Instructions for Viewing Initial RPA Boundaries on a Map

The implementation of regulations for the Resource Protection Act (RPA) would initially be through a screening tool based on underlying map data.  This RPA map data was not specifically developed to delineate Chesapeake Bay Act RPAs.  Thus the existing RPA map should be viewed as only a starting point which the county will use in designating which land areas fall within the RPA.

 Use the steps below to access the RPA screening tool and view the initial RPA designated areas on a map.  One can see the initial RPA shows much more than half of the county falls within the RPA, and more importantly, the initial RPA designation does not include all drains and swales, which are intended to be surveyed at the time of any property owner’s application to build or request to disturb land.  Many farms/rural businesses are now mostly RPA.  Thousands of lots in eastern Loudoun, and many of the 3-acre lots in western Loudoun will be completely in the RPA, and they will not be allowed to even add a deck, or garden.  

There are 13 steps to find the extent of Resource Protection Areas on your property. Here they are:

1.      Go to www.loudoun.gov

2.      Click on “Assessments/Parcels” under e-Services

3.      Click on box “Yes” at bottom

4.      Click on circle “Property Address”

5.      Put your address in empty box (do not use “Road”)

6.      Click box “Submit”

7.      Click on “Map It”

8.      Click “Yes” box

9.      Click on “Map Layers” on top left tab

10.   Click on “Land Records” box

11.   Click on “Environmental”

12.   Click box for “Buildings” and for “Draft RPA Screening Tool”

13.   Click on “Apply” oval at bottom left. Tan areas are your resource protection areas that require preservation. Dots are buildings.

Resource protection and Possible Resource protection areas that require preservation are shown. Dots shown on the map represent buildings.

You may want to help your neighbors find out if they are in the no disturb/must plant indigenous tree RPA zone (200 foot plus zone). Many property owners who are not near any stream will be shocked to find out their lots are completely within the proposed no-disturb area.  This is because the new proposed expansive definition of "perennial body of water" is to include every drainage swale in the County. 

To Take Action click here:

The Board of Supervisors is considering expansive new regulations to limit any activity that disturbs the land in its natural state. The regulations would establish a 100-foot buffer surrounding all drainage areas and require indigenous tree planting.  While this sounds benign—and even beneficial—it could be detrimental to every homeowner and landowner in the county, because all Loudoun County falls within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The net effect? Landowners lose control over their hard-earned property and are burdened with higher permit fees and application procedures. Ultimately, it means a decline in property values and personal net worth. 

The Cato Institute's Adam B. Schaeffer details how school districts lie about per pupil spending.  School Districts often leave capital costs and retirement benefits out of this stat.  When added in, the true costs in at least one jurisdiction is 61% more than the published official cost per pupil  Did you know that DC Public Schools spend $27,000 per pupil, nearly as much as tuition at the two most expensive private schools there?

Watch this short video for more eye-opening information.

http://www.cato.org/weekly/index.php?vid_id=150

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