Text Amendment for Aging in Place Community Succeeds at County Planning Commission Meeting

A host of concerns surrounds a text amendment that has been in production for several months at the County Planning Commission, which would add a definition for “rural aging in place community” to the agricultural zoning district. Nevertheless, the amendment passed 3-1 with a recommendation for approval to the Board of Supervisors, Vice-Chairman William Gordon dissenting based on considerations about density and the character of the agricultural zoning district.  Those considerations should be mingled with comments in the agenda packet from fire and rescue urging greater specificity about infrastructure planning and proximity to emergency medical and fire-fighting facilities.

The County Planning Commission met for a work session followed by a regular meeting on October 14. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh

One might imagine that Shelly Cook, with whom the amendment originated, is taking notes as this project reaches greater maturity. The goal on the property she owns adjacent to a vineyard is to provide the elderly with an independent living situation that preserves open space, agricultural character, and natural resources. Whether this sets a precedent or departs from the agricultural character were questions on the table even as Commissioner Scott Kersjes remarked upon his research into other localities that are conducting this use successfully and reminded his fellow commissioners of the worthiness of the cause. A testament to her note-taking, the applicant had agreed to revise the proposed amendment to reduce the maximum dwelling units from 50 to 25.

The County Planning Commission met for a work session followed by a regular meeting on October 14. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh

It is important to remember that the commission merely furnishes a recommendation. The matter will ultimately be decided by the board. By then, the process of maturation will likely have advanced even farther. Other matters considered that evening included short-term rentals, a warehouse, outdoor camping, a proposed change to the comprehensive plan, and a contractor storage yard. Prior to the regular meeting, the commissioners held a work session oriented around the capital improvement program in which they scored various projects in terms of priority after hearing from people like Fire Chief James Bonzano about the need for a “burn building” and Judge Nancie Williams about the need for a camera system in juvenile court as a security measure.

Fire Chief James Bonzano (above) and Judge of Juvenile Court Nancie Williams (below) were among several people who presented critical needs to the County Planning Commission as the commission scored priorities for the capital improvement program during a work session.

Watch the Warren County Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2026