Subdivision Rezoning, Sawmill Station Bonds Head to Chesterfield Votes

TL;DR: Chesterfield County is advancing a residential subdivision rezoning, bond financing for the 860-home Sawmill Station development, and a school sales-tax referendum toward votes this week.

The story

Chesterfield County is set to advance several development and finance measures through its approval process during the week of July 20 to 22, 2026.

The Planning Commission is scheduled this week to vote on a residential subdivision proposal in southwestern Chesterfield. Developer George Emerson is seeking zoning approval for the Spring Run project, which would include 65 dwelling units on 548 acres at 11301 Trents Bridge Road and 16690 and 16700 Exter Mill Road. The proposed single-family lots would range from 4,500 to 11,000 square feet and surround a 9-acre lake serving as the development's main amenity. The current zoning is Agricultural, and Emerson is requesting a Semi-Urban Neighborhood designation. County staff recommends approval of both the zoning and the project.

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote Wednesday, July 22, on measures related to the Sawmill Station development, a recently approved residential project by homebuilder D.R. Horton off Hull Street Road that will include 860 units. The board is expected to vote on creating a community development authority for Sawmill Station, which would issue bonds to fund transportation improvements along the development's frontage, including a third travel lane on Hull Street, turn lanes, sidewalks, and traffic signal upgrades. The bond issuance is projected to generate 6 million dollars for these improvements.

Also scheduled for a Wednesday board vote is a resolution regarding a potential sales tax increase for school division capital projects. The resolution would request the circuit court order a referendum on the measure, which would take place as part of the November 2026 election.

Key players

• George Emerson: Developer seeking zoning approval for the Spring Run 65-dwelling residential project
• D.R. Horton: Homebuilder behind the Sawmill Station development
• Chesterfield County Planning Commission: Reviewing and voting on zoning proposals this week
• Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors: Scheduled to vote on development and finance measures Wednesday, July 22

Key dates

• July 2026: Planning Commission scheduled to vote on the Spring Run subdivision and zoning proposals
• 2026-07-22: Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors scheduled to vote on the Sawmill Station community development authority and the sales tax referendum resolution
• November 2026: Sales tax referendum scheduled as part of the general election

Why it matters: These decisions will shape residential growth and school funding in Chesterfield for years to come, affecting property values, traffic on Hull Street Road, school enrollment, and the county's tax base.

Places

• Hull Street Road
• Trents Bridge Road
• Exter Mill Road

Related links

• Chesterfield County Planning Division
• Board of Supervisors Agendas and Minutes
• Subdivision Review Map
• Active Projects

Read the original at Richmond BizSense →

Sources

• The Agenda: Local government briefs for 7.20.26
• Board of Supervisors Agendas and Minutes
• Planning Division
• Chesterfield weighs special tax district for Sawmill Station roads