Advocacy

Loudoun County Offers New Rental Rehabilitation Program

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:25:11 -0500

As part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), Loudoun County is offering a new Rental Rehabilitation Program (RRP), which provides for the rehabilitation of previously foreclosed homes in designated NSP neighborhoods. The purpose of the RRP is to rehabilitate substandard rental housing units and create affordable housing.

Special Meeting for DAAR Members: Limestone Overlay District -Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:13:15 -0500

On Wednesday, February 17th, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted to enact the Limestone Overlay District which alters the way property owners use their land on over 14,000 areas north and south of Leesburg. Don't miss out on important information regarding how the new regulations affect land use and notices in deeds, site plans, tax and subdivision records.

Real Estate Sign Legislation Provides Relief for REALTORS® and Businesses

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:40:30 -0500

In early 2009, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors authorized the establishment of a volunteer sign collection program to remove illegally placed signs within the Commonwealth of Virginia's right-of-ways located in the county. The Code of Virginia (33.1-373; 33.1-375) prohibits advertising within the limit of any highway, which includes the roadway, shoulders and median strips.

Town of Leesburg Sign Regulations Under Review

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:14:11 -0500

The Town of Leesburg is reviewing their sign regulations in Article 15 of the Zoning Ordinance to keep current with industry changes and Town growth. The regulations were previously reviewed in 1996 and comprehensively revised in 1983 (East Market Street Study). Prior to public hearings to be held during Planning Commission and Town Council meetings beginning in May 2010, core stakeholders have been contacted for their consideration and discussion.

Supervisors Adopt Limestone District

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:47:17 -0500

On Wednesday, February 17th, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted to impose the Limestone Overlay District which alters the way property owners use their land on over 14,000 areas north and south of Leesburg. The LOD regulations apply to all land development applications and those property owners who disturb land within the district.

Chesapeake Bay Regulations to impact Property Owners

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:32:35 -0500

Last year, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors (BOS) voted to move forward with opting into portions of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. Loudoun County is not a tidewater county and is not required to impose the Bay Act regulations on property owners. The proposed regulations aim to reduce pollution runoff into the Chesapeake Bay by implementing certain restrictions on agriculture and other land uses in Loudoun County.

Mortgage Interest Deduction Under Attack

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:46:03 -0500

On February 1, President Obama released his budget proposal for 2011. Consistent with its proposed FY 2010 budget, the Administration's again has recommended limiting the value of the mortgage interest deduction (MID) for upper income taxpayers by, in effect, converting the deduction to a 28% tax credit for those individuals currently in the 33% or 35% tax brackets.

Board of Supervisors Set to Vote on Limestone Overlay District

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:12:01 -0500

After months of debate, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors (LCBOS) is set to vote on adopting a Limestone Overlay District (LOD) intended to alter the way property owners use their land on over 14,000 areas north and south of Leesburg. The proposed regulations prohibit "land disturbing activities" and require property owners to conduct expensive geological studies before constructing barns, additions, swimming pools or large gardens.

Loudoun County Offers New Public Employee Homeownership Grant Program

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:42:56 -0500

Loudoun County's new Public Employee Homeownership Grant Program offers a grant of a secured loan to income-eligible employees of the Loudoun County Government and Loudoun County Public Schools. The program assists low-to moderate-income public employees in purchasing a home in Loudoun County.

County Supervisors Move Bay Act Regulations Forward

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:38:05 -0500

Earlier in the year, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors (BOS) voted to move forward with the implementation of portions of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and directed county staff to develop a work program for development and enactment of the associated regulations. The proposed regulations aim to reduce pollution runoff into the Chesapeake Bay by implementing certain restrictions on agriculture and other land uses. The BOS further directed that the Planning Commission work with stakeholders groups, including DAAR, as part of the process.

NAR Discusses 2009 Legislative Accomplishments

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:27:32 -0500

For 2009, the National Association of REALTORS primary public policy goal was to focus on efforts that stimulate, stabilize and strengthen real estate markets across the nation while also protecting the business interests of members. As we near the end of 2009, NAR has made significant progress on both the legislative and regulatory fronts. The successes highlighted below represent a small portion of the activity conducted on behalf of REALTORS® in 2009.

Supervisors Continue Debate on Limestone Overlay District

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:58:00 -0500

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors (LCBOS) continued their review and consideration this month of a Limestone Overlay District (LOD) intended to place land use restrictions on 1,200 property owners on 14,000 acres north and south of Leesburg. The LCBOS Transportation and Land Use Committee (TLUC) met on November 18th to discuss the proposed regulations and concerns raised since the public hearing on the issue in September.

Home Loans Available for First-Time Homebuyers in Loudoun

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:29:36 -0500

The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) announced the availability of below market rate loans under the SPARC program (Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities) for first-time homebuyers who meet VHDA eligibility requirements. The funds, available through June 30, 2010 or until expended, are administered by the Loudoun County Department of Family Services. Sales price and income limits apply.

Experts Discuss Land Use Compatibility Near Dulles Airport

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:29:00 -0500

Experts from the Washington Airports Task Force and Loudoun County Zoning teamed up to provide members with an excellent presentation on land use compatibility near the Dulles airport this month. Anita Kayser, Director, Washington Airports Task Force, and Mark Stulz, Loudoun County Zoning, discussed the Homebuyers Guide to Compatible Land Use Around Dulles Airport, Airport Impact Overlay District disclosure and awareness tools for homebuyers and property owners. For more information, click here for the presentation. Special thanks to Vic Herman, Metlife Home Loans, for sponsoring this month's DAAR Lunch Matters.

Supervisors Continue Debate on Limestone Overlay District

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:09:00 -0500

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors (LCBOS) is considering adoption of a Limestone Overlay District (LOD) intended to limit development on 14,000 areas north and south of Leesburg and impose overly restrictive regulations and financial burdens on 12,000 existing property owners. In addition to slowing growth in the area, the proposed regulations would prohibit "land disturbing activities" and require property owners to conduct expensive geological studies before constructing barns/sheds, building additions, swimming pools or large gardens.