County OKs Virginia Ranch project

Twenty years after it was first approved, a project that stretches from Grant Avenue north to Toler Lane might start work in the near future.

The 642-unit first phases of the Virginia Ranch project starts with the construction of Muller Lane Parkway between the two roads.

“Those plans have been submitted and that phase is ready to go as soon as we get the permit,” Manhard Consulting representative Chris Baker told county commissioners on Thursday.

Commissioners approved 5-0 a zone change and planned development overlay district as part of an ordinance.

The zone change approved on Thursday removes a 10.5-acre school site from the northern edge of the project in exchange for eight teacherages in the project.

The initial phases include 470 single family homes on 132 acres. The project mix includes 172 cottages split between the northern and southern portions of the project and 29 acres of multi-family that could add up to 378 units to reach the total.

The project is capped at 1,020 units on 196 acres and was subject to a court settlement.

In order to achieve that density, builders will need to record development rights transferred from agricultural land.