee County approved by DHCD; (b) Lee County has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the project have committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by DHCD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to DHCD at:

 

Director Bryan Horn

Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development Attn: Program Administration and Assistance Office

Main Street Centre

600 E. Main St., Suite 300

Richmond, Virginia 23219

(804) 371-7061 [TTP 371-7089 / FAX 371-7093]

 

Potential objectors should contact DHCD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

 

Robby Wright

County Administrator

Public Notice​

Amend Article XI to amend the following definition:

Tourist Home-A structure intended for transient occupancy of fewer than 30 consecutive days for compensation. This structure must be built in compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, meet all requirements of the Virginia Department of Health for waste disposal, and be registered with the Commissioner of Revenue’s Office for collection of Transient Occupancy Tax.

 

Amend Article IV, Section 4-1, Subsection 3 Special Uses, to include the following:

Sawmills, with or without a structure, allowing for cutting of trees grown off of the premises, as long as the Sawmill meets the following criteria:

1. 100’ setbacks for Front, Rear, and Side yards.

2. Comply with all State and Federal Laws

 

Amend Article XI to include the following definitions:

Campground-includes tourist camps, travel trailer camps, recreation camps, family campgrounds, camping resorts, camping communities, or any other area, place, parcel, or tract of land, by whatever name called, on which three or more campsites are occupied or intended for occupancy, or facilities are established or maintained, wholly or in part, for the accommodation of camping units for periods of overnight or longer, whether the use of the campsites or facilities is granted gratuitously, by a rental fee, by lease, by conditional sale, or by covenants, restrictions, and easements.

Camping Unit- includes tents, tent trailers, travel trailers, camping trailers, pick-up campers, motor homes, yurts, cabins, or any other device or vehicular-type structure as may be developed marketed and used by the camping trade for use as temporary living quarters or shelter during periods of recreation, vacation, leisure time, or travel.

Campsite- includes any plot of ground within a campground used or intended for the exclusive occupation by a camping unit.

 

Amend Article IV, Section 4-1, Subsection 3 Special Uses, to include the following:

Campgrounds, subject to the provisions of Sec. 5-16 of this Ordinance

 

Amend Article V, Add Subsection 5-16 to include the following:

Sec. 5-16. Campground Regulations

1. Applicability.

The regulations and requirements contained in this Section shall be applicable to all Campgrounds hereafter established and to any expansion of an existing campground. The specific means of complying with the regulations and requirements of this Section shall be shown on plans and described in material accompanying each special use permit application for a campground. These plans shall include the number, size and location of the proposed campsites, and parking areas; proposed roadways and pedestrian walkways; Letter of review by the Virginia Department of Transportation; locations and details of any proposed utilities;(For Definition of campground see Article XI of this Ordinance.)

1. Area and density

Campgrounds shall contain not less than two acres in area. The maximum density within a campground shall not exceed 20 campsites per gross acre. Campsites shall provide a minimum of 1600 square feet of space and shall not be less than 25 feet at its narrowest point.

1. Yard and separation.

The following yard, separation and buffer requirements shall be applicable to campgrounds

1. Yards. Individual campsites shall be located not less than 30 feet from public street rights-of-way and 20 feet from exterior boundaries of the campground.

2. Separation. Campsites shall be identified by number and section with camping units required to locate within the designated campsites.

 

1. Occupancy

Campgrounds shall not be used as a permanent occupancy. Continuous Occupancy extending beyond 30 consecutive days shall be presumed to be permanent occupancy. Except for temporary repair, any action towards removal of wheels of a recreational vehicle shall be prohibited. The campground owner/operator shall maintain records of campground occupancy sufficient to demonstrate compliance with these standards. Such records shall include the initial date of arrival and final departure and shall be maintained for a 12 month period following the departure of each responsible camper.

1. Compliance with applicable State laws. Campgrounds shall be developed and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, Virginia Department of Health, and other applicable State laws.

