16-1.

Development Impact.

It is the intent of the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission to encourage the development of Madison County in a fiscally and environmentally sound manner. To this end, development proposals should be evaluated for their impact on the land, people, economy, public facilities, and services of the County.

Madison County recognizes the benefits of sound planning for all types of development. All developers must expect to present to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors an objective evaluation of the impact of their proposed development on the County, and then must expect to assist in offsetting those impacts under laws of Virginia in effect at the time of application.

16-2.

All developers may be required by the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors to finance and assist in the preparation of an impact study of the proposed development upon the County. This impact study will supplement any information submitted with any preliminary plats and must include at a minimum the following:

1.

The estimated increase in the County's population that will result from the development, describing the anticipated population structure of the development and including the period of time over which such growth is expected to occur.

2.

The expected needs of the development for public and private services such as water, sewer, trash disposal, government, fire protection, police, schools, and rescue squads, including any additional land, persons, buildings, road, and equipment that may be needed to provide such services and the estimated cost thereof.

3.

The environmental impact of the development including its effect on air and water quality, wildlife, historic property, and prime agricultural lands.

4.

The estimated local tax revenue that the development will generate.

16-3.

Such a development impact study shall be prepared by competent individuals recognized as experts in planning, engineering, and environmental analysis.

16-4.

The Commission or Board may request opinions from departments, agencies, or authorities of the County or state government or from recognized individuals.

16-5.

The results of the impact study shall be weighed as one of the considerations in any actions taken by the Planning Commission or the Board of Supervisors.