Comprehensive development plan

C. Second Home Development

Second homes, or housing built for seasonal or recreational use, are tracked by the U.S. Census based on vacancies and sub-categories that include rental and seasonal housing. Some housing is simply listed as “other vacant,” with no special use attached. In 1990 the Census presented this data based on uses of condominiums and “not condominiums.” For Carroll County there were no condominiums listed, so the only other choice came under the “not condominiums” category. In this group, housing for seasonal, recreational, or occasional use amounted to 878 units. Another 634 units went into the “other vacant” category.

Table V-11
Vacancy Status^1
Carroll County
By Status
1990 & 2000
Status	1990		2000
	Number	Percent	Number	Percent
For rent	122	7.0%	212	8.5%
For sale only	112	6.4%	148	5.9%
Rented or sold, not occupied	*	*	282	11.3%
For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use	878	50.3%	1,380	55.3%
For migrant workers	*	*	0	0.0%
Other vacant	634	36.3%	472	18.9%
TOTAL:	1,746	100.0%	2,494	100.0%
U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census. * - Indicates a status category that was not used during the 1990 Census.

In the 2000 Census, housing identified as seasonal, recreational or occasional use in Carroll County amounted to 1,380 units. A comparable number of 1,164 seasonal units are listed for neighboring Grayson County. The figures are lower in other counties in the Mount Rogers region, with 536 seasonal units in Smyth County and 583 seasonal units in Washington County.

Within its own boundaries, Carroll County’s seasonal housing count went from 878 to 1,380 between 1990 and 2000. This represents an increase of 502 units, or 57.1 percent, over the decade. The trend in the increased development of second homes has raised concerns among the political leadership of Carroll County, due to issues over the long-term impacts of development in remote rural regions. Seasonal, mountainside housing is concentrated in the two southernmost districts in Carroll County, Fancy Gap and Laurel Fork. A prime factor for seasonal home development in the southern sections of the county is the presence of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

D. Housing Programs

Programs exist in Carroll County to help eligible recipients with home purchase, emergency housing needs, weatherization, heating costs, and rehabilitation of low-income housing. Available programs and services for Carroll County include the following:

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  District III Senior Services: This agency provides services to people aged 55 and over in Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe counties, and the cities of Bristol and Galax. Services include a limited range of home repairs. The agency is based at 4453 Lee Highway outside of Marion. For more information call 276-783-8157.
  
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  Carroll County Department of Social Services: This agency, located in the Carroll County Governmental Complex, provides rental assistance to eligible recipients (276-728-9186).
  
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  Hostel of the Good Shepard: This is a 20-bed emergency shelter for the homeless located at 405 West Center Street in Galax. Call 276-236-7573 for more information.
  
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  Mountain Shelter, Inc.: This nonprofit agency is based at 170 East Main Street in Wytheville. It develops low-income housing in Smyth, Wythe, Bland, Carroll, and Grayson counties, and the City of Galax. Call 276-228-6280 for more information.
  
• 
  Rooftop of Virginia Community Action Agency: This nonprofit agency, serving Carroll County, Grayson County, and the City of Galax, stands at 205 North Main Street in Galax. Its services include a weatherization program to insulate homes and reduce high utility costs. Call 276-236-7131 for more information.
  

CHAPTER VI