2. ​

Public Hearings

 

The Lee County Planning Commission will hold the following public hearings on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Conference Room, (Room 208), of the Lee County Courthouse in Jonesville, Virginia. The purpose of the hearings is to solicit input on the following requests:

           

 

1. White Rock Rentals have applied to Rezone property that is currently zoned both R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) and A-1 (Agricultural District) to A-1 (Agricultural District) only. Property consists of +/- 28.32 acres of land and is located in the Ewing Community, East of Sand Cave Rd. (Tax Parcel # 63A-(22)-TR 3, 4, 5).

 

1. The Planning Commission is initiating the following Zoning Text Amendments:

1) Amend Article XI to redefine Tourist Home

2) Amend Article IV, Section 4-1, Subsection 3 Special Uses to include Sawmills

3) Amend Article IV, Section 4-1, Subsection 3 Special Uses to include Campgrounds, subject to the provisions of Section 5-16 of this Ordinance.

    Amend Article V, Add Subsection 5-16 for Campground Regulations, including Applicability, Area and Density, Yard and Separation, Occupancy, and Compliance.

    Amend Article XI to include the following definitions: Campground, Camping Unit, and Campsite.

*The complete text of these amendments can be found at www.leecova.com or by contacting the Lee County Zoning Department*

 

 

For further information, please contact Clint Carter, Zoning Administrator at (276) 346-7715. Access for handicapped individuals is available. If you need special assistance or have questions regarding access, please contact Robbie Wright, County Administrator at (276) 346-7714.

Public Notice

There are many changes that have happened around the Lee County Tax Code and the Lee County Board of Supervisors would like to take a moment of your time to further explain the changes you are seeing. 

The best way to start will be with the split billing on real estate taxes you have probably already received in the mail.  Our board voted during the summer of last year to split the yearly billing into 2 parts with the first part being due at the end of May and the second at the end of October.  The reasoning behind this was also 2-fold.  The split billing allowed citizens to pay their taxes in 2 parts in an attempt to make it more manageable for everyone’s budget.  The second part is it leveled the tax income received by the county allowing it easier to budget receipts.  This allowed the board to have tax income during the first part of the year which is a big help in the budget.  The board knows it may be a little inconvenient for the first time but many localities in our region have already implemented this process and it has worked well for both the localities and the citizens.

In the next few days everyone will start to receive the reassessment on all real estate in the county.  Lee County has not completed a reassessment on real estate since 2016 which will be a significant change in the assessed value.  The housing/land market went thru an extreme upshift in value during the Covid Pandemic with these values leveling off as of late but holding steady at this increased value.  The board realizes this value may cause worry about the amount of tax that will be paid as it relates to this new value.  There will be discussion about our current rate of $0.74 per $100.00 of value to ensure this rate is calculated to only supply the amount of money necessary to fund the services provided by the county to it’s citizens.  This is not to say there will or will not be a tax increase, just to say there are many things that are required by your county government to operate many different departments and programs and the rate will be set to attempt and fund as many programs as possible.  To not get sidetracked with the reassessment, we will discuss this further after we address the 5 largest budget expense items.

When looking at the budget for Lee County, there are 5 areas that require the majority of funding from the tax revenue paid by Lee County Citizens.  These are the Lee County School System, Public Works (trash), Regional Jail, Social Services and Child Protective Services.  Each of these programs are vital to all citizens of Lee County but hard decisions have to be made on how to fund each of these programs.  It also makes it more difficult as all of these programs are mandated with the exception of Public Works

The Lee County School System budget requires the most funding of all these programs.  This year the Lee County School System has requested approximately $7.7 million dollars to fully fund all the programs available to students.  To put this in perspective of the Lee County Budget, the expected revenue from the October 31, 2024 real estate tax billing cycle was $7.2 million which means there is not enough money to completely fund the school system with real estate taxes.  There was a lot of discussion during the FY25 budget where the Lee County Board of Supervisors did not fund all the programs for the school system and this was the reasoning behind this decision.  There is a match of over $6.5 million that is required with the remainder being supplemental programs where there is the opportunity to opt out of funding.  We know there are many dedicated people that work in the school system and their administration (over 700 people) that depend on this budget and our board believes our school system deserves all the funding we can provide, but there is a limit to the amount of tax revenue that can be allocated to each program.  This was the sole reason for not funding some of the programs that were available through the Commonwealth during our current fiscal year. 

