Loudoun County leaders are trying to limit the last-minute deal-making that has become commonplace on controversial development projects without eliminating their ability to push for improvements.

Supervisors voted this week to set a deadline for all materials at six days before the board acts on a proposal, so all board members can review the outlines over the weekend before a Tuesday meeting.

Supervisor Jim Burton had pushed for a 30-day deadline, claiming board members were often forced to vote on projects without understanding the full effect of some 11th-hour tweaks.

“We have a history of receiving changes, significant changes, at the last minute, and we’re expected to vote on them without having time to study the impacts,” said Burton, I-Blue Ridge. “[The change] will make for much better decision by the board.”

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But other supervisors resisted Burton’s suggested deadline, saying developers make changes in the late stages of review that almost always improve the quality of their proposals, Supervisor Mick Staton said.

“I’m wondering what his motivation is and whether it would have a chilling effect on folks who would be willing to make changes,” said Staton, R-Sugarland Run.

Developers understand the importance of staff and board reviews but also appreciate the opportunity to make amendments throughout a fluid process, said David D’Onofrio, who has helped developers with proposals before the board.

“It is a delicate balance between the need for staff and supervisors to review all of the proposals and the very detailed plans,” he said, “but it is certainly necessary for the developers to have the flexibility to augment their proposals.”

dgenz@dcexaminer.com