The Southwest Regional Jail is another budget item that requires a large amount of funding.  The Regional Jail has helped Lee County by offering the services required to provide inmates in our region which would be a real strain for the county to offer by themselves.  Due to the growing number of inmates from Lee County, this program has now reached a yearly budget request of a little over $3 million for our county.  There are several of these inmates that should be state responsible but the funding provided by the state for these inmates are a fraction of the daily cost meaning the taxpayers of Lee County are the ones that have to fund the largest portion of the bill.  This being said, it would be a larger burden on Lee County citizens if we tried to operate a jail system on our own.

Our Public Works Department is one of the best in our region.  There are many requirements from the Department of Environmental Quality concerning our closed landfill and, although it is one of those things the public does not often see, their inspection reports are second to none.  The convenience centers operate well and trash is transported to our floor in Jonesville to be transferred to the landfill in Blountville.  This program’s budget is over $2 million to collect, consolidate and transfer this waste along with maintaining the landfill facility and many other maintenance jobs throughout our county.  This department has become the go-to for many maintenance items and they are always up to the task.

Although many people do not realize this, Social Services and CSA are 2 separate programs that are operated by the Lee County Department of Social Services.  These programs offer a wide variety of services to families/children in Lee County which also have requirements that have to be met and are sometimes extremely expensive.  These 2 programs together budget over $12 million dollars but Lee County does get reimbursed for many of these expenses which lowers the burden to around $2.5 million dollars per year. 

As you can see from these 5 examples, there is an immense amount of funding that is allocated to these programs which is the majority of what is the actual county budget.  There is a lot of money that is received from the state to pay for court service, public safety and related program employees which flow through the county budget but have little to no effect on surplus/loss within the budget.  The exception being Lee County funds the supplies, space and utilities for these state funded departments which is an expense but not to the magnitude of these 5 programs.    These, along with the other expenses, are why the budget process is so important to every citizen in Lee County.  The Lee County Board of Supervisors welcomes any input, positive or negative, as we only wish to serve the best interest of Lee County and want to include everyone’s point of view.  There will be many meetings in the next few weeks that will address the budget which are open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.

Readdressing the reassessment, there is one major fact that we wish to convey when discussing the assessed value for each piece of property.  First we would like to say that Lee County does not get to choose whether or not to complete this reassessment and has actually been out of compliance due to the 2022 reassessment being refused ( and rightfully so ) by the last sitting board.  The reason this is of vital importance is Lee County receives “Public Service” payments from infrastructure located in the county from certain organizations.  This funding is paid based on a calculation of the accuracy of the land value assessments which is one of the main reasons this is required by the Commonwealth of Virginia.  This calculation creates a “ratio” that is used to determine to what rate these “Public Service” payments are made.  Simply put, if the value of a “public service” is $100,000.00 and our current ratio is 58%, the payment is short 42% of what it could be.  That is pretty close to half of the money that would be available to fund part of any of the programs we have been discussing.  Again, the actual tax rate will be discussed but the closer to actual real value property can be assessed, the lower the tax burden could be to the citizens. 

We know this is a quick snapshot of some of the things being discussed during our budget process and we want to be fully transparent of the process.  The Lee County Board of Supervisors is committed to serving the citizens of Lee County and we do welcome any input to aid in this process.  We might not always agree as we don’t always agree amongst ourselves, but discussion is the only way we all learn about issues that are concerning to the public and this process is vital to all Lee County Citizens. 

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